Doncaster Knights v Exeter Chiefs
Chiefs
By GettingHappierByTheMatch
April 21 2008
Getting Happier By The Match predicts an away win for the Chiefs at Doncaster. He also predicts a close match with both sides scoring well. The Chiefs will be looking for 5 points to ensure they end the season with the 2nd spot in National League 1.
Match Preview
Doncaster Knights v Exeter Chiefs
We have now got to the final match of the season and finish with the lengthy 258 mile journey to Doncaster. And what a great place Doncaster is!
Doncaster has been the birth place of many fine and famous folk. Take one Jeremy Clarkson. He was born in Donny on 11 April 1960 and had his education funded by his parents business – selling Paddington Bear stuffed toys! After being expelled from public school he joined the family business and became a travelling Paddington Bear salesman. Also, the even more famous Thomas Crapper was born in the area about 170 years ago.
Doncaster’s ground, Castle Park, is five minutes away from the M18 so not too hard to find for any brave fans making their way to watch. In 2001 the ground had £2.4 million spent on it bringing it right up to date and becoming the envy of most rival ND1 clubs. Despite the modern ground, the main attraction has to be the Cow Pies served in the clubhouse – I have been told that they can fill the hungriest of fans (or players alike)!
Doncaster Knights have risen up the leagues rapidly and last season they finished in third place. Not bad for a team in its second year at ND1 level! The average gate this season has been about 1/3 of the Chief’s gate. Even so, there should be a good turnout to see the final match of the season.
Despite the final result not making any difference to Doncaster’s final position (depending on which league table you look at) in the league, I would expect that both teams will give their all and it should be a very entertaining and close match. My prediction is a win for the Chiefs (as I always predict), final score Donny 27, Exe 31. Bonus points all round!!
Northampton Saints’ long-serving prop Chris Budgen has signed to Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2008/09 season.
Budgen signed to Saints in 2001 on the recommendation of Rugby World Cup winner Garry Pagel after coming up against the Army lance corporal in a cup game.
The tighthead, who has played across the front row for Northampton, was playing for the then-named Birmingham-Solihull when he propped, and impressed, against the South African giant in the sixth round of the Tetley’s Bitter Cup in the 2000/01 season.
Since then, Budged, aged 35, has played in 134 games for Northampton including 85 Premiership games and 44 European matches.
Chiefs’ director of rugby Pete Drewett said: “Chris Budgen should fill a hole left by Craig Dunlea superbly in that he can play in all three front row positions and has had exceptional experience with Saints and the Army, which he will now be bringing to the club.”
Budgen said: “After sevens seasons with Northampton, I am ready for a new challenge and I look forward to competing with the other props at Sandy Park for game-time with Exeter Chiefs. My family are also looking forward to making the move down to Devon and making the South West our new home.”
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P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS..
..CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS