By Press Association Sport Staff
Published: 20:15 GMT, 5 January 2019 | Updated: 20:15 GMT, 5 January 2019
View
comments
Exeter moved back to the top of the Premiership table with an unconvincing 14-9 win over battling Bristol at Sandy Park.
The victory took them four points clear of second-placed Saracens, but fierce tackling from the visitors frustrated a Chiefs' side which lacked creation.
It was not until the final 15 minutes that the hosts were able to get their noses in front and get the win.
Sean Lonsdale celebrates scoring the winning try of the game for Exeter against Bristol
Exeter Chiefs player Santiago Cordero scores a try during the Gallagher Premiership match
Santiago Cordero and Sean Lonsdale scored Exeter's tries with Gareth Steenson and Joe Simmonds each kicking a conversion.
Ian Madigan kicked three penalties for Bristol to earn his side a deserved bonus point.
Charles Piutau was a late withdrawal for Bristol, having failed to recover from a hamstring problem, but the visitors overcame this setback to have the better of the opening 10
