Exeter Chiefs have started their Heineken Cup Pool 2 campaign with a 44-29 win over Cardiff Blues at the Sandy Park Stadium.
The home side opened the scoring after eight minutes courtesy of a try from Tom Johnson, but Leigh Halfpenny cut the deficit to 5-3 after 12 minutes with a penalty for Cardiff.
Exeter took control in the latter stages of the first period, however, with Dean Mumm and Matt Jess among the scoring as the Chiefs led 36-3 at the interval following a dominant first-half display.
Ian Whitten extended that advantage early in the second period, but two conversions from Halfpenny moved Cardiff onto 17 points.
Cardiff's hint of a comeback continued as Alex Cuthbert converted a try after 65 minutes to cut the score to 41-22, before Harry Robinson moved the visitors to within 14 points.
Exeter repelled the pressure in the latter stages, however, eventually securing the victory with a 44-29 score.
Matt Law
