Braves set for Gloucester clash
By Mark Stevens
14/11/18
Exeter Braves will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the new Premiership Rugby Shield when they play host to Gloucester United at Sandy Park (1pm).
Having already secured victories over Saracens Storm, Bath United and Bristol Bears, Ricky Pellow’s side currently sit third in the Southern Group standings, level on points with second-placed Harlequins and one behind current leaders Saracens.
However, both Saracens and Harlequins have played one more game in the competition and Pellow is hopeful of gaining pole position at the weekend as they make-up the fixture against the Cherry & Whites, which has been re-scheduled from the original date in September when the visitors could not raise a front-row.
“We’re looking forward to the weekend,” said Pellow. “We’ve had three very good weeks in the Premiership Rugby Cup, where we have been able to utilise a lot of the squad, and now we’re looking to take that form into not only the Premiership this weekend, but also the Premiership Shield.
“We’ve had an excellent start to the competition so far, winning our opening three games against tough opposition, and now we’re looking to kick-on against what we know will be a tough Gloucester side.”
With the Chiefs in action at Bristol on Sunday afternoon in the Gallagher Premiership (3pm), plus a number of first-team stars currently away on international duty, Pellow will find his squad options somewhat restricted.
That said, such is the depth of the Exeter playing squad these days that the Braves side is expected to be brimming with talent – and Skills Coach Pellow is banking on home advantage to help drive his side forward.
“The good thing about the last few weeks is that we’ve been able to get some good game time into a lot of players, especially some of those senior academy guys,” added Pellow. “You can only do so much in training, but in terms of their development and their exposure to senior rugby, these games play a huge role in helping to improve them as players.”
Season Ticket Holders, 1905 and Gold Card Members can gain FREE entry to Saturday’s fixture as part of their seasonal package. For all others, admission is £10 for adults and £5 for students and under-16s.
Gates at the stadium will open at 11:30am and parking will be available on site on a first come, first served basis. Parking fees will be in operation for those parking on site.
Following the final whistle, the England versus Japan Autumn Test match will be shown in selected bars within the stadium.