WORCESTER Warriors resisted a late fightback from 14-man Exeter Chiefs as they held on to secure a dramatic 35-31 win in a thrilling Gallagher Premiership contest at Sixways.

Winger Alex Hearle scored his hat-trick try to put the hosts 35-19 up with 12 minutes to go but late scores from replacement hooker Max Norey and Dave Ewers late on brought Exeter to within four points.

Exeter were reduced to 14 in just the 15th minute when centre Tom Hendrickson was sent-off for a high tackle on Sione Vailanu and Hearle got his first try immediately after but Exeter responded with two scores from Santiago Grondona and Tom O'Flaherty to lead.

Hearle touched down again to make it 14-14 before the break and Noah Heward intercepted a pass on his own 22 before racing the length to regain the lead.

Jack Innard replied to bring the scores to 21-19 but Harri Doel scored a superb solo try and Hearle's third made it 35-19 before the late show almost ruined the day for the hosts.

But they held on and secured just their second ever win over Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership era.