Two very different games that ended up with two easier than expected victories. The final in a fortnight should be a decent game.
From an officiating point of view neither referee did too much wrong, I felt that Luke Pearce and his team were almost faultless, particularly with the big decisions (more later)
Matt Carley had two incidents that led to tries, that on other occasions would have been chalked off. Both affected Bristol adversely and I am sure in private Pat Lam will point to those.
Firstly, a quickly taken penalty, behind the referees back whilst he was still explaining the decision. Good thinking by Wasps and definitely allowable, within the spirit of the moment some would argue not. Other refs would have halted the game.
Secondly a Wasps tackler wrapped up the attacker on the floor, which caused the ball to squirt out the ruck. Wasps went 70 yards to score.
Wasps were the better side, more clinical - Bristol will be back
Bath put up a very good fight against Exeter in what was a brutal first 30 mins. But as with Bristol, Bath's accuracy close to the line was not as good as their hosts. Eventually after the hard yards were done Exeter let loose. Credit Stuart Hooper at Bath, they are a tough proposition. Exeter for the double? Yes please!
2 key decisions in the game.
Shoulder charge into a ruck by Jonny Hill, correctly identified, great discussion between Pearce and TMO Barnes.
Exeter were awarded a try by the referee. AR Adam Leal immediately says "no try, held up". Referee apologises, changes his mind, good call, reinforced by a well done by Barnes.
Similarly in the 2nd half great positioning by the officials determined held up (with confirmation from Exeter player who knew he had not grounded it - how refreshing!)
Prediction of Barnes, Pearce, Leal and Carley for the final