Exeter Chiefs clinched their inaugural Gallagher Premiership victory of the season, overcoming Newcastle 34-28 in a fluctuating encounter at Sandy Park. The lead frequently changed hands, with the Chiefs only securing the win in the final stages of the game.
Newcastle's Christian Wade delivered a hat-trick of tries, while Max Hicks scored their other try. Zack Henry converted all four tries, earning Newcastle two bonus points. For Exeter, Ross Vintcent scored two tries, with Sam Harris, Henry Slade, and Bachuki Tchumbadze also crossing the try line. Slade converted three tries and kicked a penalty.
The match saw a rapid start, with Exeter opening the scoring within 40 seconds. Newcastle's full-back Harrison Obatoyinbo departed for an HIA, leading to Jake Dalziel's debut. At 18 years and 54 days old, Dalziel became the club's youngest ever league debutant. Exeter also faced setbacks with flanker Ethan Roots receiving a yellow card and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leaving with a leg problem.