Moorsman
Always expect the unexpected - Chief 42 Blues 19
Moorsman
By Moorsman
January 24 2010
A few reflections on Exeter Chiefs lates win over Bedford Blues.
Moorsman
January 24 2010
A few reflections on Exeter Chiefs lates win over Bedford Blues.
Match Review
Exeter Chiefs 42 Bedford Blues 19
Exeter Chiefs 42 Bedford Blues 19
"To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect"
Oscar Wilde
I'm not sure what this says about me but I certainly didn't expect this result. I said in my preview that going by recent encounters between the Chiefs and Blues we should have been in for a nail biting encounter, only concluded in injury time by a drop goal, penalty or conversion off the woodwork.
Well, following Saturday's outcome I am pleased to say I have resolved to try and demonstrate a "thoroughly moder intellect" and expect the unexpected from now on (well at least until next week, not sure about too much of this modern stuff).
The 3781 spectators were treated to an entertaining game of rugby with 9 tries being scored under the watchful and expert direction of referee Chris White. Can we have more officials of his quality please?
The Chiefs took control of the game at a very early stage and didn't give Bedford much chance to get out of their own 22 for the whole of the 1st half. By this time Exeter's lead was 28-0 with tries in the 7th, 22nd, 31st and 37th minute. They scored again in the 67th and 80th minute with Bedford scoring in the 57th, 74th and 79th minute to give a final score of 42-19. The Bedford tries coincided with the Chiefs making 7 changes between the 55th and 70th minute and I guess Rob & Co. will be checking this on the DVD to ensure we avoid any repetition.
Despite conceding 3 tries there were a lot of positives to take from the game. The forwards completely dominated the set piece, were quick at the breakdown and used the maul with speed and accuracy. Neil Clark had an outstanding match. His throwing was accurate, he carried and tackled well and thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award. Special mention also goes to Chad Slade and Andy Miller who attacked the game, gaining territory and tackling to great effect.
Although several tries were scored using the maul this was only possible because of effective work by the backs and accurate kicking from hand. Thankfully there was very little aerial ping-pong! Place kicking was also very good with Steeno only missing a penalty in the 2nd minute but converting 4 tries and Dany Gray converted the other 2. Bryan Rennie punched holes in the Bedford line whilst Phil Dollman got through a huge amount of work in attack and defence. It's good to see Sean Marsden coming back to form because he seems to have a settling influence on the back line. Matt Jess always looks dangerous and managed to score his 8th try of the season following good work by Mark Foster. Richie Baxter scored his 7th of the season but could so easily have joined Matt on 8 had he just caught an overthrown Bedford throw close to their line. He'll not get and easier chance this season or for many season's to come.
After the game Richie was presented with an award to mark his 300th league appearance for Exeter (at LW last week). A truly remarkable if not unique achievement. There are very few players to have made 300 league appearances let alone for the one club. Well done Richie and let's hope you add many more to that total. He'll have to earn his place though as one of The Tribe regulars was informed by another player. There are no favourites and competition is fierce for a starting place but the players support and encourage each other.
Well, following Saturday's outcome I am pleased to say I have resolved to try and demonstrate a "thoroughly moder intellect" and expect the unexpected from now on (well at least until next week, not sure about too much of this modern stuff).
The 3781 spectators were treated to an entertaining game of rugby with 9 tries being scored under the watchful and expert direction of referee Chris White. Can we have more officials of his quality please?
The Chiefs took control of the game at a very early stage and didn't give Bedford much chance to get out of their own 22 for the whole of the 1st half. By this time Exeter's lead was 28-0 with tries in the 7th, 22nd, 31st and 37th minute. They scored again in the 67th and 80th minute with Bedford scoring in the 57th, 74th and 79th minute to give a final score of 42-19. The Bedford tries coincided with the Chiefs making 7 changes between the 55th and 70th minute and I guess Rob & Co. will be checking this on the DVD to ensure we avoid any repetition.
Despite conceding 3 tries there were a lot of positives to take from the game. The forwards completely dominated the set piece, were quick at the breakdown and used the maul with speed and accuracy. Neil Clark had an outstanding match. His throwing was accurate, he carried and tackled well and thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award. Special mention also goes to Chad Slade and Andy Miller who attacked the game, gaining territory and tackling to great effect.
Although several tries were scored using the maul this was only possible because of effective work by the backs and accurate kicking from hand. Thankfully there was very little aerial ping-pong! Place kicking was also very good with Steeno only missing a penalty in the 2nd minute but converting 4 tries and Dany Gray converted the other 2. Bryan Rennie punched holes in the Bedford line whilst Phil Dollman got through a huge amount of work in attack and defence. It's good to see Sean Marsden coming back to form because he seems to have a settling influence on the back line. Matt Jess always looks dangerous and managed to score his 8th try of the season following good work by Mark Foster. Richie Baxter scored his 7th of the season but could so easily have joined Matt on 8 had he just caught an overthrown Bedford throw close to their line. He'll not get and easier chance this season or for many season's to come.
After the game Richie was presented with an award to mark his 300th league appearance for Exeter (at LW last week). A truly remarkable if not unique achievement. There are very few players to have made 300 league appearances let alone for the one club. Well done Richie and let's hope you add many more to that total. He'll have to earn his place though as one of The Tribe regulars was informed by another player. There are no favourites and competition is fierce for a starting place but the players support and encourage each other.
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Always expect the unexpected - Chief 42 Blues 19
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