Chiefs U-19s see off Tigers

Exeter Chiefs U-19s 12

Leicester Tigers U-19s 5

Exeter Chiefs coach Ricky Pellow hailed the performance of the club's Under-19s side as they overcame a strong Leicester Tigers outfit at Topsham RFC.

In a tight encounter, where defences on both sides were impressive, the home held a narrow 5-0 half-time lead as second row Charlie Hewitt was able to burrow over from a well-drilled catch-and-drive move.

Although the Chiefs continued to press hard during the second period, it was not until ten minutes from time that they were able to add a second try, scrum-half Jack Oulton delivering the score when he produced a clever chip-and-chase over the top before touching down. Fly-half Lawrence May added the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

The Tigers, though, kept going right until the death and their efforts were rewarded when prop Owen Hills was able to squirm over the line following a line-out move just five metres from the Exeter try-line.

Afterwards, Pellow said: "As a club we're delighted with the way the lads performed today against what was a very tough Leicester side. There were some outstanding individuals performances in our side, but as a collective group we could not have asked for anymore from the guys.

"This group, together with others within the Academy set-up, are really working hard and showing what good rugby players they are. Obviously we've seen the likes of Max Bodilly, Tom Hendrickson, Jack Oulton and Stu Townsend make it into the first team and play in the LV= Cup, so it showing those other players that there is a path for them if they are willing to do the right things and work very hard."