A last minute penalty from Gareth Steenson secured victory for Exeter Chiefs in a closely-fought contest against London Irish.

Phil Dollman opened the scoring for Chiefs with a second-minute try. Ian Humphries and Steenson added a penalty for each side before Luke Arscott got a second try for the visitors.

Leo Halavatau brought Irish back into the match before half-time with a try for the home side, leaving Exeter 21-13 up at the break.

The Exiles took a lead early in the second half after Topsy Ojo ran in a try, before Humphries added the conversion and a penalty two minutes later. Steenson restored a slender advantage for Chiefs with another kick.

Irish made a number of late changes as they tried to get back in front. However, a late mistake from the home side gave Steenson another penalty kick to secure the win for the Chiefs.

The win moves Exeter ahead of Bath and Wasps into sixth, while London Irish remain 11th.