Yesterday's match versus Sale Sharks was an encouraging display after a slow start to the season for the Exeter Chiefs.

The Chiefs lost their first two matches against Leicester and Northampton, but bounced back with a 25-15 win against Sale.

It wasn't looking hopeful at the beginning of the match, with Exeter dropping the ball from kickoff and conceding a try in the first ten minutes, and then messing up another kickoff after securing a three-point penalty.

With the scoreboard at 10-3 to Sale, the first half was a stalemate - until Stuart Hogg secured a line-out for the Chiefs with a fantastic kick just before half-time.

Despite losing the line-out, Exeter managed to recover possession and found a way through Sale's defence with a nice offload from Stuart Hogg for a try scored by Henry Slade at 39 mins.

The score was 10-10 at the half, and a penalty kick added three points to Exeter's total thanks to Henry Slade.

Sale Sharks went down to 14 players after 52 mins due to a red card, and just two minutes later Henry Slade slid across the line for another try. Missing the conversion, the scoreboard was 18-10.

A shock try from Will Witty, for which he won player of the match, saw the second-row dribble the ball down the pitch like a football player.

A try for Sale at 70 minutes, and a missed conversion, was not enough to catch up with Exeter's lead.

The final score was 25-15 to Exeter Chiefs.

Notable players

New player Christ Tshiunza, a 19-year-old from the Congo, turned the ball over after being brought on in the 74th minute.

Stuart Hogg was back on form returning to the squad from the British and Irish Lions tour.

Will Witty was named player of the match.

Henry Slade scored 20 of Exeter's final 25 points.