Exeter edged Bath 35-12 in a rain‑haunted Premier Nations clash at The Recreation Ground, the only loss for the reigning champions. Wind‑assisted penalties from Andy Slade and a decisive break by Iosefa‑Scott set the tone, but Bath’s resilience kept them in the hunt as they fought back with a late surge from a flying wing.

The match swung early after Roux was sin‑binned for a collision with Slade, leaving Bath short. Exeter capitalised, with Brown‑Bampoe taking his 10th try of the season from a corner. Bath responded through a maul powered by former Exeter man Frost, yet the hosts' errors kept them 8 points ahead at half‑time progressed in play.

Late in the second half, a sin‑bin for Campbell Ridl gave Exeter a 15‑point cushion after Ikitau sprinted from a close‑range line‑out. Ridl’s own 10th try and Slade’s third penalty sealed the win, while Bath’s forwards, despite a penalty win, could not convert the momentum into a fuller victory for the match that had been.

The defeat keeps Bath in contention for the title but drops them a step behind Exeter in the standings. With the Premiership fighting for the last rounds, the result underscores the fine margins at the top. Exeter will look to build on this momentum, while Bath must regroup to keep their championship hopes alive today.