Hepher happy with home win

 

By Mark Stevens
25/2/17

Ali Hepher insists Exeter Chiefs still have plenty to work on despite claiming maximum reward from their 36-14 Aviva Premiership win over Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park.

James Short (pictured) scored twice for the home side, alongside a penalty try and further touchdowns for Harry Williams and Sam Skinner, as the Chiefs moved up to second in the standings.

Newcastle - to their credit - proved worthy opponents down in Devon, particularly in the first half where they led twice through converted tries from Vereniki Goneva and Rob Vickers.

However, a miserly defensive display from the Chiefs in the second period, plus a clinical edge in attack saw them collect their ninth league win of the season.

“We always knew we were going to have to work hard for it,” said backs coach Hepher at the final whistle. “They are a good side, they are on good form and came down here with a lot of confidence.

“The important thing for us was to win the game first up, but the bonus point was fantastic and they are invaluable for us at the minute. What we have got to improve on is probably our defence, especially early on, though in the second half we were outstanding in that area, when we knew they would be running the ball quite a lot into the wind.

“Thankfully we defended a lot better in the second half than we did in the first and that in turn allowed us to kick on and get the bonus point.”

Once again the Chiefs were caught out by a strong start to the game from the Falcons, who opened their account inside five minutes through the dangerous Goneva.

Hepher added: “There is no real reason for us starting slowly, but it’s something we need to look at and certainly eradicate if we can. If we’re honest, we tried to over complicate things at times in that first half - and we took pace off the ball and were hesitant at times. When we were direct and carried hard, that was when we got our rewards.

“As I said, we have plenty to work on, but overall we’re pleased with the guys and how hard they worked because that was how they reaped the benefits.”

Whilst Short took the headlines for a second successive week, Hepher was quick to pay tribute to the contribution of young fly-half Joe Simmonds (pictured), who impressed on his first-ever Premiership start for the Chiefs.

“We’re really pleased with Joe,” said Hepher. “He stepped in today with no dramas and looked rock solid out there. He’s been like that ever since he came into the club and he’s taking every little step in his stride. What we like is that he keeps things simple; he’s got great ability on the ball; and he’s a real promising prospect. He’s know he still has lots to learn, but we’re pleased with how he is improving week by week.”

With regular playmaker Gareth Steenson forced to sit out the visit of the Falcons due to a hamstring injury, Simmonds could well get another chance to shine in Friday’s upcoming clash with Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

Hepher knows better than most the threat posed by the Tigers on home soil and says the Chiefs will need to be at their very best to come away with anything.

“Leicester are going well and they had another good win last night [against Harlequins],” warned Hepher. “At the moment it’s all up for grabs in that top four, even the top six, so it’s important we keep producing results and picking up the points.”