Braves 47 Harlequins 12

Behind them, Skinner was the pivot for an exciting back division which - as it proved - offered a razor-sharp edge to the home attack.

Just two minutes had elapsed when the Braves fashioned their first opening of the night.Winger O’Flaherty and Freeman were at the heart of matters, but they spurned that first opening, knocking on close to the line.It was, however, a brief let-off as within minutes Freeman was breaking the deadlock, the all-action forward finishing off some heavyweight approach work from the home pack.

Skinner converted that score and Exeter’s second which arrived on nine minutes.Dollman was the beneficiary on this occasion, finishing off a pass from the lively Bodilly, who had been given time and space following neat approach work from Skinner and Tom Hendrickson.

Already two converted scores adrift, the visitors needed to summon a response of sorts.Thankfully for them, they did just that, reducing the deficit when Tizard was credited with the try after Harlequins had worked the opening off a well-drilled, five0-metre line-out.

Up and running, Harlequins would have been pleased with the score, but the home response was almost immediate.Replacement Toby Salmon was held up on the line after Short had also gone close, before Dollman then glided over for his second of the game, the Welsh full-back applying the finish after the Braves had exploited the short-side from a close-range scrum.

Exeter could - and probably should - have added to their tally as the half continued, but it was their opponents who claimed the only other converted score of the half, winger Clow applying the finish from deep inside the Braves 22.

It was, however, the home side’s two playmakers - Sam Maunder and Skinner - who combined to claim Exeter’s fifth try, just before the hour mark.Having collected possession centre field, Maunder burst through the heart of the Harlequins defence, only to be felled just shy of the try-line.

The cavalry, though, was close to hand and in the blink of an eye, the Braves recycled the ball quickly to the right where the waiting Skinner was able to pick his spot and dive over for the score, which he was also able to convert with ease.

Pellow took the opportunity to run his bench during the final quarter and it was one of the replacements, Strong, who turned on the after burners for their sixth try, the winger scorching clear of the cover to finish off sublime build-up play involving Skinner and Hendrickson.

To their credit, Harlequins continued to offer a decent resistance during the second period, but with their attack lacking any real potency, the Braves were happy to soak up the pressure and clear the danger as and when it was needed.

In the end, it was the Braves who put the finishing touches on their polished performance, Short dotting down with the last play of the game to seal the win and put his side in pole position of their group with just two qualifying games remaining.

The Braves travel to Bristol Bears this Sunday (1pm), knowing a similar victory up there will ensure them of the last four and, most likely, home advantage in the semi-finals.