Pertemps Bees paid a heavy price for another error-riddled performance as they were trounced by Exeter Chiefs at Sharmans Cross Road.
Once again a lack of aggression and strength up front proved costly as the Bees were easily muscled off the ball by the division's most-improved side this season and, despite a late rally, they missed out on the consolation of a bonus point.
As at Bristol and Rotherham in October, the Bees were beaten by a better-organised side who were quick to capitalise on mistakes.
Six Bees errors contributed to Exeter's opening 15 points. The match was effectively decided before Exeter made their first mistake of the game.
A wrong option from Tim Walsh, a poor pass to Dave Knight and a missed tackle from Hese Fakatou allowed Haydn Thomas to set up Ed Lewsey for Exeter's opening try which Tony Yapp improved.
Graydon Staniforth then slotted a drop goal when the Bees failed to clear their lines and Exeter drove prop Danny Porte over from a line-out when the Bees wre pulled up for an off-side offence.
Walsh pulled back three points with a penalty but in between but Exeter had a firm grip on the game by half time when Richard Baxter ploughed over from a five metres scrum and the bonus point was in the bag after 48 minutes when centre Mark Fatialofa went over and Yapp added the extras followed by a penalty.
The Bees eventually stretched Exeter's defence sufficiently for replacement centre Scott Williams to cross and Walsh added the conversion but it proved a shortlived respite.
Exeter were swift to turn defence into attack and Yapp crossed for their fifth try which he also improved and Aaron Takarangi's well-taken try, which Walsh converted, proved to be of little consolation to the Bees.

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