In a gripping Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final, Exeter Chiefs emerged victorious against Ealing Trailfinders with a 28-24 win at Sandy Park. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring intense moments and strategic plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

First Half Highlights

The game started cautiously, with both teams testing each other's defenses. Ealing Trailfinders drew first blood with a penalty by George Worboys, following a no-arms tackle by Tamati Tua. They extended their lead when Craig Hampson scored a try after a controversial forward pass that the referee allowed to stand.

Exeter Chiefs quickly responded with a try by Josh Hodge, who capitalized on a collapsed maul in Ealing's twenty-two. The Chiefs then took the lead with a penalty try, awarded after Danny Cutmore collapsed a driving maul just inches from the line, resulting in a yellow card for Cutmore.

Second Half Drama

Ealing Trailfinders came out strong in the second half, with Reuben Bird-Tulloch scoring a try after Hampson spotted a half-gap around the ruck. Matt Cornish added another try, increasing Ealing's lead to 10 points.

However, Exeter Chiefs were not to be outdone. Ethan Roots reduced the deficit with a pick-and-go from close range, and Tommy Wyatt sealed the victory with a decisive try, exploiting a large gap in Ealing's defense.

Post-Match Reactions

Exeter's Ethan Roots praised Ealing's quality, stating, "They made us work for it the whole 80. We were never safe, we got a bit lucky a couple of times in those last few minutes." Ealing captain Rob Farrar reflected on the missed opportunities, saying, "We'll rue the lost opportunities - you saw our inexperience in that last half."

Looking Ahead

Exeter Chiefs will now face Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup final at Sandy Park, aiming to secure their second title in three years. The final promises to be another thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to lift the coveted trophy.

Teams

Exeter Chiefs: Wyatt, Brown-Bampoe, Hawkins, Tua, Hodge; Coen, Cairns; Blose, Yeandle, Iosefa-Scott, Capstick, Tshiunza, Roots, Vermuelen, Fisilau.

Replacements: Frost, Keast, Street, Molina, Moloney, Armstrong, Skinner, Rigg.

Ealing Trailfinders: Wilson, Kernohan, Bird-Tulloch, Moore, Collins; Worboys, Hampson; Zigiriadis, Cornish, Davis, De Wee, Cutmore, Farrar, Reid, Bridge.

Replacements: Buckley, Whyte, Alo, Lonsdale, Newman, Williams, Willis, Dykes.

Yellow Cards: Cutmore

Referee: Joe James