Exeter Chiefs suffered a 40-34 defeat to Bath at the Recreation Ground in a closely contested Premiership Rugby encounter that hinged on crucial moments in the kicking game.
Henry Slade was at the centre of the disappointment, missing two conversions and a late penalty that could have altered the outcome of the match. The fly-half’s misses proved costly as Exeter came up just short against their West Country rivals.
However, head coach Rob Baxter moved quickly to shield his player from criticism, emphasising Slade’s proven track record when matches are on the line. “I think we’ve been very fortunate with Henry over the years, but particularly last year… the most important thing for him is he shakes it off,” Baxter said, backing his kicker to respond positively to the setback.
Bonus Point Salvage
Despite the loss, Exeter secured some consolation through a losing bonus point, courtesy of a 79th-minute penalty converted by Harvey Skinner. The penalty ensured the visitors would leave the Recreation Ground with a point from the encounter, maintaining their tally in the Premiership standings.
Baxter’s public support for Slade underscores the confidence the coaching staff maintains in their fly-half despite the missed opportunities in this particular fixture. His reference to Slade’s performances “particularly last year” highlights the player’s importance to Exeter’s attacking and tactical gameplan.
The narrow defeat illustrates the fine margins operating in Premiership Rugby, where accuracy in execution—particularly in the set-piece and from the kicking tee—determines outcomes between evenly matched sides. For Exeter, the loss represents a missed opportunity against a fierce local rival, though securing the bonus point prevents the defeat from becoming a complete washout in points terms.