Lake scores twice as Gloucester beat Exeter 45-24 in season opener

Dewi Lake marked his first Prem appearance for Gloucester with two tries as the visitors beat Exeter Chiefs 45-24 at Sandy Park. BBC Sport reported that Gloucester crossed seven times in their season opener, securing their first victory in Devon since 2015 against last season's beaten finalists.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlGMNLhJRl8

The result contrasted with a difficult previous campaign. According to BBC Sport's follow-up report, Gloucester lost eight of their first nine league fixtures last season, finished eighth and managed only five wins. They did not score more than 40 points in any Prem game during that campaign. Lake and fellow Wales international Jac Morgan were among the summer arrivals brought straight into the starting side at Exeter.

Ben Loader opened the scoring after collecting Ben Redshaw's kick, and Seb Atkinson restored Gloucester's lead following a response from Josh Iosefa-Scott. Loader added his second before Ethan Roots replied for Exeter. Lake then scored in the corner before half-time, giving Gloucester their fourth try and a 26-12 lead at the interval.

Lake added another from a driving maul after the break, while Will Joseph scored following a run from inside his own half. Stephen Varney and Louie Gulley replied for Exeter, whose four tries earned a bonus point. Gloucester finished with a debut try from 18-year-old Junior Denny on the last play, despite Freddie Thomas having been sent to the sin-bin late in the match.

Gloucester's defensive figures also underlined the work behind the result. BBC Sport reported that they made 241 tackles compared with Exeter's 135 and won eight turnovers to the hosts' four. Lake said physicality and winning the initial collision had been central to the team's preparations, alongside discipline and confidence that each player would carry out his own defensive role.

The new captain also credited the players and staff with helping him settle quickly. In comments carried by BBC Sport, Lake said the group had come together rapidly and described the performance as a step towards building trust. He emphasised the way defenders stayed within their system and relied on team-mates rather than pursuing situations they could not influence.