Plate success for Chiefs at Singha 7s

Exeter Chiefs produced a solid team display to see off Sale Sharks 26-19 and take victory in this year's Plate at the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s final.

The Chiefs earned their spot at Twickenham Stoop by coming through a tricky Group B at Kingsholm Stadium.

However, they were handed a nightmare draw at the Stoop as they took on a Wasps side that included the likes of Christian Wade and Elliot Daly.

Alex Lozowski got Wasps off to a dream start in the quarter final but Chiefs responded immediately as Sam Skinner burst away down the right to dot down but the conversion was unsuccessful.

That was as good as it got for Chiefs as Wasps then turned on the magic and a double score for Dan Robson as well as tries for Daly and Joe Simpson meant Exeter were out of the Cup.

But with every cloud comes a silver lining and the Chiefs had a plate semi-final with Newcastle Falcons to turn their attentions too.

And in a closely fought battle the Chiefs had Alex Ducker and skipper Sam Simmonds to thank for their progress as they edged out the Falcons 14-12.

That meant they would go up against the competition's other northern side but this time around it was much smoother sailing.

Pete Laverick put the Sharks on the back foot and, despite Nev Edwards pulling one back for Sale, it was all Exeter. Simmonds was on hand first after Exeter stole a line-out in their own half and released the skipper down the right.

Stuart Townsend then extended the lead for the Chiefs before Alex Ducker made sure that the plate was heading south for the year.