By ROGER PANTING

TOM Howe’s hat-trick was not enough to stop Exeter Chiefs going top of Pool 3 and assume pole position for a semi-final spot.
On paper, Exeter looked far stronger, but poor ball retention and injuries to three leading backs in the space of 10 minutes was a major disruption which allowed Warriors to build a 19-10 lead.
Outside centre Ian Whitten was first to go off for a head assessment, his midfield partner Ollie Devoto followed, stretchered off with a neck problem, before full-back Phil Dollman hobbled from the field.
Exeter’s backs coach Ali Hepher said: &...