Bath go top with Finn Russell to the fore in thrilling derby victory against Exeter

Bath defeated Exeter Chiefs 40-34 in a thrilling West Country derby at the Rec to go top of the Premiership. The match produced 11 tries, with Bath leading 26-10 at half-time before Exeter rallied to lead 33-31 in the second half. A yellow card for Exeter scrum-half Stephen Varney proved decisive, with Finn Russell playing a key role in Bath's victory.