Montpellier see off Chiefs
Exeter's European debut ended in disappointment as they were defeated 20-13 by Montpellier in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Last Updated: 09/10/10 7:20pm
Exeter's European debut ended in disappointment as they were defeated 20-13 by Montpellier in the Amlin Challenge Cup
Former France rugby league international Dimitri Pelo grabbed an early try, while Seta Tuilevuka also crossed the try-line and fly-half Raphael Lagarde kicked 10 points at Sandy Park.
The Chiefs struggled to get into the game but Chad Slade went over late on and Phil Dollman added the extras to secure a losing bonus point.
The hosts opened the scoring as Ryan Davis slotted over a penalty in the fourth minute, but the French side soon hit back as Lagarde levelled before Pelo ran in under the posts.
The lead was extended to 10 points just before the 20-minute mark as Lagarde knocked over another penalty, but Davis hit a three-pointer of his own shortly after.
But the visitors struck another blow shortly after the half-time interval as Lagarde's chip in behind the defence led to Tuilevuka easing his way over the line.
Exeter were given hope of a comeback as the visitors began to tire in the closing stages and had three players sent to the sin-bin.
However, Rob Baxter's side could not threaten the lead but Slade broke free and touched down and Dollman's conversion salvaged a point.
