Exeter Chiefs consolidated their position at the top of the Premiership table thanks to a 29-10 victory overBath at Sandy Park on Sunday.

In a fast-paced and exciting match, the Chiefs were full value for their win as they dominated for long periods and eventually outscored their visitors by four tries to one.

Ollie Devoto, Jack Yeandle and Olly Woodburn dotted down for the home side, who were also awarded a penalty try. Joe Simmonds, who was a late replacement for Gareth Steenson in Exeter’s starting line-up, added two conversions and a penalty.

For Bath, Nathan Catt scored a try and Rhys Priestland succeeded with a penalty and a conversion.

The result means Exeter Chiefs have secured themselves a spot in this year’s play-offs with five rounds of matches of the league phase of the competition still to be played.

Bath held the upper-hand during the early exchanges and after Priestland opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Exeter drew level after Simmonds also succeeded with a three-pointer off the kicking tee.

The visitors continued to dominate and in the 15th minute they regained the lead courtesy of a try from Catt with Priestland adding the extras which gave them a 10-3 lead.

Despite that score, the home side were slowly taking control of proceedings and in the 26th minute Devoto crossed for their first try after running onto a well-timed pass from Simmonds.

The Chiefs’ dominance continued and just before half-time Jack Yeandle crossed for their second try after gathering an inside pass from Don Armand.

The early stages of the second half was a tight affair but although Bath were competitive during that period, they committed too many unforced errors and were not rewarded for their efforts.

And in the 60th minute, Exeter were awarded a penalty try after a Bath indiscretion at a scrum on their five-metre line and Beno Obano was also yellow carded for his role in the offence.

The Chiefs’ confidence grew as the half progressed and they sealed their win in the 75th minute when Woodburn crossed for their fourth try.