Last four spot is just reward - Pellow

By Mark Stevens
12/4/2016

Coach Ricky Pellow was full of praise for his Exeter Braves side after they booked themselves a place in the last four of this season's Aviva Premiership A League.

Monday's night 47-0 win over visiting Wasps at Sandy Park means the Braves have qualified for the semi-final, alongside defending champions Saracens Storm, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons.

Tries from Ben White, Tom Hendrickson and Haydn Thomas helped to give the Braves a 21-0 lead, before Stuart Townsend, Hendrickson, Pete Laverick and skipper Kai Horstmann (pictured) followed suit after the break.

Will Hooley's six conversions helped seal a comprehensive display for the Braves, who are now likely to travel to Northampton Saints on April 25 for the last four meeting.

"It was a great result and a great performance," said Pellow. "We talked before the game about qualifying but also about wanting to show the qualities we have shown all year in both training and the A League and the guys came out and showed all the qualities as individuals and as a group.

"It was really pleasing for the guys. They have worked really hard and we have got something now for that group of players to put their hat on."

Up against what looked a decent Wasps side on paper, the Devon club didn't allow their rivals to settle into any kind of form on the night, blowing them away with a workmanlike performance that ensured they advanced with five wins from six games in the Southern Group.

"We got their team through in the morning and as coaches we thought it was going to be a hell of a game and a really good challenge to finish off the A League competition on," added Pellow.

"However, we fronted up from minute one, we got into their faces, our line speed put pressure on them and when we got the ball we were clinical."

Again able to field a decent blend of youth and experience, Pellow admits qualification for the semi-finals is just reward for those who have featured in the Monday night league.

"We made some changes and some guys who had not played for us and did well it was really pleasing," continued Pellow.

"It's been a tough year for some of the guys bevause of the late start because of the World Cup and the A League being a lot more spready out, but to get into the semi-finals means they have something to really fight for.

"Northampton up at their place will be tough, but that's what you would expect if you get into a semi-final. As a group it's a great challenge for us, but one which we will really look forward to."

Pellow also reserved special praise for young Exeter University prop Jack Owlett, who packed down in the front-row and featured for much of Monday's encounter.

"Jack Owlett has been playing really well at university. They have won their league this year and it gave us an opportunity to blood him," added the Cornishman.

"He took his chance. His scrummaging was outstanding, we got dominance in that first half which allowed us to play. He is a ball-carrying prop with his hands on the ball and we are really pleased for him."

At the same time, others in the Braves line-up also reminded the watching Exeter coaches of their prowess, much to the delight of Pellow.

"Kai Horstmann, Tom Johnson, Haydn, Matt Jess and young guys like Max Bodilly are all knocking on the door.

"Tom Hendrickson has come back from some really solid performances at the Pirates week in, week out and he has played well against Wasps and London Irish.

"We have strength in depth and those guys coming in from outside the squad are also doing well."