Braves side to face Bristol

By Mark Stevens
19/12/16

Defending champions Exeter Braves can move to the top of the Aviva A League Southern group if they can overcome rivals Bristol United at Sandy Park tonight (7:30pm).

Back-to-back victories in the competition over Harlequins (39-22) and Bath United (42-22) have helped lift Ricky Pellow’s side to third in the standings, three points adrift of leaders Saracens Storm and two behind this evening’s visitors.

However, Saracens have played a game more than both the Braves and Bristol, so the victory stakes have been raised ahead of what is the second meeting of the two teams this season.
Back in October the Braves played host to Bristol in a friendly encounter at Sandy Park, winning that night 26-10, courtesy of tries from AJ Cant, Harrison Cully and Marcus Street (2), plus further kicks from Will Hooley and Joe Simmonds.

Ahead of kick-off tonight, Pellow expects his side to undergo a stiff examination from a Bristol side, who have won twice and lost just once in the A League this season.

Skippering the Braves side will be England international Tom Johnson and he will be joined in a powerful pack, which also includes the likes of Moray Low, Damian Welch and Ben White. Behind, Dave Lewis and Joe Simmonds form the half-back pairing with Italian international Michele Campagnaro lining up in the centre.

Fijian international Niko Matawalu, who featured in Exeter's last win over Bath United, misses the game due to a hand injury, while Tongan hooker Elvis Taione is also ruled out due to a broken thumb.

“We know Bristol will come down to us with a strong side, so we have to be ready to meet that challenge head on,” said the Cornishman. “We have, however, put in two very good performances against Harlequins and Bath in our last two games and it’s important we build on those successes.

“Again the game offers a great opportunity for the players to put their hands up and stake a claim for first team places, we’ve got a very big block of Premiership games coming up and we need all the guys firing on all cylinders.”

Season Ticket, 1905 and Gold Card members can all gain FREE entry to the game as part of their seasonal package. For all others entry into the game is £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s or Students.

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE BRISTOL UNITED

15 Ted Landray
14 AJ Cant
13 Michele Campagnaro
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Harry Strong
10 Joe Simmonds
9 Dave Lewis
1 Moray Low
2 Shaun Malton
3 Jack Owlett
4 Damian Welch
5 Sam Skinner
6 Ben White
7 Sam Simmonds
8 Tom Johnson (capt)

16 Jack Innard
17 Billy Keast
18 Marcus Street
19 Ed Holmes
20 Tom Lawday
21 Haydn Thomas
22 Joe Elderkin
23 Nick Mason