With the sun shining in the South West, London Scottish travelled to Exeter and Sandy Park for their first pre season fixture of the season. Facing up against Australian and Welsh internationals as well as season Premiership veterans in the shape of Jack Yeandle and Josh Hodge this was always going to be a big ask.

However, for the relatively light London Scottish squad they acquitted themselves with great energy and respect. Earning the admiration of the Sandy Park faithful in the process.

Opening their account after just one minute, London Scottish took an early lead through Ioan Rhys Davies. The number eight took and offload from new signing Jonah Holmes as the latter made a lovely break down the right hand side following some excellent back play.

Exeter would hit back with a try of their own but London Scottish would retake the lead through hooker Austin Wallis. A perfectly executed training ground move off the line out saw scrum half Dan Nutton cut through and Wallis was on his shoulder to finish the try.

The Chiefs would retake the lead with two tries before half time as their scrum and maul pressure began to tell.

However, shortly after the break the Exiles would have a maul try of their own. Breaking through a big Exeter pack was no mean feet and this cut the deficit to just one point.

With just two points separating the teams at the hour mark, Exeter would pull away in the final twenty minutes. Showing the prowess of their squad and their overall fitness and power the maul proved to be an effective weapon for the hosts scoring three more tries from line out.

Finishing 45-19 to the hosts, London Scottish will be pleased with their first outing. Taking on a Premiership side and going toe to toe for large parts of the game there is plenty to be happy with. Two weeks now to rest up before another big trip this time to Harlequins.