Match report: Exeter Chiefs Women 12 - 41 Gloucester-Hartpury
Caroline Moore at Sandy Park
Poppy Leitch’s 100th game did not bring the fairytale ending everyone was hoping for today even if Claudia MacDonald’s return to play did sprinkle on some festive cheer.
A scoreless first half was a tough watch at Sandy Park even though Chiefs had early chances that were frustratingly held up despite Hope Rogers’ best efforts.
Fifteen minutes gone and Gloucester-Hartpury got into their stride. They earned a penalty at scrum-time and kicked to touch to get away from their own try-line. Winger Mia Venner evaded Chiefs' usually solid defence and tore down the wing to score with full-back Emma Sing converting from the touchline
A Chiefs knock-on gifted the visitors some possession and Venner almost slipped through again. The ball went to ground before going back through the backs for Pip Hendy to score on the other wing.
As Chiefs continued to struggle to contain Gloucester-Hartpury, flanker Bethan Lewis burst through for try number three.
The right wing became the visitors’ go-to spot to threaten leaving gaps to open up in Chiefs’ defence on the left for Hendy to score again.
Half-time: 0-29
The crowd were still right behind Chiefs as they ran out for the second half but when they got their first scrum in their own 22, Gloucester-Hartpury turned it over, which we've not seen this so far this season.
The Gloucester-Hartpury forwards were so dominant and when they kicked a penalty to touch, the maul rolled with ease to help Neve Jones go over the line for try number five.
The tide started to turn a little with a huge kick from Alex Tessier for a decent exit, the introduction of Rachel Johnson and a penalty at the scrum.
And as the game entered its last quarter, Chiefs were desperately trying their best to get out of their own half with fit-again MacDonald trying to take on everyone!
Chiefs scored at last in the 69th minute after Tessier kicked a penalty to touch for a lineout. It was caught by Johnson to set up the driving maul and taken over the line by flanker Maddie Feaunati.
However, Gloucester-Hartpury had more to say with a score from replacement centre Hannah Jones.
Chiefs tried to inject some Christmas cheer into proceedings with last-gasp try from Charli Jacoby. It came from close range but who cares?
Not the result we were looking for but good to see MacDonald back on the field and a noisy crowd in attendance.
Full-time: 12-41
Exeter Chiefs Women: M Doidge; S Poulin (C MacDonald 54), N McGillivray, A Tessier, K Buchanan; L McGoverne (T Perry 54), F Robinson (vc) H Rogers (M Nelson 54), C Moloney (E Tuttosi 540, D Menin (C Jacoby 54), P Leith (c), L van der Velden (N Orchard 60), D Wall, E Jefferies (R Johnson 46), M Feaunati, D Wall
L Nye,
Tries: Feaunati, Jacoby
Cons: Tess
Gloucester-Hartpury: E Sing;M Venner,J Shekells (H Jones 65), T Heard, P Hendy; L George (E Green 62), N Hunt (cc) (M Davies 65); M Carson (K Buggy 62), N Jones (L Simpson 62), M Muir (S Tuipulotu 62), S Beckett (S Else 57), Z Aldcroft (cc), K Williams, B Lewis (G Brock 57), A Matthews
Tries: Venner (2), Hendy (2), Evans, N Jones, H Jones
Con: Sing (3)
Referee: J James
Attendance: 2,304