Exeter College keen to kick on

By Mark Stevens
13/12/16

Rob Gibson says Exeter College cannot afford to stand still in their future development, despite picking up their first-ever AASE League title with victory over Gosforth Academy.

Returning to the competition for the first time in five years, Gibson’s young guns produced an outstanding display at Allianz Park to sink their rivals from the North East 52-19.

It was the culmination to a wonderful season for Exeter College, who had earlier advanced through the Southern Group past previous champions Hartpury College.

“It’s been a great season for everyone connected to the college,” said Gibson (pictured). “A huge amount of work has been put in by a great number of people to achieve this success in a very short space of time. To win the tournament for the first time – and in our first year back for a number of years – is a terrific achievement.

“Since we started back in the summer the college have played a huge supporting role, allowing us to not only work with the players from a rugby perspective, but also ensure all of their educational needs are also met.

“Equally, the Exeter Chiefs have done a huge amount of work to ensure we are in a strong position to help bring through the players, several of whom have made the step up to feature for either the first team or the Braves in competitive matches.

“Having that kind of support behind you does make the job a lot easier, but as a group we cannot afford to let our standards slip in any way. Winning the AASE League has set a benchmark that we have to live up to, not just next year, but for years to come.

“It’s almost like we now have to put a full stop on this season because next year’s task will be even tougher. Other teams will be aware of what we are capable of, so that in turn means we have to raise our own bar in terms of what we do in every area.”