Exeter agony as Sale are thumped but play-offs prove elusive

Exeter Chiefs 44-16 Sale SharksLast September few thought Exeter would finish fifth in the Premiership and only miss out on the play-offs on the final afternoon. The sense of disappointment in Devon at the final whistle, therefore, was a sign of exactly how far they have progressed this season. Sooner rather than later they will make it into the top four and stay there for a while.This time, though, the complicated last-day equation did not quite add up in their favour. Despite scoring seven tries, including two for their wonderfully energetic winger Matt Jess, they were always going to strugg…