Terry shines on her first start
By Harry Scott-Munro
15/2/21
Exeter Chiefs Women’s full-back Niamh Terry was all smiles at full-time, as she excelled on her first start for the club in a 17-10 victory over Worcester Warriors in the Allianz Premier 15s at Sixways.
Tries from Kate Zackary and Terry herself saw the Chiefs open up a half-time advantage, before a late score from winger Garnet Mackinder secured a fifth successive league win for Susie Appleby’s side.
“It was really good fun,” said a beaming Terry. “It was great to get a full 70 minutes on the pitch with the girls and it was really fun. I really enjoyed myself.”
Having taken the opportunities that have come her way from the bench this season, Terry feels that her careful introduction into the first team fray has been crucial in her gaining the opportunity to start.
“It’s been building up for the last few weeks, which has been really good for me, and it’s really helped me get to where I am now. I’m really loving it at the club. All the girls are so welcoming and so supportive. Even at the start today, I got lots of messages off everyone (wishing me luck) so I really appreciate that. The girls, the bench and especially Merryn (Doidge) were helping me a lot, which I really appreciate from the girls.”
Towards the mid-point of the first half, Terry crossed for a well-taken try, her first score in a Chiefs jersey, collecting a cross-field kick from Taylor Black, before brushing off the attentions of Abi Kershaw to score.
Reflecting on the score, Terry was delighted to get over the whitewash for the first time for her side.
“All credit to Taylor, it was a class kick and I was glad to get over and happy to get my first try.”
With a two-week break before her side’s next fixture against DMP Sharks, Terry is determined to now try and become a regular in Appleby’s starting XV.
“We’ll see in the next couple of weeks, but it’s something I definitely want to do (stay in the starting XV.) I’m proud to get a starting shirt and we’ll see what the next week’s hold.”