Chiefs Women to face DMP Sharks

By Mark Stevens
16/9/22

Exeter Chiefs Women will kick-off the defence of their Allianz Cup crown with a lengthy trip to Darlington to face the DMP Sharks tomorrow (5pm).

In what was one of several stand-out moments for Susie Appleby’s side last season, lifting their inaugural piece of silverware - on home soil at Sandy Park - merely underlined the emergence of the Devonians as a growing force within the women’s game.

That success over Harlequins was not only welcome but, according to Appleby herself, a turning point in the mind-set of her squad.

“Getting your first bit of silverware is huge, but it was also the timing in the season,” she said. “Winning at that point really allowed us to push forward, especially over those latter stages of the season. For the squad, it was a massive confidence booster, whilst at the same time sending out a message to others.”

Now, the Chiefs will look to go again this weekend with Appleby piecing together a team that is a genuine mix of youth and experience.

With 17 players currently away readying themselves for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, Appleby believes this year’s Cup competition offers the perfect opportunity for others within her squad to go out and stake a real claim.

“Pre-season has been long, but it’s been amazing,” added Appleby. “It seems ages ago since we played Saracens in the final, but we’ve seen players come in and really mature beyond anyone’s belief, which is brilliant!

“For some of the girls, people like Maisy Allen, Nancy McGillivray, Flo Robinson and Brooke Bradley, I’m really looking for them to lead from the front alongside the likes of Poppy Leitch and Nic Friday.

“At the same time, we’re layering in some very exciting young talent, as well as a number of new faces, so it’s created a real buzz around the squad. It will be tough for a few of them because they’ve not been here long, but there isn’t much time to settle, we have to hit the ground running.”

Standing in the way of the Chiefs this weekend will be a Sharks outfit, who after a testing season last term, have spent much of this close season working hard to ensure they were able to line-up for inclusion in the league and cup.

Thankfully, those fears have been averted and they will offer the first significant test of the season for Appleby, who added: “They are kind of unknown in a lot of ways because of what has happened over the summer. They’ve had some tricky times, but often that brings people together and that’s what we are expecting.

“Right now, we have to focus on ourselves and push ourselves forward. We can’t take anything for granted and we have to put our best foot forward, it’s as simple as that.”