Match Reaction - Susie Appleby

By Mark Stevens
18/9/22

Head coach Susie Appleby was full of praise for her Exeter Chiefs Women’s side after they kicked off their new season with a 73-0 thumping of DMP Sharks in the opening round of the Allianz Cup.

Winger Charlie Woodman led the way for the visitors, scoring three of their 11 tries on the day. She was joined on the scoresheet by Michaella Roberts, Maisy Allen, Nancy McGillivray, Poppy Leitch, Cliodhna Moloney, Halley Derera, Kate Buchanan and Nichola Fryday. Debutant Liz McGoverne completed the scoring by slotting nine conversions.

Post-game, Appleby gave her reaction to her side’s performance, saying: “I’m really pleased. For a first hit out, there were lots of positives and that’s what you want. Obviously, we will review the game and there are bits, especially in the second half, where I think we can improve, but it’s a good starting point.

“Some of our phase-play at times was very good and caused them real problems, whilst I thought there were some outstanding individual performances. Kate Buchanan, on her debut, was excellent as were a lot of the young girls who were playing for the first time.

“Cli Moloney impressed, Charlie Woodman got a hat-trick, which is great, and then I liked what I saw from some of the others in terms of their leadership. Some of those more experienced players really stepped up and that’s what I want to see from them, especially during this Cup competition and with others away at the World Cup.”

After the lengthy trip to the North East, it will be back to home comforts for the Chiefs this coming Saturday when they play Worcester Warriors, who themselves kicked off their Cup campaign with a 16-13 home win over Harlequins.

“We know we will need to be better again next week,” added Appleby. “It’s been a tough week for Worcester, yet they’ve shown today a real fighting spirit and they’ll bring that with them again next week. We will certainly be tested a lot more by them, so we’re going to have to work hard this week and get our prep right in time for that game.”