Dream debut for Simmonds

By Mark Stevens

Joe Simmonds admitted it was “amazing” to pull on an Exeter jersey for the first time as he helped steer the Chiefs to victory over Bath in their latest Westcountry Challenge Cup fixture at the weekend.

The young fly-half delivered a stand-out performance on his senior debut, producing a flawless kicking display that yielded 19 points in his side’s 59-14 victory at Sandy Park.

Handed the role of chief playmaker for Rob Baxter’s side, the 18-year-old looked seemingly unfazed throughout the entire 80 minutes, providing the catalyst to much of the home side’s attacking endeavours.

His inclusion in the first team ranks capped a memorable past month for the Torquay-born youngster, who along with older brother Sam, was part of the Chiefs Sevens squad that lifted the Singha Premiership 7s Plate title at the Twickenham Stoop.

“It’s been an amazing few weeks,” said Simmonds, whose is part of the club’s highly-successful academy programme. “To win the Plate up at the Sevens and now to be playing and starting for the first team, it’s unbelievable!

“Initially I was just happy to be training with the first team squad, but when I realised I’d been starting against Bath, that was just a bonus. To then go on and get man-of-the-match, I’d never have dream of any of that.”

Despite his tender years, however, Simmonds looked most accomplished in the Chiefs back division, working closely with the experienced heads, Haydn Thomas and Ian Whitten, either side of him.

“The senior guys really helped me,” he continued. “Rat [Thomas] was talking to me all the time, both in the game and in training, and Whitts and Don Armand at eight were the same.”

And whilst Simmonds conceded he was nervous ahead of kick-off, the talented back did not let the occasion hinder his own display.

“I didn’t really sleep the night before, just because I was so nervous,” he added. “But once I got out there, I just tried to block everything out and just concentrate on my own game.

“Having the support from the crowd as well, it was just amazing.”

With Simmonds set to hone his game further training and playing with the Chiefs and National League out Taunton Titans, a promising future certainly lies in store for the former Ivybridge Community College student.

“It’s been brilliant getting my chance to train and play with the Chiefs,” said Simmonds. “Now I’ll be looking to just carry it on for the rest of the season both here and up at Taunton.”