Exeter extended an eight-point lead at the helm of the table after a 38-29 win over Cardiff, whilst Nottingham remain bottom after losing to Leeds Beckett.
Reigning champions Exeter remain the only unbeaten side in the league, and their maul continues to dominate.
For the second week running, their front row contributed three tries, with hooker Louie Gulley grabbing a brace and prop Christian Freeman also dotting down.
Another try from winger Edward Volley and a brace from full-back Benjy Joseland exemplified the diversity of Exeter’s try threat, and the sturdy boot of Charlie McCaig helped keep a valiant, four-try Cardiff at bay.
Elsewhere, Durham return to third having beaten second-placed Loughborough 40-29 away,
Durham’s victory sees them leapfrog both Cardiff Met and Hartpury, who played out a nail-biting 26-26 draw.
Nottingham failed to carry momentum from their shock win over Met last week to their ninth vs tenth clash against Leeds Beckett as their 1837 loss sees them rooted to the foot of the table.
Meanwhile, Bath continued their rich vein of form with a 38-17 win over Swansea that made it three from three and saw the clubs swap positions in the table.
Exeter also retain the impetus in the Women’s National League.
Their 41-29 win over Edinburgh sees them just three points behind Cardiff Met, but with two games in hand.
The pressure is on Met following their 44-12 loss to Hartpury, whilst Cardiff remain bottom due to their 50-26 loss to Loughborough.
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