Bristol Beat Exeter 20-7 to Climb to Third in the Prem

Bristol Bears beat Exeter Chiefs 20-7 at Ashton Gate on Saturday, and the win lifts them to third in the Gallagher Premiership, England's top rugby union league. It was round four of the season, and the result leaves Exeter ninth.

Bristol built a 10-0 lead by half-time. Gabriel Ibitoye scored their opening try in the 26th minute, and the home side's kicker, James Williams, added points with the boot. Williams finished the day with two conversions (the extra kick after a try, worth two points) and two penalties. One of those penalties came from 41 metres out.

Exeter came back into it after the restart. Greg Fisilau scored from a maul, a driving attack where the ball carrier and teammates stay on their feet and push forward together, about 12 minutes after the break. Henry Slade converted it. That was as close as the visitors got, and Bristol held on.

Late on, Luca Ivanishvili crossed for Bristol's second try. It also stopped Exeter from picking up a losing bonus point, which the league awards to a side that loses but scores four or more tries, or loses by seven points or fewer. Exeter's defeat was by 13.

There was bad news for Exeter just before half-time. Tom Hooper, their player, was taken off with a shoulder injury. Clubs do not usually give an update on injuries until later in the week, so his availability for the next match is not yet clear.

Bristol now sit third, six points clear of Exeter, who have eight points from their games so far. The table is still young, with only four rounds played, so a few weeks can change a lot. For Bristol, the win is a solid step up the table. For Exeter, it is a hard afternoon that they will want to put behind them quickly.

The match was scheduled for a 5:30pm kick-off, which made it a fitting finish to a busy Saturday of league action. Bristol's supporters will have plenty to smile about on the drive home.