Pellow proud of his players

By Mark Stevens

Skills coach Ricky Pellow admitted he was “massively proud” of his Exeter Chiefs side despite seeing them slip to a last-gasp 23-20 in this season’s LV= Cup Final.

Having trailed 14-6 midway through the second half, the defending champions produced a stunning fightback to claim two converted scores from full-back Max Bodilly (pictured).

With the game seemingly heading for extra time, a late indiscretion from Exeter’s replacement hooker Greg Bateman offered Saracens a final shot at goal - and up stepped Ben Spencer to dispatch the knockout blow with the very last kick of the game.

It was a bitter pill for Pellow and his players to swallow, particularly given their bravery during an action-packed conclusion to the game. However, the Cornishman insisted that whilst disappointed not to reclaim their crown, there had still been plenty of positives to take from the campaign.

“I’m massively proud of the group today,” Pellow said. “As a squad we are disappointed with the way we lost the game. It’s tough to lose out in that manner, but full credit to our guys for what they’ve done today and throughout the competition.

“To fight back like we did in that second half - and almost get the opportunity to take the game into extra time - was very pleasing. As I said, I’m very proud of this group of players because they fought hard for one another and never gave in.”

In a tight first half, Exeter skipper Ceri Sweeney slotted two penalties to cancel out Spencer’s opening kick to make it 6-3 at the turn.

After the break, though, it was Saracens who came out firing as they stormed into the lead thanks to a quickfire double from winger David Strettle and another try from flanker Nick De Jager.

The Chiefs needed a response of sorts and having cut the deficit with Bodilly’s first score, they then repeated the feat when the Academy product claimed his second of the afternoon.

“I think the last 10, 15 minutes summed up what Exeter are all about,” added Pellow. “The game didn’t unfold how we wanted it to and we probably could have managed it a lot better than we did, but what it did show was what Exeter are all about and that’s pride and passion.

“Those 23 players out there today fought for one another; they got themselves back into the game, so it’s really disappointing we lost in that manner at the end. That said, we’ve got to go away from here and reset ourselves again because we’ve got another massive game next week up at Leicester in the league.

“Right now the guys can celebrate what they’ve done and achieved in this tournament, but come Monday we’ll all be back in again and focusing everything on that next game.”