Pellow sees the positives

By Mark Stevens

Ricky Pellow refused to be too downbeat despite seeing his Exeter Chiefs side miss out on a home semi-final in the defence of their LV= Cup crown.

A powerful second half display saw Saracens swot aside the attentions of the champions on their way to a 35-18 victory at Allianz Park on Sunday.

The Chiefs, who led for a short period just after the break, were unable to withstand the home surge as Saracens themselves booked a home date in the last four against Northampton Saints courtesy of converted tries from Tim Streather, Nick De Jager (2), Catalin Fercu and Matt Hankin.

The Chiefs countered with tries from Sam Skinner and Tom James, plus eight points from the boot of skipper Ceri Sweeney, but it was never enough and they will instead have to focus their attentions on a semi-final date with Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Sunday, March 15.

Post-match, a frustrated Pellow admitted missing out on a home semi was 'hugely disappointing' - but he believes the Chiefs have what it takes within their ranks to advance further.

"Right now we're frustrated," said Pellow. "We knew today was going to be a pressure game, both in terms of the result and also areas of the game itself, and for a good hour we were in it. Late on, though, we started to slip off tackles, we gave away some silly penalties and all of a sudden the momentum of the game swung in their favour.

"Fair play to Saracens, they were very clinical for 10 minutes and the points they scored during that time put them clear, and we struggled to get back into the game after that."

Pellow added: "We talked in the week about how they would play and what they would bring to the game. They base their game on a big, kick pressure game, so in that respect they didn't do anything we didn't expect. As I said, we were in for a long period of the game, but then we didn't exit at key times, we slipped off one on one tackles and fair play to them they took their tries well."

Although defeat mean the Chiefs were unable to finish the qualifying stages without a 100 per cent record, their victory at the Dragons the week previous had meant the Devon club had already secured their place in the last four.

"It would have been nice to be at home in the semi-final, especially given what the day was like at Sandy Park for the final last year," continued Pellow. "As it is, we have to go to Leicester Tigers - another tough game in itself - but this group have worked very hard to get to this stage and I know they'll give it every chance in the semi-final.

"Right now we're disappointed with the result, but the key thing is we will get a second chance to go again. Today was a tough game and I've no doubt Leicester will be the same.

"What has been pleasing, however, is that this past two weeks have brought us lots of positives and the guys who have featured have trained well, they've come together really well and when it comes to taking part again - whether it be in the Premiership, Europe or the LV - they'll be ready to go again."