Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter was happy with the fight his team showed in their 24-5 win over Newcastle Falcons despite an unconvincing performance.
Baxter’s men returned to winning ways after being drummed 40-5 by Harlequins last weekend as they continued their battle for the top four.
Exeter’s poor discipline left the door open for Newcastle, who failed to oblige and were made to play as the hosts scored three times in 23 minutes to close out the game.
Staying in the race
The coach was happy his side could pick up a bonus point despite not playing their best and knows the victory keeps his side in the running for a top-four spot.
“We clearly showed we were up for the fight with some magnificent defence of their line-out drives to keep our line intact,” Baxter said
“However it was our ill-discipline in the middle of the pitch which gave them those opportunities.
“I’m satisfied at the level we are playing at home and picking up the appropriate points.
“Our win against Sale showed that but it’s a different story away from home and we quickly need to start improving in that area.
“We had to win the game today to stay in the fight but at times it seemed we are trying too hard and therefore put ourselves under pressure by conceding silly penalties.”
Poor result
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s forward coach Micky Ward who filled in for boss Dave Walder after his knee operation, was frustrated with the result but saw positives in the performance.
Ward said: “I’m disappointed in some respects but pleased in others. The result was disappointing but we were very strong in the contact areas.
“We had loads of possession in the first half but didn’t take our opportunities as we lacked a bit of detail when we were five metres out from their line.
“In hindsight we should have taken a number of kickable penalties, which would have built scoreboard pressure, but we left it to the players out there and they opted for driving mauls.
“After putting in some huge tackles against big opponents, our defence dropped off a bit and then we were left with chasing the game, which is difficult in the miserable conditions.”
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