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A few thoughts on Chiefs v Albion

Moorsman
By Moorsman December 23 2007
The eagerly awaited Devon derby at Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park descended into an all too predictably close scoring encounter. Whereas Danny Gray had kicked the Chiefs to victory at Brickfields, Ross Laidlaw's inability to kick any of his chances saw Albion lose the return fixture.

Match Review

Exeter Chiefs

v

Plymouth Albion

Saturday December 22nd

When I said I'd take this assignment I thought I'd be reporting on a thumping win for the Chiefs.  What made me think this?  Well just look at the form of both sides coming into the match!  The Chiefs were really playing well and scoring freely through both forwards and backs.  The line-out was going well, pinching opposition ball on a regular basis.  The forwards were dominating in set pieces and winning ball in the loose. etc. etc. etc.  Albion on the other hand had just been defeated by newly promoted Esher and fans on their 'unofficial board' were questioning Mr Dawe's coaching ability.  So what happened?

This is my view of the match and it comes with a very dissapointed feeling.  The match started with a great atmosphere among the capacity crowd (oh for some more capacity, but that's another issue).  Chiefs started well and then things became very scrappy, literally!!  Richie Baxter and Albion's Brett Stroud being sent to cool off for 10 minutes after 'handbags' were thrown by a number of players.  This et the tone for the rest of the afternoon with both sides lacking any cohesion.  Albion should have won the game and had Ross Laidlaw landed any of his kicks would have done.  In my opinion there could have been no argument had they won as the Chiefs put in one of the poorest performances I can remember.  There was plenty of effort but I couldn't see a game plan and there were an unbelievable number of times when the ball was kicked away instead of retaining posession.  Thankfully Albion also seemed to lack a positive game plan as they to kicked the ball away.  What they were successful in doing was th scrap and spoil and ball the Chiefs did have.

The Offy report and view can be found at http://exeterchiefs.rokkhost.com/site/1/results.html?&ar_item=1163 

But at the record will show the Chiefs beat Albion gaining 4 points and I hope the side can get back on track next week at Rotherham.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALL...

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24 Dec, 2007 17:11 Report
lobina (IP Logged)
Registered User		 Date Joined: Apr, 2007
Location:
Posts: 160
Re: A few thoughts on Chiefs v Albion
An exciting game as the result was in doubt until the end.
The rugby was not of the highest order but it was a local derby and that was to be expected.
A pity about the lack of manners when the kicks were being taken but i don't think it altered the result in anyway.
The chiefs fans where we were standing helped to make it a good day out.No problems.
Heres looking forward to next years matches,I think it may be time we had a win!

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