Chiefs in command
Exeter overcome early 14-0 deficit at Sandy Park
Last Updated: January 21, 2012 6:48pm
Ignacio Mieres: good day with the boot
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Exeter Chiefs claimed a historic 31-14 Amlin Challenge Cup victory over European giants Perpignan to secure their first appearance in a European quarter-final in style.
The Chiefs looked destined for a heavy loss as the French club surged into a 14-0 lead within 10 minutes of kick-off, but turned the game around thanks to the boot of Ignacio Mieres and a Hayden Thomas try.
Brett Sturgess and James Phillips then grabbed second-half touchdowns to seal the win and qualification to the knockout stages.
But Exeter will have to wait until Wasps' clash with Bordeaux-Begles on Sunday to learn if they have done enough for a home quarter-final.
The Catalan giants came flying out of the blocks at Sandy Park with quickfire tries from Charles Geli and Jeffrey Michel, both converted by James Hook.
Mieres hit back with the boot before Thomas burrowed over following a driving lineout.
Sturgess raced clear to score on the hour before Phillips wrapped up the win, cutting through after Gareth Steenson's penalty rebounded off the post.
Newport Gwent Dragons ended their campaign with a convincing 45-16 win over Cavalieri Prato.
Rhys Buckley, Adam Hughes, Aled Brew, Andy Tuilagi, Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas and Lewis Roblin all scored.
Jonny Wilkinson guided Toulon to a home draw in the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory in Italy over minnows Petrarca.
Wilkinson kicked nine points, including three conversions, before making way in the 60th minute of Toulon's 50-6 win.
Bucharest Wolves won 26-13 at Banca Monte Crociati in Pool One.










