Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

A first half definitely not for the purists here at Sandy Park, lots of huffing and puffing, but few homes have been blown down.

Exeter have had the better breaks, although Bath will be kicking themselves as they failed to convert a massive period of pressure on the Chiefs line with five minutes to go.

This game could go either way in what should be an interesting second period.

Image source, Rex Features

There was good news across the border for Scotland fans yesterday as England-based players will be allowed to join up with the national squad for next month's Autumn internationals after an intervention by World Rugby.

English clubs had voted not to release Scots amid a dispute over what they claimed were unpaid medical bills.

But Premiership Rugby says that the sport's world governing body will now rule on the dispute next month.

Five English-based players had been chosen for the squad to face Australia, Argentina and Georgia in November.

We're back under way as Wasps look to secure their sixth win from seven games this campaign.

Image source, Getty Images

Bristol have a lot of chasing to do if they are going to get themselves back into this match and give themselves a chance of landing that elusive first win of the season.

Sale have done enough to go ahead, but not much more.

We're reached the midway point in this south-west derby.

Bath certainly have cause to be optimistic as they ended the half largely on top, but Exeter really dug in and showed some of the grit they perhaps haven't shown so far this season.

All that separates the side is Gareth Steenson's kick - you can see the action shot below...

Image source, Getty Images

As we near half-time at Ashton Gate, Bristol's only glimpse of landing any points was a missed penalty from Shane Geraghty.

Bit or an error-riddled match at the moment. 

This time it's James Short who deserves applause for his defending for the Exeter cause.

George Ford sets Semesa Rokoduguni on his way - and he's incredibly quick - but Short gets across to bail out his side.

Chiefs can't get carried away, they've had the wind in their favour this half, but they're frustrating Bath here.

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire commentator Richard Moon sums up the first half at the Ricoh Arena in a match that has so far failed to really take off, mostly because of long injury delays.

Some unbelievable defence by Exeter, who thwart the visitors in the 17th phase of their attack.

The Chiefs players and fans celebrate like they've scored a try as they hold firm and win a penalty to engineer some breathing space.

We're less than five minutes from the interval.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

George Ford missed two simple penalties in the first quarter of this match - the kind he'd put over in his sleep while wearing his slippers.

Bath will hope that come the final whistle they don't lose to Exeter by fewer than six points, or else those early misses could come back to haunt him...

A blow for the home side - skipper Jack Yeandle has gone off with a head injury replaced by the experienced Tongan Elvis Taione.

Lachie Turner has also been forced to trudge off for Exeter - he's replaced by former Bath man Ollie Devoto - that could be tasty.

Newcastle are on the scoreboard right on half-time thanks to Mike Delany's penalty.

Straight after he puts it through the posts, the ref blows for the break after a first half that lasted around an hour because of Marty Moore's injury and other stoppages.

Image source, Getty Images

Chiefs might have their noses in front, but there are some worrying signs at the scrum, where Bath's Henry Thomas is dominating.

The visitors are also starting to dominate the ball and territory - surely it's only a matter of time before they get on the score board.

We're into the 28th minute.

Wasps and England flanker James Haskell is still recovering from a toe injury, but is enjoying his side's performance against Newcastle at the Ricoh Arena.

Jimmy Gopperth almost lays on another try for the hosts, but his grubber kick through is unable to find a team-mate.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

Exeter have had the edge so far in the opening exchanges.

Ollie Woodburn has twice had open ground to run into, but Bath have defended well.

The only score of the game has come from Gareth Steenson's penalty, after the visitors held the Chiefs up five metres out. 

Bath have a scrum deep inside the Exeter half and not for the first time Moray Low gives away a penalty.

The Sandy Park breeze had seemed to die down a bit, but George Ford yet again misses for the visitors.

That could be costly.

Bad news for Bristol fans as Gavin Henson comes off clutching his shoulder after 13 minutes. Seems like that might he the length of his injury comeback. Unfortunate stuff.

Exeter mount a significant attack on their opponents, all originating from a clever chip and run from England international Henry Slade.

The pressure eventually tells as Bath's Samoan Kahn Fotuali'i gives away a penalty.

It's right in front of the posts and Gareth Steenson does the honours.