Braves side to face Bath United
By Mark Stevens
16/12/19
Ricky Pellow has challenged his Exeter Braves side to pick up from where they left off against Harlequins when they play host to Bath United in their latest Premiership Rugby Shield clash at Sandy Park tonight (7:30pm).
The Braves kicked off their latest Shield campaign with a convincing 45-0 victory against Quins a fortnight ago, a fixture in which they ran in seven tries through Harvey Skinner, Richard Capstick, James Short and a brave apiece for Stan South and skipper Stuart Townsend.
Skills coach Pellow was naturally delighted with his side’s first outing, but is now calling on them to back that display up against their Westcountry rivals, who themselves started their new season with a 33-26 loss to defending champions Saracens Storm.
“We put in a strong performance against Harlequins and now we’re looking to back it up on Monday night,” said Pellow. “We’ve got a tough period of fixtures coming up, firstly against Bath, then two away games against Saracens and Bristol.
“At home we always back ourselves to be strong and put in a big performance, so if we can do that against Bath, it will certainly set us up nicely for those two away games.”
With squad strength at the Devon club looking in fine fettle, it’s another powerful array of talent that will take to the field for the Braves this evening.
England international Matt Kvesic heads up a [powerful pack of forwards that also includes the likes of South, Tom Price and Sean Lonsdale, while behind Townsend again takes on the captaincy duties in a back division which will be boosted by the inclusion of former Bath favourite, Ollie Devoto.
On the bench, newcomers Kyle Cooper and Enrique Pieretto will hope to get their first taste of action in an Exeter jersey, as will summer signing Will Witty, who has now recovered from the ankle injury that has sidelined him since his move from Newcastle Falcons.
“We had a strong side out against Quins’, but I’d probably say this group is even stronger,” said Pellow. “We’ve got quite a few senior players coming into the squad, all of whom are looking to get some game time under their belts and push hard for selection moving forward.
“If you look across the team, you can see the strength in depth we have within the whole squad at the club. Having that quality and that competition for places, whether it’s in training or in games, it’s really helping to bring the best out in everyone.
“You can see whether it’s players or coaches, we’re all very together, and it is helping to build a good environment that is challenging to one another.”
Standing in the way of the Braves, however, will be a Bath outfit, who Pellow knows from past experience will offer a creditable threat to his side.
“Last season we were in a great position and unbeaten at the time, but we went up to their place and they put 40 points on us,” warned the Cornishman. “Whatever side they choose to play on Monday, we’re expecting a real battle. It’s a local derby, it’s a Monday night, so it should be a great challenge for us.”
Exeter supporters with seasonal ticket packages will be able to gain FREE entry to tonight’s game. For all others, admission is £10 for adults and £5 for students and Under-16s.
Parking is available at Sandy Park on a first come, first served basis. Parking fees will be in operation.
EXETER BRAVES SIDE TO FACE BATH UNITED
15 Tom Wyatt
14 Max Bodilly
13 Tom Hendrickson
12 Ollie Devoto
11 James Short
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Stuart Townsend (capt)
1 Billy Keast
2 Jordon Poole
3 Patrick Schickerling
4 Stan South
5 Tom Price
6 Josh Caulfield
7 Sean Lonsdale
8 Matt Kvesic
16 Kyle Cooper
17 Danny Southworth
18 Enrique Pieretto
19 Will Witty
20 Rus Tuima
21 Pierre Thompson
22 Sam Morley
23 Barrie Karea