Exeter ease into top flight

EXETER clinched Guinness Premiership promotion for the first time in their history last night following an emphatic victory over Championship play-off opponents Bristol.

They will replace Worcester in English rugby's top-flight next term after easily extending a three-point first leg deficit to triumph 38-16 on aggregate at a packed Memorial Stadium.

Fly-half Gareth Steenson was the Exeter hero, kicking 24 of his team's points through six penalties and two drop-goals, while substitute hooker Simon Alcott scored a late try.