Gloucester began their Gallagher Premiership campaign with a convincing 45-26 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday, demonstrating the positive impact of cohesive team play. Hooker Dewi Lake, recently recovered from injury and now playing alongside his Wales co-captain Jac Morgan at Gloucester, was a central figure in an otherwise competitive fixture, contributing two tries and notable work at the lineout.
Exeter, last season’s runners-up in the Premiership final, entered the match as favorites on home soil but struggled to impose themselves against a determined visiting side. The wind conditions at Sandy Park, where the stadium is situated high above the M5, played a significant role throughout the match. Gloucester capitalized on the advantage of playing with the wind in the first half, securing an early lead and ultimately earning a bonus point.
The game started quickly for Gloucester, who took the lead within five minutes when Ben Loader, the left wing, capitalized on an overlap created by fullback Ben Redshaw. Despite Charlie Atkinson’s missed conversion, the visitors held their advantage early on. Exeter responded with a try from prop Josh Iosefa-Scott in the 14th minute following sustained pressure, although the try was somewhat undermined by a delayed video review.
Gloucester extended their lead through a combination of precise kicking and intelligent play. Caolan Englefield’s chip kick set up Seb Atkinson’s unopposed try in the 22nd minute, while Loader added a second try soon after, converted by Atkinson, bringing the visitors comfortably ahead at 19-7. Exeter’s Ethan Roots managed to cross before halftime, but Lake’s drive over after a notable 11-man lineout gave Gloucester a 26-12 lead at the interval.
In the second half, Gloucester’s dominance continued as Lake registered his second try early on, pushing the lead further to a commanding margin. The Welsh hooker was later substituted for Jack Innard, but not before delivering a powerful defensive tackle that temporarily stalled Exeter’s momentum.
Exeter fought back with tries from Stephen Varney and Louie Gulley, the latter earning the Chiefs a bonus point in the closing stages. However, errors and a yellow card for Freddie Thomas in the 71st minute hampered Exeter’s ability to close the gap. Gloucester sealed their superior performance with a late try from Junior Denny, rounding off an emphatic victory.
The match also saw Will Joseph produce a standout solo try for Gloucester, marked by acceleration, footwork, and savvy evasion, highlighting his potential in the Premiership.
Referee M Carley oversaw proceedings, with both sides making several substitutions as the game progressed. The result marks a positive start for Gloucester’s season, with the combination of individual skill and structured teamwork proving decisive against a traditionally strong Exeter Chiefs outfit.