Exeter the chiefs

You can't beat a little help from the professionals and Exeter College,coached this season by Exeter Chiefs' centre John Hill and flanker ChrisBrown, both lecturers, have reached the last 16 for the first time afterbeating Richard Huish College from Taunton 24-5 in what was a close gameaffected by windy conditions.

Exeter kept it tight against the elements andled just 5-0 for almost all the first half, courtesy of a try from fullback James Holman. Then, in the last minute of the half, inside centreStuart Tomlin scored from 60 metres out and Dean Chisling converted to makeit a satisfying 12-0 at the break.

Flanker Sam Cooper went over for a thirdtry, winger Celechi Oduozo for the fourth and outside centre Chislingconverted to complete an excellent victory over very competent opposition.

Exeter are enjoying a wonderful season, having lost just once in 13 gameswhich was to Ivybridge. They have been led superbly by prop Martin Tribeand No 8 Ollie Leach has made it through to the South West Clubs squad, thefirst player from the College to earn such representative honours forseveral seasons.

Sooner or later come the big boys and Exeter face theirtoughest game of the season next Wednesday in the sixth round at StPeter's, Gloucester, who have hardly been troubled in reaching the last 16again.

Clifton would have given them a test but pulled out because ofacademic pressures and Pate's were dumped out 36-5 in the fifth round.