Chiefs notch 1st away Prem Win
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By TCB
October 31 2010
TCB looks back at the reason for his "happiest hangover".
SARACENS 9 EXETER CHIEFS 23
I still keep pinching myself. It was an extraordinary day that will live long in the memory.
It was my first away trip to an Aviva Premiership match and also my first time on the Supporters Coach. All in all, a day of firsts.
Two coaches, containing just under 70 fans, left Apple Lane at just after 9am for the 4 hour trip to the lovely(?) town of Watford. Our coach journey was largely uneventful but it seems the other coach had a little incident on the way which delayed their arrival a little.
Around the Slough area we passed another coach with what appeared to be Bath fans. Where they were headed I have no idea as they were not playing until Sunday.
So to Watford, what a charming place it is, not. It certainly makes you realise how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. The sun had gone over the yardarm so we headed off to the nearest pub, The Oddfellows, have received directions from a very helpful Steward. A couple of beers were taken and we also had a friendly chat with some Sarries fans.
Then off to the ground. I think it would be fair to say that Vicarage Road has seen better days. One area of the ground has actually been condemned. The bar staff were very efficient though and more beer was taken.
I must point out at this time that I had been saying to my mates who also travelled up that I had a feeling that today was going to be a special day.
Three o'clock and kick off time.
The opening quarter of the match was very uncompromising, no quarter being given by either team. We were looking good going forward and Sarries were looking very dangerous with the ball in hand. Sarries took the lead with a penalty, after missing an earlier attempt and we responded in kind not long after. The rest of the first half followed the same pattern as the first quarter but it was end to end stuff. Then, just before half time, we broke through their defence and Ryan Davis jinked over to touch down and make the score 3 - 8. Davis converted with the aid of the upright to make it 3 - 10. A bit lucky perhaps but it just started to give you the feeling that this could go our way.
Half Time Saracens 3 Exeter Chiefs 10
We had a beer at half time. Had to be done really.
On to the second half. Sarries had obviously been given a kick up the backside at half time and came out fired up. We still looked pretty good though with the ball in hand.
Then came a moment (well, more like 10 minutes I think) that changed the game for me. Sarries were looking very dangerous and had a couple of scrums on our 5m line. They were then camped on our line just battering away at our defence and it seemed almost inevitable that they were get a try. Our defence was immense though, as RB put it afterwards, they tackled as though their lives depended on it. Not only did we not give away a try or even a penalty we actually shoved them back and forced them into an error and the Ref awarded us a penalty and our lines were cleared.
I think this knocked the stuffing out of Sarries a bit and allowed us to get back into the game. Penalties were exchanged and the game was on a knife edge and could have gone either way.
Then, just as Sarries were pressing hard again we turned them over and made a great break which was finished off by Sturgess, needless to say The Tribe were going ballistic. The try was converted by Davis who was having a great game and really taking his chance in the starting lineup. Saracens 9 Exeter Chiefs 20.
At this point there was about 6 or 7 minutes left. We safely took the ball at the restart and I think we were all shouting for the lads to stick the ball up their jumper and run the clock down London Irish style. But no, not the Chiefs. Confidence was high and they started throwing the ball around, kicking and chasing and generally looking like they wanted to score more points. And that is exactly what the did when the very nice Ref gave us a penalty with just over a minute to run. Again, slotted superbly by Davis to make the score Saracens 9 Exeter Chiefs 23. The next play was the last and the final whistle was blown.
Final Score Saracens 9 Exeter Chiefs 23
We had done it. Our first away scalp in the Premiership and a big one at that.
The travelling Tribe had been going bonkers for the final 10 minutes or so, completely drowning out the Sarries fans and the Tomahawk Chop ruled at Vicarage Road. The players and Rob Baxter came over to The Tribe to thank them for the support and I don't think I have ever seen Rob Baxter with such a beaming smile on his face, well ok, maybe he did after Bristol Part 2 as well.
Fair play to the Sarries fans, they were very gracious in defeat and wished us well. They were a great bunch and I know we will reciprocate their hospitality when they come to Sandy Park.
So, back to the pub for a beer. The place was heaving so I thought I'd start a quick rendition of the Chop which seemed to go down quite well.
We left Watford at 6pm, the coach absolutely buzzing. Arriving back in Exeter just before 10pm we decided to go and celebrate the victory. So, off we went into town. Loads of people came up to us, noticing our Chiefs shirts, and saying what a great victory it was.
I'm not sure exactly what time I got in but today (Sunday) I have got probably the happiest hangover I've ever had. A huge thanks to all the travelling support, I met a few who post on this site, I remember having a laugh with LittleTommyHawk in the pub after the game.
All in all, it was a special day. If you have never been to an away game before, you have to go. The support is fantastic and is really helping to boost our reputation in the Premiership.
Lastly, RB, all the Staff and especially the Players, fantastic effort, great game. I can't single out one player for my Man of the Match because I thought they were all immense.
Long may it continue.
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Come on you Chiefs!!
Early night tonight methinks.
Tony
I woke up at 5.30am this morning, smiling, and got up to have a look on the pc and see the reaction to the game. I normally have a lie in on Sundays.
Strange what a good win can do for you.
Tony
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:10:31:20:25:17 by Zymurgy.
If you want to put off the amateur reporters, the best way is to start being picky.
Great day, whether beer fuelled or not, what I remember is the sight of a front row forward out running a seasoned professional back, and displays of huge emotion from our avid travelling supporters.
We may have to start resting some of the Tribe, because I'm not sure we can all make it to May without permanent loss of voice.
Thanks TCB for a good report. It set the scene very well.
Quote:3 wheels on my wagon
ETC give the guy a chance, we're not professional reporters, there are plenty of others out there to do the professional reports. This is supposed to be a supporters eye view of the proceedings, if that is a little blurred, or the memory is a bit hazy then that's all part of it.
If you want to put off the amateur reporters, the best way is to start being picky.
Great day, whether beer fuelled or not, what I remember is the sight of a front row forward out running a seasoned professional back, and displays of huge emotion from our avid travelling supporters.
We may have to start resting some of the Tribe, because I'm not sure we can all make it to May without permanent loss of voice.
I know that, I'm an amateur myself - I wasn't meaning to cause offence, sorry if I did so.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:10:31:21:03:28 by ExTeddChief.
I had actually read at least 6 match reports, didn't make any difference though. I blame it all on the headache.
I'm going to bed now.
Tony
When you watch the ITV4 highlights there's a great quote from Martin Gillingham: "What a sight! Modern rugby at its best. A prop forward at full tilt outpacing an England wing".
Was great to see Sturge getting some limelight even in slowmo. Easy to forget but he's been one of our most consistent performers in the last couple of years.
Quote:Hill Barton Brave
They don't have to be 100% accurate to be good.
Thanks again Tony for the review. Those who seek 100% can always volunteer
BTW, where did the new back come from? I only saw the 1 on his back but couldn't make out the other number..
Cheers LP
Quote:Zymurgy
Now on ITV4 , started at 8 but Chiefs not been shown yet. If you've missed it it's repeated on ITV1 at 1.05 am
Its also normally on ITV4 on Monday at 6pm.
...
160 mins without a try being conceeded with defence like that we really can start looking up the table rather than down. To do this on the road is even more special at SP with the 16th man in full cry is one thing but that was something special on Saturday. The scenes at the final whistle reminded me of that soggy night in Bristol that meant days like this could be posible. The team and the squad are improving week to week and that is the main thing.