The Chiefs marched 11 points clear of Bristol at the top of the English table thanks to a 76th minute try from Billy Keast that was converted by Gareth Steenson, after the Bears had fought back from 15-3 down at half-time to lead 22-18 with 10 minutes to go.

It was Exeter’s third win in a row since lockdown and fourth in succession overall, and ended Bristol’s seven-match winning sequence in all competitions.

Exeter entertain Northampton Saints in the last eight of the Heineken Champions Cup on September 20, two days after Bristol host Dragons in the Challenge Cup.

Northampton are in action tonight (Wednesday) in the Premiership at home to Bath Rugby and will be looking to achieve back-to-back wins after their 27-3 success at London Irish at the weekend. However, they have lost their last four Premiership games at Franklin’s Gardens.

European champions Saracens, who travel to Leinster Rugby in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals on September 19, also play tonight on home territory, against Gloucester Rugby, and will be aiming for their second successive victory too.

With EPCR's knockout matches less than a month away, Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finalists Exeter Chiefs stepped up a gear on Tuesday night by winning 25-22 at Challenge Cup quarter-finalists Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership.