Gloucester Shock Exeter Chiefs as Premiership Season Explodes Into Life

The opening weekend of the new Gallagher Premiership season delivered plenty of drama, but few results were as eye-catching as Gloucester’s stunning 45–24 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

A new-look Gloucester side produced a seven-try attacking display to dismantle Exeter on their own ground, with newly appointed captain Dewi Lake marking his Gloucester debut with two tries.

Elsewhere, Bristol Bears began their campaign with a 34–24 victory over Sale Sharks, while defending champions Northampton Saints and Bath both produced huge wins on Friday night.

Gloucester Run Riot at Sandy Park

Gloucester arrived at Sandy Park with plenty of questions surrounding their new-look squad, but they answered them emphatically.

The Cherry and Whites ran in seven tries during a hugely impressive attacking performance, eventually beating Exeter Chiefs 45–24.

Rather than simply edging a tight opening-weekend contest, Gloucester took control and repeatedly exposed Exeter’s defence. Their attacking variety allowed them to build pressure through different areas of the field, while their ability to turn opportunities into points ultimately proved decisive.

For Exeter, conceding 45 points at home will make for difficult viewing, particularly after the side had hoped to begin the campaign strongly in front of their supporters.

Dewi Lake Makes Immediate Impact as Gloucester Captain

One of the biggest talking points from the match was the performance of Dewi Lake.

The Welsh international was recently appointed Gloucester captain and wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring two tries on his debut.

Lake’s brace was particularly significant given the leadership role he has taken on. A captain making his first appearance for a new club already carries plenty of attention, but scoring twice during a seven-try victory made his introduction even more memorable.

His influence will also be closely watched throughout the season as Gloucester attempt to establish themselves under a new-look setup.

Exeter Chiefs Left With Plenty to Consider

While Gloucester deserve significant credit for their performance, Exeter will have plenty to analyse after conceding seven tries.

The Chiefs managed to score 24 points themselves, showing that there were positive moments going forward, but they were unable to contain Gloucester’s attack for long enough.

The scale of the defeat also means Exeter have immediately given themselves ground to recover in the early Premiership standings.

There is, of course, a long season ahead, but conceding 45 points at Sandy Park is a result that will demand a response.

Bristol Bears Spoil Courtney Lawes’ Premiership Return

Elsewhere, Bristol Bears began their campaign with a 34–24 victory over Sale Sharks.

The match carried additional interest because of the highly anticipated Premiership return of England legend Courtney Lawes.

Lawes returned to the English Premiership after his spell away from the competition, but his comeback ended in defeat as Bristol secured an impressive opening-weekend victory.

For Bristol, claiming four tries’ worth of points against a Sale side featuring such an experienced forward will provide plenty of encouragement.

Sale will now have to regroup quickly after beginning their campaign on the wrong side of a ten-point defeat.

Northampton Saints Make Championship Statement

Friday night also produced a major statement from the reigning champions.

Northampton Saints demolished Newcastle 59–0, producing one of the most dominant performances of the opening weekend.

A 59-point haul would be impressive against almost any Premiership opponent, but the fact that Newcastle failed to score a single point makes the result even more remarkable.

The Saints entered the new campaign as defending champions, and their performance immediately demonstrated why they will once again be expected to compete near the top of the table.

After winning the Premiership last season, Northampton have wasted no time reminding their rivals that they remain a major force.

Bath Also Start With a Huge Away Victory

Bath were another side to produce a convincing opening-weekend performance, recording a massive away victory against Harlequins.

The result was particularly notable given the difficulties facing Harlequins, who were dealing with a number of injuries heading into the match.

Bath took full advantage and began their campaign with a performance that will give them considerable confidence heading into the next round.

With the Premiership becoming increasingly competitive, strong starts can be hugely valuable, particularly when teams are trying to establish momentum before the European competitions begin.

A Remarkable Opening Weekend

The opening fixtures have already provided an early indication of just how unpredictable the new Premiership season could become.

Among the major results:

• Exeter Chiefs 24–45 Gloucester
• Bristol Bears 34–24 Sale Sharks
• Northampton Saints 59–0 Newcastle
• Bath produced a huge away victory over Harlequins

The results also demonstrate the importance of starting the season strongly. Northampton have immediately made their presence felt as defending champions, Gloucester have produced the weekend’s biggest shock, and Bristol have secured an important opening victory.

Meanwhile, Exeter, Sale, Newcastle and Harlequins all have work to do after difficult starts.

What Happens Next?

The opening weekend is only the beginning, meaning there is plenty of time for teams to recover from disappointing results.

For Gloucester, however, the 45–24 victory at Sandy Park provides an enormous early boost. Seven tries and a captain’s brace from Dewi Lake have immediately created optimism around their new-look squad.

Northampton will also head into the next round with plenty of confidence after their extraordinary 59–0 victory, while Bath and Bristol have both made strong starts.

For the teams on the receiving end of heavy defeats, the challenge will be responding quickly before an early setback develops into a difficult run of results.

Final Thoughts

The new Gallagher Premiership season has wasted no time producing major talking points.

Gloucester’s 45–24 demolition of Exeter Chiefs stands out as the result of the weekend, with Dewi Lake’s two-try debut providing the perfect start to his tenure as captain.

Northampton Saints’ 59–0 destruction of Newcastle was arguably even more emphatic, while Bristol Bears spoiled Courtney Lawes’ long-awaited Premiership return with a 34–24 victory over Sale.

With Bath also securing a huge away win, the opening weekend has already demonstrated that the Premiership could be extremely competitive once again.

And if the first round is anything to go by, there should be plenty more drama to come.