Match Reaction - Susie Appleby
By Harry Scott-Munro
27/11/21
Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby was left somewhat relieved, as her side produced a sterling defensive performance to secure a 14-7 victory over Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Premier 15s at Sandy Park.
In freezing conditions, tries from Laura Sheehan and Ebony Jefferies, along with two conversions from Patricia Garcia saw the Chiefs home, as Loughborough were unable to add to Georgina Tasker’s first half score.
Speaking at full-time, Appleby admitted that she had expected Loughborough to be much-improved after a sticky star to the season.
“It was a tough encounter. Loughborough have had a tough start to the season but were much improved and really came at us physically,” she said. “They are a good, smart side. We went at it in the first half. It was cold, especially with the wind blowing down the pitch. It was a pleasing first half and some individuals really stood out. Ebony Jefferies was outstanding, and the pack did a really good job of things.”
The defensive effort of her side was something that left Appleby delighted and somewhat relieved at the final whistle. It was something she explained had been a big work on for her side – with those efforts in training coming to fruition at Sandy Park.
“It’s something that has been a real work on for us. The girls have worked really hard on it and that was very pleasing. There were quite a few opportunities that Loughborough should’ve converted there but didn’t, so that’s really pleasing.”
Despite securing the victory, Appleby felt her side could’ve performed better in the second-half, playing with the wind.
“I’m disappointed though with the second-half in all honesty. We let Loughborough back in and were a little lucky to come away with the win, but we’ll take it. When we played smart, it was pretty good, but it showed that we were a little rusty. There’s had to be some new combinations and we had to shake up the centre-field a little, but we’ll get better in the next few games.”
Appleby though, made sure to sing the praised of flanker Jefferies, who kept up her superb recent form in both attack and defence. Her performances haven’t gone unnoticed in recent weeks, with Appleby admitting that she believes the flanker should be knocking on the door of an international call-up.
“I think Ebony should be playing for England in my opinion. Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I truly believe that. She has been outstanding, especially for the last three games and earlier in the season. She just does the simple things well. She picks really good lines and without her today, we would’ve lost the game.”
Today’s match also saw first league starts for university pair Maisy Allen and Nancy McGillivray, with Appleby expressing her joy at seeing the Exeter rugby pathway really coming to the fore.
“It’s really pleasing. That is our pathway and that’s what we’re selling ourselves on. Nancy has done amazingly. She was there for the first few sessions in pre-season, then she’s played BUCS and some cup stuff, and she did really well today,” Appleby explained. “Her appetite for learning is massive and so is Maisy’s. Between them, they are a massive advert for what we have going on here. That’s how we are going to grow our team, coupled with international superstars.”
Despite the victory, the Head Coach acknowledged that there were things for her side to work on ahead of the trip to Worcester Warriors next week, with Appleby poised for another tough encounter.
“It will be interesting up there. Sixways is a really tough place to go and it’s an evening kick off so it will be cold again! We need to make some adjustments this week but hopefully then, we’ll go up there and do a job. Worcester are a really good side. They’re doing well in the league and they’ve made some really good signings and have a really good pack. They are very solid upfront and have made a lot of improvements that are showing.”