Match Reaction - Susie Appleby
By Harry Scott-Munro
17/4/22
Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby was left beaming after her side put in a swashbuckling performance to defeat Westcountry rivals Bristol Bears 66-0 to book their place in the final of the Allianz Cup.
In front of a bumper Sandy Park crowd, the Chiefs – who will face Harlequins at the same venue this Saturday – scored ten tries in all, with Hope Rogers and Jennine Detiveaux bagging doubles, with further scores from Kate Zackary, Linde van der Velden, Clara Nielson, Charlie Willett and Daisy French, with a penalty try rounding off the scoring.
“It was absolutely brilliant. It was a game of two halves, and we were a bit rusty in the first half having not played for three weeks, but that was a really pleasing second half,” beamed Appleby.
The first half saw the Chiefs led 14-0 after a solo effort from Zackary and a close-range drive from Rogers.
Whilst they only scored two tries in the first half, the Chiefs defence was resolute, with Appleby thrilled with how her side wore down the Bears.
“It’s a game of attrition. It was very physical. Our defence was so strong in the first half and really took the wind out of their sails. That physical encounter takes its toll,” she explained. “Once it got to 60 minutes, the spaces opened and fortunately, we took the opportunities in that second half.”
The arrival of Patricia Garcia onto the pitch also saw a huge milestone for the Spaniard, as she moved beyond 100 points in an Exeter Chiefs jersey. Appleby was left speechless at hearing the Spaniard had reached the milestone and stated how she was going to make sure that her side celebrated the feat.
“I didn’t know that. Patricia has been phenomenal, and I’m quite taken aback by that. We will make sure we celebrate it.”
The Cup competition has seen Appleby test the depth of her squad with performances and a place in the final a perfect reward for the efforts of her entire squad.
“We’re doing really well. It’s a squad of 50+ who are all competing. There’s more to come but for now we’re so pleased with where we’re at. That’s the beauty of the squad. Players are in and out but every time they come in, they’re really adding value and we make sure we tell them that they are. We all know our shapes and what we do, so it’s easier to slot back in.”
Appleby also highlighted how the togetherness of the group and the relationship they were building with the support base meant so much to the group.
“It’s a real family feel here. It’s the squad, the crowd and all of us staff here at Chiefs. It’s just fantastic. We’re so grateful to all those people who came to watch and hope they come back for what will be an exciting game next week.”
Whilst Appleby admits that “it’s a really big week,” for her side, she was quick to credit the performances of several of her players, including returning England Under-20s captain Maisy Allen, who put in a barnstorming performance at open-side flanker.
“Loads of people put their hands up today. Maisy Allen was outstanding. But there were so many people putting their hands up on that pitch. It showed what our whole squad can do, which is so exciting. Whether it’s cup or league, we’re on this journey together.”
This weekend’s final against Harlequins will be held at Sandy Park, with Appleby calling on the supporters to make the trip to Sandy Park as her side look to claim their first-ever silverware.
“The boys are playing on Sunday, so I’m hoping we have a huge crowd of our regulars and even more. We want everyone to come here on Saturday for another great game of rugby. Every time we play Quins, it’s a great game, so I don’t think Saturday will be any different,” she laughed.
“The fact we’ve made a volume in our second season speaks volumes of what we’re building down here.”