Nervy Chiefs triumph over Ospreys in ill-disciplined affair

Photo: premiershiprugby.com

Sports Team reporter Emmott Leigh was at Sandy Park yesterday to see Exeter Chiefs clinch a less than convincing victory against Welsh side Ospreys.

A poor display of technical ability and discipline was not enough to prevent the Chiefs from recording a second victory over Welsh opposition in as many weeks, clinching a 36-22 win  in a high-scoring LV= Cup match.

As Chairman Tony Rowe said, Exeter were revelling in the glory of their previous ‘excellent and hard-fought victory’ over the Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Cup, where even the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert were unable to stop them from achieving a 13-19 upset.

However, they were still equally guilty as Ospreys for the woeful series of knock-ons and ill-adjudged kicks which accompanied the start of this match. Beginning with the very first kick (an Ospreys slice which ballooned straight into touch), neither side were able to launch a sustained assault on the other as the penalties mounted. The first side to break through the barrier was in fact Ospreys, when Dafydd Howells capitalised on the yardage gained from a driving maul to ease over the line.

After the sloppy conversion attempt missed by several feet, the Exeter side found another gear and set up their own drive for Cowan-Dickie to ground the ball from the back of the pack, although there was a possible case for obstruction as the backs cut through the opposing line.

No matter; such controversy was instantly forgotten when the Chiefs decided to hand a try back to the grateful Welshmen in comical fashion. An inconsequential grubber kick was hopelessly misjudged and snatched by the grateful Morgen Allen to score.

Following a routine penalty in the Chiefs’ favour, the half-time whistle was blown and Exeter were trailing 8-10. They had been more dominant in the scrum, and marginally better towards the end of the half with their hands despite the selection of some inexperienced academy players, but guilty of small errors when it counted most.

Perhaps it was not surprising then that the home portion of the 8,760 fans filling the stadium roared as one in encouragement of their promising side as the second forty minutes began. They were soon rewarded as a brace of converted tries sent the scoreboard rattling along to 22-10, James Scaybrook charging through a trio of defenders to barge over and Cowan-Dickie grabbing a second.

Surprisingly, their efforts were immediately equalled by the rallying Ospreys, who secured one dazzlingly eloquent sequence of offloads to score through Jenkins before Grabham burrowed over as well.

At this point, the Welsh side seemed to tire. As they saw less and less possession, the Chiefs grew more and more confident and James Phillips soon restored their lead with a try. By the time flanker Don Armand had shuffled over the tryline, the result was beyond doubt.

Another victory for a weakened Chiefs team leaves them in contention to progress to the semi-finals. However, even if it might be ‘fantastic’ for Rowe to see Tom Johnson and Jack Nowell in the England squad, you feel that they were missed.

Like Exeposé Sport on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for all the latest in university, local and global sport.

Chiefs' Bateman looks ahead to Bath clash

Bath taking on London Wasps. Photo: Peter J Dean (via Flickr)

Greg Bateman believes the battle for a starting spot in the Exeter Chiefs starting XV is helping to bring the best out in everyone at the Devon club.

Fresh from making his competitive debut for Rob Baxter’s side in their 19-4 LV= Cup win at home to holders Harlequins, the 24-year-old forward is now hoping to plot the downfall of rivals Bath in the same competition at the Recreation Ground this Sunday (1pm).

However, that will be no formality as not only will the home side be looking to build on their own cup victory at Sale Sharks a week ago, but at the same time maintain their unbeaten run over the Chiefs who have yet to defeat their nearest and dearest in a first team fixture since their promotion into the top flight.

“Bath are a very good side, ” said Bateman. “We’ve been up against them in the A League so we know what they’re going to come with. They’ve got a good set-piece so we’re going to have to up it again from a forwards perspective, but if we concentrate on ourselves we hopefully shouldn’t go too far wrong.”

Bateman, along with Romana Graham, Don Armand and skipper Ceri Sweeney, were all making their first starts since summer moves to Sandy Park and having bided their time to get some much-needed game time, the quartet are hopeful of featuring against in this latest Westcountry derby.

“There’s such an array of talent in our side, there are a lot of lads who have been missing rugby and we all want to put a case forward and create some selection headaches for Rob, Ricky and Ali,” said Bateman, who joined the Chiefs from London Welsh. “Hopefully we did that on Saturday and put a bit of pressure on the boys in front of us. It makes for a good squad.”

Certainly the Chiefs are brimming with talent and experience across the board, but Bateman says it’s the young talent – including the likes of Henry Slade and Jack Nowell – that has impressed him the most.

“The way these boys get their exposure at this top level with the academy set up is fantastic,” he added. “They’ve really come through very well. There were times on Saturday when Sladey and Nowellsy were carrying us in the game and making the highlights. It’s fantastic to play alongside them.”

Both Slade and Nowell are expected to feature again at The Rec this weekend and hooker Bateman wants the duo, plus all those around them in Exeter colours, to once again step up and make their mark on proceedings, even it again takes time to break down their opponents.

Reflecting on the Quins’ victory, Bateman continued: “We talked at half-time and said they were a very good side. They weren’t going to break early, it was going to take 50, 60, 70 minutes to break them down. We came out with a good tempo in the second half and it proved to win the game for us.

“The defence was amazing. The boys worked really hard for each other and had a really good attitude to get off the line. We were hunting collisions and it was just brilliant.”

And it’s that unity, both on and off the field, which Bateman believes is driving the Chiefs onwards this season.

“It’s good to be part of this club,” he said. “What we’ve done as a group, whether we’re in the first team or the second team, we’re all pushing forward. As one big squad we’re making things happen so everybody’s really pleased and it’s an exciting place to be part of.”

Exeter Chiefs

Jubilant Chiefs record scintillating Harlequins scalp

Photo: sportinglife.com

Although the attention of most Exeter rugby fans was centred on the international scene this weekend, those who chose to watch the Chiefs in the LV= Cup at Sandy Park were treated to a thrilling contest and a magnificent result as Exeter stormed to a classy 19-5 victory over a stunned Harlequins side.

On the back of long-time veteran Tom Hayes’ retirement, Exeter have been keen to promote the emergence of young Academy squad players into the first team, and the boasts were shown to be warranted from the first blow of the whistle; the victory was largely based upon the bold runs of talents such as Jack Nowell on one wing (who deservedly scooped the Man of the Match award), Jack Arnott on the other, and Henry Slade at inside centre.

The first tackle of the match would define the tone, as the hungry Exeter boys slammed the man on his back. With the ball in hand, they quickly ran the opposing line ragged; the ball was hurled left and right at breathtaking speed as the men in blue searched for an opening.

They may, however, have been too reckless. A dropped pass allowed Harlequins to seize possession and dash down to the other end, where a fortunate line-break set up a fourth-minute try for Paul Sackey.

Exeter responded instantly, however. Luke Arscott managed to barrel through the line and set up a penalty for captain Sweeney, who promptly slotted the ball between the posts. A few minutes later, and he had struck gold with another. Exeter had gained a 6-5 lead, which they managed to sustain until half time.

They may have been disappointed that they weren’t further ahead – Arnott and Naqelevuki were consistently gaining ground on the left, but they were then inevitably isolated, which gave Harlequins penalties for holding on.

The Chiefs did not allow the visitors off the hook in the second half, soon nabbing a penalty for offside and snatching the three-point reward. In fact, it was at this point that Exeter really began to impress. Their runs were as incisive as ever, but their defensive technique impressed even more in terms of turnovers and general discipline.

On numerous occasions Harlequins would threaten, but suddenly find the ball plucked from their hands on the floor or even see it blasted from their clutches after a ferocious hit. Nowell in particular impressed in this respect.

It had become clear that the home side had been endlessly drilled on the training ground when they executed a series of consecutive, picture perfect driving mauls to gain significant yardage. The Quins were spinning left and right off the back off the maul as they tried to get to the ball-carrier, but Exeter marched on unfazed.

They were unlucky not to subsequently secure a try after a forward pass in the build-up of their next sequence of phases ruined the outcome, and there were a couple of other close chances squandered before a skier of a penalty from the boot of Sweeney joined the list of near misses.

Never mind, though; he was soon granted another chance right in front of the posts, which he duly converted. Then, that tantalising moment finally arrived: Naqelevuki burrowed over the Quins’ line for the Chiefs’ single try.

The home side’s captain and fly-half, Ceri Sweeney, had noted his caution before the game with regards to Harlequins, who “clearly like to play and have a cracking offload game.'” That was certainly evident in the latter stages, when the Quins started to rack up the intensity in an attempt to rescue the scoreline. It was all in vain, though, as Exeter saw out the match 19-5.

“It’s been a feature of the last couple of weeks that we’ve defended quite well and stood up in front of sides,” commented coach Rob Hunter afterwards. This was the key to their victory – a thoroughly grounded and resolute defensive effort.

Emmott Leigh, Sports Team

Chiefs side to face Harlequins

Harlequins in action against Glasgow Warriors. Photo: Fearless Fred (via Flickr)

After impressive showings in the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup, Exeter Chiefs switch their attentions to the LV= Cup tomorrow with assistant forwards coach Rob Hunter insisting there is still “more to come” from his side this season.

A promising opening to the campaign has seen the Devon club not only position themselves within the Premiership’s top four clubs, but after two rounds of Europe they are also at the summit of a highly competitive Pool Two that also includes defending champions Toulon.

This weekend, however, both those competitions will be cast to one side as the Chiefs focus all their thoughts on the impending visit of current LV= Cup holders Harlequins to Sandy Park (Saturday 3pm).

“It’s a big game for us,” said Hunter, who alongside Skills Coach Ricky Pellow will take command of the Chiefs for the next fortnight. “We have seen with Harlequins in the past that they go for every competition they are in, so they will be tough opposition for us.

“They may be missing one or two players through injury and international call-ups, but at the same time they have some really good young players. They have a strong academy structure, similar to us in a way, with a few experienced heads added into the mix. I’ve no doubt it will be an exciting game at the weekend. They will not come just to throw the ball about; they’re a tough, gritty side who like to play strong rugby, so we have to be prepared to meet that threat.”

Certainly Hunter is right to warn of the threat posed by the Londoners, but at the same time the Chiefs themselves will be able to parade a power array of talent within their ranks. Such is the strength of the current Exeter squad these days; the home side will be able to send out a completely new starting XV from that which had triumphed at Sale Sharks in the league last time out.

Summer signings Greg Bateman, Romana Graham, Don Armand and skipper Ceri Sweeney will all be handed their maiden starts for the club, whilst there are also first appearances of the season for the likes of James Hanks, Will Chudley, Sireli Naqelevuki (pictured), Jack Arnott and last season’s LV= Cup Breakthrough Player of the Year, Jack Nowell.

Even then the available talent does not stop as the home side also include Alex Brown, James Scaysbrook, Henry Slade and Luke Arscott from the outset.

It’s a mix of players which clearly excites Hunter, who added: “We have got a good turnover this week. We’ve got a few guys coming back from injury, plus some really fresh guys who have not played for a few weeks, so there is a lot of excitement about getting out on the pitch and trying to do well.

“Looking at our squad, we have got a real good mix, we’ve got some young lads in there who will be looking to cement their place in the first team, but we’ve also got some old boys back who have had some time out, so it’s great to see them back out on the pitch and raring to go.

“For these guys it’s a case of following on from what we’ve been producing already this season. Last week at Sale was a tough night for us, they threw the kitchen sink at us in the second half, but we weathered that really well. As I said, we’ve been on a good run of games, but by no means are we the finished article. I think there is still lots more to come from this squad and this cup competition is the next stage for us in that respect.”

With such options available, Hunter believes this group of players will be determined to prove their worth over the next two weeks, so that not only do the Chiefs position themselves nicely in terms of future qualification, but at the same time give the coaches plenty to ponder ahead of their return to Premiership action against Saracens later in the month.

“We managed to get through the first block of the season really well, this despite missing a few of the guys through injuries,” added Hunter. “Coming off the back of these next two weeks, we hope to have some real tough decisions to make. Certainly in the back five of the pack there is real strength, but I think Ricky and Ali are also going to have some real decisions to make when you look at the quality of the guys coming back into it.”

Tickets for tomorrow’s encounter are still available either online or through the Trading Post and Hunter hopes as many Exeter supporters turn out in force to help add extra support to the home side’s cause. “There is always so much excitement about getting picked in a home game because there is always such a good atmosphere,” explained Hunter. “I just hope folk understand how much of a difference it makes to the lads. The appeal of pulling on a home shirt and the noise, it’s just fantastic, and it’s a great environment for them to go out and play in.”

Exeter Chiefs

Sandy Park to host LV= Cup final

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs, has today been confirmed as the venue for the final of this year’s LV= Cup competition.

The announcement was made at the Devon venue ahead of the launch of the 2013/14 tournament by former England international and LV= Cup ambassador Lewis Moody.

The final, which will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2014, promises to not only showcase some of the best up and coming rugby talent in the country but provide a truly memorable experience for supporters.

This season, LV= will be showcasing how rugby can bring people together and create a “rugby family”. From the amateur club grounds-man to future international rugby stars, the mums and dads standing pitch side on a Saturday morning to the groups of friends cheering on their team, everyone contributes and is part of the rugby family. As such, fans of all 16 teams competing in the LV=Cup were invited to put themselves forward to represent their club, to help celebrate Sandy Park being named the final venue as well as the upcoming LV=Cup campaign.

Earlier today yhe lucky competition winners gathered at the stadium, donning their club colours to take over captaincy duties for a photo session, before putting their rugby skills to the test on the Sandy Park turf alongside players from the LV= Cup teams.

Chosen to host the LV= Cup Final, state-of-the-art Sandy Park became the home of the Exeter Chiefs in 2006 and has since gone on to become a favourite with rugby fans; staging the 2007 Churchill Cup fixtures, an international ‘A’ game between England Saxons and the Irish Wolfhounds last year, and most recently, the Greene King IPA Championship double headers. The stadium is also set to host three Rugby World Cup fixtures during the 2015 competition.

Recognised for enabling the next generation of international rugby players to break through, the LV= Cup has unearthed a wealth of talented young players in recent seasons. As well as staging this seasons LV= Cup Final, host Exeter Chiefs also counts the 2013 LV= Breakthrough Player and England Under-20s star, Jack Nowell in its ranks.

Nowell claimed the title in April 2013, after impressing in the pool stages of the competition and was selected in the England Saxons squad this summer. Nowell was ranked as the top performing back in the LV=Cup last season, setting a high standard for any of this year’s nominees when the award is launched after Round One.

Speaking at the announcement today, Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman & Chief Executive of Exeter Rugby Club said: “As a club we are thrilled to have been selected as the venue for the LV= Cup final. Over the years we have hosted a number of top games, not just in the Premiership and in Europe, but also a clutch of international fixtures including the Churchill Cup.

“As rugby supporters know Sandy Park is a great match-day experience and we’ve no doubt that will be evident when the LV= Cup final is held here. We look forward to welcoming all fans to the West Country for what will be the first silverware of the season.”

Head of Sponsorship at LV=, Claire Jeromson, added: “It’s really exciting to have the LV= Cup Final at Sandy Park this season. Judging by the success of last year’s final and coupled with the rugby heartland of Exeter, we are looking forward to another strong cup campaign and something the whole rugby family can really enjoy.

“With the likes of Jack Nowell going onto achieve big things, it proves the good health of the domestic game but also highlights the young talent that the LV= Cup gives valuable game time to.”

Exeter Chiefs