Match Reaction - Susie Appleby
By Harry Scott-Munro
14/05/22
Head Coach Susie Appleby was left ‘relieved’ as her side fought back to edge out Bristol Bears 29-26 and set up a repeat encounter next Sunday at Sandy Park in the semi-finals.
The Bears led at halftime thanks to converted Grace Crompton and Sarah Bern tries, with two Jennine Detiveaux tries both unconverted for the Chiefs.
In the second half though, Exeter rallied with scores from Kate Zackary and Emily Tuttosi, before a further score from Rachel Johnson, to edge their way to a nerve-shredding victory.
“It was such a weird game and definitely not how we intended to play today, but the fact that we got to the outcome we wanted is good,” sighed a very relived coach!
After a string of high-scoring victories, Appleby felt that her side will be better for being put through such a stern examination as the Bears provided.
“We needed that. We needed that sort of challenge and I hope the players have woken up to that. We’ve got to perform week-in week out. Our basics weren’t quite there today but there’s time this week to tidy those things up.”
Whilst the physicality was as high as ever from the Chiefs, basic handling errors threatened to derail the party atmosphere at Sandy Park. Appleby admitted that some of the basics ‘were lacking’ in her side’s performance but praised the record-breaking crowd for roaring her side over the line.
“Going through the footage is all about learning and growing for next Sunday. We’re physical and able enough but we didn’t quite put it all together today. But we’re very pleased to have a home semi and in front of an amazing crowd today as well. Let’s hope they all come back next week.”
On Superhero Saturday, a record-breaking crowd of over 2600 were in fine voice throughout, with Appleby explaining just how important their support was to her side.
“The crowd were really vocal and boisterous and were that sixteenth player today. They were amazing and we’re loving having them supporting us.”
With the Allianz Cup triumph in the bag and now a home semi-final secured, women’s rugby in the Southwest is growing faster than ever and Appleby made sure to take the time to highlight how the growth of women’s rugby at local level would only keep developing and aiding her side in the long term.
“The development is huge, and it’s gone through the roof. I’m off to present some awards at Teignmouth tonight but that’s the most important bit, with the way the game is growing. Everyone is involved in this journey and the grassroots is growing,” she highlighted. “I feel that we’re giving the fans something to thank them for their support. Whether it’s the perfect game or not, everyone keeps coming back and enjoying themselves.”
When probed on what sort of game her side would bring to the field next weekend, Appleby joked that she didn’t want to reveal anything, but explained that the tactical edge would be what she and her coaching team would be focusing on.
“That would be telling! It’s more tactical than physical but we’ll go away, assess and build into next week.”