Garcia prepped for battles ahead

By Harry Scott-Munro
7/5/22

It’s certainly been a pretty special few weeks for Exeter Chiefs Women and Patricia Garcia.

The last fortnight has seen the Chiefs secure their first silverware with victory in the Allianz Cup, as well as seeing Garcia reach the milestone of 100 points in an Exeter jersey.

Reflecting on the historical Cup final victory, Garcia admitted that it was special to have been able to secure the victory in front of the home crowd at Sandy Park.

“To win the first trophy for the club was something that is historic for us. We’re obviously very grateful to be able to do that at home, in front of our home crowd. For this club, so much has gone into growing the women’s programme, so we’re really happy to have achieved that.”

Attention though, is firmly back on league affairs for Garcia and her team-mates today as they welcome table-topping Saracens to Sandy Park in the Allianz Premier 15s (12:30pm).

With a semi-final berth in their gaze for the first time, Garcia is well aware that Saracens and Bristol Bears – who visit next week – offer arguably the toughest end to the season possible for her side, but knows all too well that it’s all still to play for.

“We’re going back into the league after lots of weeks away. Every team wants to finish as high as possible and look to finish strong. The table is very close, and anything can happen. The focus though is on us and our game, but these two matches will be crucial.”

Garcia was quick to credit Saracens for what they have achieved in the league this season. The Londoners have already guaranteed a spot as table-toppers having lost once all season and, despite her side being in red-hot form, Garcia knows that her side face a tough assignment today.

“They are top of the table for a reason. They are a very good side, with an incredible pack. With the backs they have as well, they’re just a very complete team. We’re going to find it hard, even though we’re coming into the match in a very good moment and in very good form.”

One of the strengths of this Chiefs side is the strength in depth within the squad that has left Head Coach Susie Appleby with some challenging selection calls each week. Garcia admits that the need for players to continually stick their hand up for selection each week, has continued to drive standards, as everyone within the squad focuses on the bigger picture of the league table.

“We have a lot of depth right now which is really good for the team. It makes it difficult with selections but it’s a massive positive for the club. We all know that the team always comes first. Everyone puts their all into trying to secure a jersey, but we’re all fighting for a reason and with purpose,” Garcia confidently stated. “Hopefully we can leave the shirt in a better place every time we play. It’s definitely tough but it’s about the bigger picture and the team.”

With the next two matches crucial in determining where the Devonians will finish in the final shake-up, Garcia has challenged her side to be as ready as possible for the challenges that lie ahead.

“We’re doing analysis and preparing as much as possible for Saracens and then for Bristol. They’re both great teams and they’re obviously the top two teams in the league at the moment, so we need to be as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead.”

Ahead of the first crucial fixture with Saracens, a visibly excited Garcia asserted that her side were going to give everything they had at Sandy Park and, with the roar of the crowd behind them, she is confident that her side will do everything they can to secure what could prove to be a priceless victory.

“We’re going to fight for every metre. We know the crowd will be there with us and we’ve just got to fight for everything.”