Thomas back on old ground

By Mark Stevens

As someone who has seen Gloucester’s notorious ‘Shed’ from both sides of the line, Haydn Thomas admits it remains a special place for anyone who graces the Kingsholm turf on match-days.

For two years, the 34-year-old was part of the famous Cherry & Whites set-up, featuring not only in the Guinness Premiership, but also the Powergen and European Challenge Cups.

It was, according to the man himself, an enjoyable time in his playing career and one that he looks back on with fond memories.

“I really enjoyed my time at Gloucester and really enjoyed being part of what is a special club,” he said. “It is a fantastic ground and as a player you know it has to be up there as one of the best places to play rugby in the UK.

“Going there you always know it’s going to be a big crowd and that the atmosphere is always going to be lively. The Shed is renowned throughout the game and because I’ve played both for Gloucester and then gone back there with other teams, I perhaps cope with the whole match-day thing better than perhaps some other players going there.”

This afternoon, however, Thomas will be hoping to be part of a Chiefs line-up looking to build on last season’s memorable victory.

With the clock all but up, a last-gasp score from Thomas’ team-mate, Aly Muldowney, ensured the travelling Tribe headed back down the M5 with smiles on their faces.

It was a notable scalp for sure for Rob Baxter’s side, but Muldowney’s try will forever be remembered as the first-ever score awarded in the top flight by a TV match official in a non-televised fixture.

The trial by camera – Chiefs fans will remind you – was a huge success, although those in the Gloucester corner will probably disagree.

“It was certainly memorable,” recalls Thomas, who is now in his second spell with the Chiefs. “It was a big win for us that day and showed how we had again come on as a club. Of course it will be remembered for being the first try awarded by a TMO in a non-televised game, but it a great way to win what was a great game of rugby.”

That victory was one of several memorable away-days for the Chiefs last term and helped ensure the Devon club book their place at the top table of European Rugby for the first time in the club’s history.

Pitted against defending Heineken Cup champions Leinster, French giants Clermont Auvergne and respected Welsh region, the Scarlets, Exeter have again shown their rising stock by happily going toe-to-toe against some of the greats of the game.

Their recent double success over the Scarlets means that not only do they  have a passing interest in Europe once battle recommences next month, but shows the Chiefs are continuing their upward curve in terms of progression.

With seven successive victories in the bag coming into today’s game, Thomas wants Exeter to continue in a similar vein as they enter into a crucial period of the campaign.

“It’s nice to have those wins behind you,” added Thomas. “However, Gloucester will be another one off game and I’d say that despite being in good shape, form will go out the window. We are aware that if we don’t perform up there, they have the players to punish you.

“Looking at their squad they have some very talented individuals, especially in the backs, so you have to keep your guard up and hope it’s a decent day so both sides can play.”

Following today’s trip, the Chiefs will then brace themselves for home encounter against bogey side Bath and then Northampton Saints either side of the New Year.

“It’s a big period in terms of the season,” assessed Thomas. “Gloucester takes us up to halfway, then we have two very important home games. Hopefully we can come through all those games, get some points on the board, and then look to attack what will be the business end of the season.

“The squad is in good shape right now and each season it seems to be getting stronger. As people have seen, Rob has rotated the players around not only to keep us fresh and alert, but at the same time bring in more and more competition amongst us all.

“It has been that freshness and competition which, I believe, has enabled us to get all these recent results.”