Exeter Chiefs secure European progress with last-gasp win

A late kick from the reliable left boot of Henry Slade gave Exeter Chiefs a dramatic 19-17 victory over Glasgow at Sandy Park, ensuring a place in the European Champions Cup knockout stages. 

Slade produced the same composure and character to slot a winning kick in the opening game at Toulon, and while his latest last-gasp conversion was a heartbreaker for Glasgow, the youthful Chiefs will be delighted with their ongoing progress. 

Match-winner Slade told BBC Sport: "We showed a lot of heart in that game. If things go differently and we lose that game, then we maybe we deserved to. 

"Obviously we come away very happy as we have won. We are incredibly pleased with the four points but have plenty to work on. 

"I just focus on that job that is in front of you and taking yourself away from the gravity of the situation. Once that try is scored and everyone is celebrating, I just take myself away for 10 seconds and regather myself. Thankfully, I was able to convert. I would prefer it if I didn't have to do it so often." 

Kyle Rowe scored the opening try of the game for Glasgow, who did an excellent defensive job to frustrate the Chiefs for long periods. The response finally arrived on the stroke of half-time when a series of phases resulted in Jacques Vermeulen forcing the ball over the line from close range. 

Sione Tuipolotu restored the Glasgow lead after the break before replacement Dan Frost replied for Exeter, setting up the dramatic finale.  

Zack Wimbush was the man to cross for the vital score, setting up the moment for Slade to seal the win from the conversion but the Glasgow Warriors almost turned the game again in stoppage time.  

Exeter’s Ross Vintcent was in the process of kicking the ball out of play to end the game when he was tackled by Euan Ferrie, who grabbed the loose ball and dotted down, but the Chiefs were rescued by the officials deeming Ferrie to be offside.  

The Chiefs play their final pool game against Bayonne on January 21.