Skinner's joy at Chiefs debut

Teenage back-rower Sam Skinner said making his debut for hometown club Exeter Chiefs made last season’s hard work worthwhile.

The 19-year-old played all 80 minutes at No. 8 as the Chiefs came from behind to beat Gloucester 28-27 in the LV= Cup last weekend.

That came after the former Topsham youngster was out of action for the vast majority of last season with a knee injury.

But after showing up well as the home side turned things around in the second half, Skinner was delighted to play his part in the win.

He said: “It was great, the atmosphere was awesome and to hear the noise around the park was something I’ve not been used to before.

“It makes (last season) all worthwhile. It’s difficult when you’re stuck in the gym, you’re working away at something you feel is already there or thereabouts, but to get the rewards out there on Saturday was definitely worth it.”

“I do pinch myself slightly seeing as it’s all come some late,” he added. “Being an Exeter born and bred boy it’s a great experience to do something like that.”

An 80-metre interception try from Adam Hughes helped Exeter turn around level at 10-10 at half-time.

The home side had been second best for much of the opening period, and it took a half-time verbal bashing for them to get back on track in the second half.

“It was great to get the result out there,” said Skinner. “It was a slightly interesting first half in terms of how we played but it certainly showed character to pull it around in the second half.

“We made it tough for ourselves, especially in the first half, and physically we demanded a lot more of ourselves because of that. In the second half we played more how Chiefs fans would expect us to play and we made it easier for ourselves because of that.”

Ceri Sweeney exchanged penalties with opposite number Aled Thomas early on before Gareth Evans crossed for a try while prop Brett Sturgess was in the sin bin.

Thomas converted that try but Sweeney converted centre Hughes’ score to bring the home side level again.

Sweeney’s second penalty gave Exeter the lead briefly before Bill Meakes dotted down and Thomas added the extras before landing a penalty.

Fetu’u Vainikolo got the Chiefs back to within two points but Yann Thomas claimed the visitors’ third try, which Aled Thomas converted, as they led 27-18.

Sweeney cut the gap to six points but Exeter still trailed with two minutes to go before their power in the scrum saw them awarded a penalty try, with Sweeney converting.

Thomas had a long-range penalty chance to win the match but it went narrowly wide.