Aviva Premiership: Exeter 26-25 Harlequins

James Short of Exeter Chiefs dives over for his side's first try

Gareth Steenson led Exeter to a 26-25 victory over Harlequins at a wet Sandy Park in the Aviva Premiership.

Steenson scored 21 points, including a try, as his side held onto second place in the Premiership behind Saracens. Winger James Short claimed a first-half try while Harlequins left Exeter frustrated they had not executed their opportunities better.

Quins took two bonus points away from the loss, with Nick Evans, Charlie Walker and Tim Visser adding to an early penalty try.

Quins trailed by just two points at the break after playing into a strong wind but could not take advantage with the wind behind them in the second half, though substitute Tim Swiel missed a kick three minutes from time that would have given them the win.

Chiefs opened the scoring when Steenson booted a second-minute penalty following an indiscretion from Harlequins.

The visitors hit back immediately as their forwards established a chain of attacking scrums at which Exeter kept infringing before referee Matt Carley ran out of patience and handed Quins a penalty try.

Quins played enterprisingly in the first half despite the conditions, and they posted a second try after 14 minutes to extend their lead following another Steenson penalty.

Gareth Steenson scored 21 points at Sandy Park

Evans' conversion attempt was held up by the wind before a Steenson a third penalty, but Quins claimed their third try to hold onto their strong start to the game.

The Harlequins forwards once again built strong foundations before the ball was quickly moved wide and Walker finished in the corner to hand his side a 17-9 lead.

A fourth Steenson penalty cut the gap to five points, after which Quins attempted to hold onto the ball to close out the half, but it backfired when they turned the ball over.

The Chiefs sent the ball wide, and Short scampered over for a try that Steenson converted for an unlikely 19-17 lead at the break.

Evans put Quins back in front courtesy of a close-range penalty early in the second period, and with weather showing no sign of letting up, the visitors set about playing a territory game.

However at that point the Exeter forwards began to build momentum, and some expansive play gave no time for Quins to set their defence, allowing Steenson to cross for his team's second try to make it 26-20 to the hosts.

Exeter were then reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes when substitute hooker Elvis Taione was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Quins prop Mark Lambert, and the visitors took advantage to score their bonus-point try two minutes later.

There was a touch of opportunity about it as full-back Mike Brown's kicked bounced off the corner flag before Visser swooped to score, but Exeter stayed ahead after Swiel, who was on for an injured Evans, saw a touchline conversion attempt drift narrowly wide, and the Chiefs held on for the win.