Exeter Chiefs delivered a professional performance in defeating financially troubled Worcester Warriors in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday. 

The game was only given the green light to happen on Friday, as Worcester produced the required safety certificate to allow them to host a match and it continues to be a fight for survival for the Sixways club. 

The Chiefs had to ignore the outside noise and produce on the pitch, which they certainly did in the first half, running in tries from Sam Simmonds and Richard Capstick (twice) to lead 22-7 at the interval. 

Worcester responded with admirable spirit after the break and reduced the deficit to 22-14 before Olly Woodburn effectively sealed the win for Exeter. The final score was 36-21 to the Chiefs, who host Harlequins on Sunday. 

Exeter Chiefs head coach Ali Hepher told BBC Sport: "We knew the game would be tough as they would be very high on motivation. 

"We did things right in the first half but we then went off-script before bouncing through it to get the tries when we needed them. 

"Their crowd was fantastic. We hope things work out for them as we love coming here. It's always a competitive game."