Exeter College gunning for glory

By Mark Stevens
2/12/16

Exeter College will be gunning for glory today when they take on Gosforth Academy in the AASE League final at Allianz Park (5pm).

Having advanced through a strong Southern Pool, which included reigning champions Hartpury College, Rob Gibson’s side know they are within touching distance of securing a major piece of silverware.

Back in the AASE League after a five year absence, Exeter College – led on the field by skipper Dan Swain – have produced some outstanding results throughout the course of the season, including their last performance which ended in a 37-7 victory over Henley College.

Looking ahead to today’s showpiece final, Gibson said: “Naturally the team and everyone at the college are hugely excited about the prospect of playing in the AASE final, which is a huge reward in the first year of our collaboration with Exeter Chiefs.

“An immense amount of work has already been put in by a large group of people – and the link between the college and the Chiefs is already bearing fruits on and off the field.”

Gibson added: “Whilst Friday and the game is all about the players, I think the experience and occasion will be shared by the many that have enable the team to perform at the highest level.

“I’ve no doubt the game will be hugely exciting with both sides willing to use the ball. Looking at Gosforth we can see they are an adventurous side with an obvious philosophy to offload and use their dangerous runners.

“We are aware of the threat they pose, but at the same time we want to stay true to our own principles and processes and hopefully that will be enough to see up to victory.”

EXETER COLLEGE SIDE TO FACE GOSFORTH ACADEMY

15 Finn Marks
14 Joe Clark
13 Ollie Gibbons
12 Connor Vickery
11 James Tapp
10 Gwyn Parks
9 Joe Snow
1 James Kenny
2 Ben Phillips
3 Marcus Street
4 Lewis Pearson
5 Dan Swain (capt)
6 Harry Jones
7 Richard Capstick
8 Sam Daly

16 Jack Trout
17 James Goss
18 Danny Martin
19 Dan Armstrong
20 Josh Goldman
21 Ollie Toomey
22 Devon Jewsbury
23 Jake Allen