Sweeney the Barbarian

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Ceri Sweeney had the honour of pulling on the famous Barbarians jersey for the first time when he featured for the representative side in their annual Remembrance Match against the Combined Services at the Brickfields.

The former Welsh international, who signed for the Chiefs in the summer from Cardiff Blues, played for the first half as the Baa-Baas eventually lost 34-28 to the Servicemen.

Lining up against the 33-year-old playmaker were former Exeter players Chris Budgen (pictured below) and Marshall Cormack, the latter of whom had been given a week's leave from active duty in Afghanistan to play in the fixture.

Army winger Sam Speight led the way for the Services as he claimed a hat-trick of tries, whilst there were touchdowns for Sam Laird, Maku Koroyandi and Jack Foster, two of which were converted by Dave Pascoe.

The Barbarians countered with scores from Alex Davies, Alex Davis, Laurence Ovens and Chris Mayor, all of which were converted by Dai Flanagan.