Ridl’s Heroics Propel Exeter into Premiership Playoff Race

AI Summary

Campbell Ridl’s second‑half try and a bonus‑point conversion lifted Exeter to a 27‑10 win over Bath, moving the Chiefs into fourth place and five points clear of Bristol. The victory, secured despite a 20‑minute red card for Bath’s Quinn Roux, sharpens the Premiership playoff race as the season heads into its final stretch.

Exeter’s Crucial Victory Over Bath Secures Playoff Momentum

Campbell Ridl and teammates Paul Brown‑Bampoe and Len Ikitau turned a solid first‑half lead into a decisive win, propelling Exeter into fourth place with a bonus‑point finish.

Second‑Half Surge and Early Red Card Shift the Game

A 20‑minute red card for Bath’s Quinn Roux early in the match forced the visitors onto the back foot. Exeter capitalised, extending the lead with a series of tries and disciplined defence despite windy conditions.

Points Impact and Table Shift

Final score: Exeter 27 – 10 Bath
Bonus‑point earned, moving Exeter to fourth place
Exeter now five points clear of Bristol in fifth
Bath remain in second place but must win remaining fixtures to secure a home semi‑final

Implications for the Premiership Playoff Race

The win narrows the gap at the top of the table as Leicester and Saracens also finish strongly. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter hailed the result as a “huge” boost, emphasizing that the season is far from “petering out.”

What’s Next for Exeter and Bath

With only three regular‑season games left, Exeter will look to maintain momentum and secure a home semi‑final, while Bath must regroup after the Champions Cup disappointment and the loss to stay in contention. As head of rugby Johann van Graan warned, the playoff race will be decided “on the wire” in the first weekend of June.