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Coaches Comments from Semi Final Victory

Coaches Comments from Semi Final Victory

Jon Hill1 May 2018 - 22:28
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Exmouth 28 Brixham 8 Devon Senior Cup Semi Final

Coaches Comments on Semi Final Success

Three days on from a dominant display against Camborne and we knew that we would have to reproduce the same levels of intensity and work rate in order to crack a strong Brixham outfit, who like ourselves , take the Devon Cup very seriously. The mental aspect was the biggest challenge no doubt , having been under so much pressure to perform at the weekend and having been on such a high at 5pm on Saturday. However, to a man, the players set the tone , and reproduced a magnificent performance that dominated Brixham for large parts of the game.

A hugely dominant scrum, a decent kick game from 18 year old fly half Harry Ottaway , and good return from line out, in tricky conditions set a real platform for us, and our drive maul game caused big problems. All four of our tries came from forwards , an area so normally associated as Brixham's strength, so very pleasing for ourselves.

Our defence was solid throughout , and was tested in the tight channels by Brixham's 'power game' . Phase after phase we repelled their big ball carriers , and worked so hard at the breakdown and with our line speed that we limited their attack. This was the most pleasing aspect for me. In the previous performance against Brixham, we lacked a desire to defend - we were the absolute opposite tonight and worked so hard for each other. The impressive leadership skills of Jack Fahy and Sam Richardson could be seen and heard by all, but everyone should take credit for fronting up again, so soon after Saturday.

After 71 minutes the referee called time on the game , safe in the knowledge that with a 20 point margin in our favour , the outcome would not be changed. No neutral would argue with the fact that the score line reflected the game, and for us now, a 6 day turnaround with one big last effort to finish the season on a high. We look to bring the cup back to our clubhouse, where it has spent 5 of the last 7 years. It will be a big challenge against an Impressive Ivybridge outfit next Monday , May 7th with a 2.30pm kick off at Ivybridge RFC.

The Ideal Cleaners Man of the Match went to Sam Richardson for his commanding display and for his two tries.

Tries : Richardson x2, Fahy, Bargent
Cons : Ottaway x3, Whelan X1

Regards

Hilly
#OneClub
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