Braves 47 Wasps 0

Exeter Braves 47

Wasps 0

Mark Stevens at Sandy Park

Exeter Braves powered their way into the last four of this season's Aviva Premiership A League with an impressive display against visiting Wasps.

Ricky Pellow's side dominated from start to finish at Sandy Park, scoring seven tries on the night, six of which were converted by fly-half Will Hooley.

Ben White, Tom Hendrickson and Haydn Thomas all found their way over the try-line during the first half, before Stuart Townsend, Hendrickson, Pete Laverick and skipper Kai Horstmann followed suit after the break.

It sealed a comprehensive display for the Braves, who will now travel to Northampton Saints on April 25 bidding to book a place in the competition's grand final.

Once again able to parade a powerful array of talent - young and old - the Braves stormed out of the blocks in this final outing in the Southern group stages.

Just four minutes had elapsed when Pellow’s side broke the deadlock with the first of three first half tries. Using the forwards as the launchpad, the Exeter eight combined superbly off a five-metre line-out to propel White over for the opening score.

Fly-half Hooley slotted the conversion to that score and Exeter’s second which arrived just three minutes later through centre Hendrickson.

Again the forwards laid the foundations as strong running from Tom Johnson initially saw him release Elvis Taione, whose rampaging run through the heart of the Wasps defence saw him barge his way through at least three tacklers before he was able to off a simple pop pass to the young Cornishman.

The Braves were ruling the roost in every facet of play, but there attempts to extend their lead were somewhat hampered by some fussy officiating from referee Matt Turvey.

When Wasps did have the ball themselves, the Braves rearguard was proving miserly, swallowing up their advances with regularity.

Indeed, forced to feed off scraps, it was a spilled ball just inside the Exeter half from centre Ben Jacobs that allowed Braves scrum-half Thomas (pictured) to scoop up the loose ball and run in from 45 metres to score the home side’s third try, which was again converted by the ever-reliable Hooley.

Then, just before half time the Braves thought they were over for the all-important bonus point score, but on this occasion they were adjudged to have been held up on the line as their juggernaut pack steamed at pace towards the whitewash.

HALF TIME EXETER BRAVES 21 WASPS 0

Just as they had done in the opening 40 minutes, the Braves resumed at break neck speed, claiming the all-important bonus point within five minutes.

Strong running from the impressive White and Taione got them to within touching distance of the line before Wasps infringed. The Braves opted for a five-metre scrum which although it seemed destined to go over, collapsed in a pile, gifting the home side another penalty.

Rather than go for another forward shunt, replacement Townsend - on for Thomas during the break - quickly tapped with the visiting defence unaware and over his shot for a fourth try, which was again converted by Hooley.

Shortly after and Townsend again caught Wasps napping with another clever break down the left. The lively scrum-half made a good 30 metres before being floored by the scrambling Wasps defence, but the Braves were still able to recycle the ball at pace across the field to Namibian international Chrysander Botha who, just a foot or so from the line, somehow dropped the ball when it looked a certain score.

It was a mere let off for Wasps, who then preceded to leak two tries in as many minutes. Laverick was the first over, showing some fancy footwork to dance in under the posts. Then, fellow centre Hendrickson (pictured) added his second of the night when he showed some serious gas to race clear of the visiting cover to make it 40-0.

Wasps simply had no answer to the power, pace and precision of the Braves, who despite their healthy lead looked to add to their tally into the dying embers of the match.

Sadly, it was not to be in terms of further reward. However, it's onto Franklin's Gardens now for the Braves who - on this showing - will take some stopping.
Braves: C Botha; M Bodilly, P Laverick (T Landray 61), T Hendrickson (H Cully 67), M Jess; W Hooley, H Thomas (S Townsend h/t); B Sturgess (J Woolmore 61), E Taione (S Malton 50), J Owlett (E Roofe 75); L Stevenson, S Skinner (E Holmes 45); T Johnson, B White (S Simmonds 50), K Horstmann (capt).

Tries - White, Hendrickson (2), Thomas, Townsend, Laverick, Horstmann; Conversions - Hooley (6)

Wasps: J Bassett (J Stevenson 28); S Tagicakibau, B Jacobs (C Eastgate 61), J Downey, B Macken; A Lozowoski, C Hampson; A Lundberg, E Shervington (G Edgson 29), P Swainston (C McCarthy 75); M Garrett (T Willis 69), E Ehizode; S Jones, C Willis (capt), G Thompson. Replacements (not used): T West, W Wilson, O James.

Referee: M Turvey.

Attendance: 988