Wasps beat Exeter to keep play-off hopes alive

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Wasps maintained their push for the Premiership play-offs with a crucial 36-29 victory over top-four rivals Exeter Chiefs at the Ricoh Arena.

In a kicking masterclass from both Andy Goode and Henry Slade, it was Wasps who prevailed as they moved within three points of the top four with two games remaining – Goode kicking them to victory with 18 points.

Christian Wade gave Wasps a superb start with a try in the second minute, the winger collecting Nathan Hughes' offload to sneak in the corner.

Goode kicked the first of his three conversions to give the hosts an early lead, and he added another 11 points before the break to give his side a 26-16 advantage.

Thomas Waldrom cut Exeter's deficit with a 57th minute try – that Slade converted as part of his 16-point haul – but Joe Simpson secured the win for Wasps with a stunning 70-metre run to the line.

Goode added the two to the delight of the home crowd, but there was still something for Exeter to cheer as they claimed a bonus point thanks to Gareth Steenson's last-second drop goal.

That bonus moves Exeter to 59 points, just one behind Leicester Tigers – who face Wasps next week – in the final play-off place.

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