Three from three for Academy side

 

Exeter Chiefs Under-18s Academy side maintained their 100 per cent winning record as they recorded a superb 20-10 win over London Irish at Sunbury.

Always a tough place to try and get a result - whether it be in the A or AASE League, the visitors had to dig deep into their reserves to preserve their winning record, which has so far seen Bath and Saracens both disposed of.

It was, however, Irish who got off to the perfect start as they took a 7-0 lead thanks to an early try from loosehead prop George Sewell, who was able to peel off a driving maul and cross for the opening try, which was converted by Jordan Gott.

The Chiefs needed a response of some sorts and it duly arrived when Cornishman Tom Hendrickson was on hand to apply the finish to a slick handling move from the visitors.

After the break, territory and tempo was needed to ensure the Irish defence was breached. However, it was the home side who stretched their lead with a Gott penalty after 52 minutes.

Again there was a swift riposte from the Chiefs as Hendrickson - who was later named man of the match - claimed his second try of the afternoon with Max Bodilly converting to put Exeter in the lead for the first time.

The score clearly ignited the visitors who from there on in dominated proceedings, controlling the territory and playing the conditions and referee superbly.

George Toomey scored out wide to put the score 17-10, before the deadly Bodilly put over a penalty to push the margin out to 10 points and ensuring the win.