Academy side to face Exmouth

By Mark Stevens
22/8/17

Rob Gibson says the Exeter Chiefs youngsters on show in Thursday’s friendly at Exmouth (6:45pm) must make the most of the opportunity afforded to them.

The youthful Chiefs will head to the Imperial Ground in the now annual pre-season fixture determined to make their mark and show the watching coaches that they are capable of making the step up.

Already the likes of Sam Morley, Sal M’Boge and Joe Elderkin have been given a taste of first team action, but others could well follow in their footsteps with potential A League and Anglo-Welsh Cup action a real incentive.

“Thursday should be a good test for the boys,” said Asst Academy Manager Gibson. “The guys have been together for a number of weeks, working hard in pre-season, and now they have the chance to go out on Thursday and show what they are about.

“It’s a strong group of players made up from the various Colleges, our Apprenticeship scheme and our links with the University. Each year we are seeing this outreach group get stronger and stronger, but at the same time these players can see what can be achieved if they really focus and put everything into their game.

“Already a few of the players in this squad have been involved in things like the Premiership 7s and Saturday’s pre-season friendly for the Chiefs, but I think a number of the others could - if they work hard, listen to instructions and play well - make it into things like the A League.”

With the bar been risen each year in terms of the Academy, Gibson admits it’s imperative that players prove their worth when given the chance to shine in games such as this.

“We’ve been very fortunate over the years to have some exceptional talent come through the Academy system and into the first team and beyond,” added the New Zealander. ‘However, those that have made the step up have worked very hard to get to where they have.

“Every season the standards rise within the Academy, so it’s important that every player involved knows what is expected of them and what they must do to ultimately progress within the game.”

Admission for the game is £5 for adults, while it’s free for Under-16s.

CHIEFS ACADEMY SIDE TO PLAY EXMOUTH

15 Joe Elderkin

14 Ed Hayward

13 Sal M’Boge

12 Suva Ma’asi

11 Max Himbury

10 Sam Morley

9 Aaron Bagwell

1 James Kenny

2 Ben Phillips

3 Danny Southworth

4 Charlie Morgan

5 Jake Clemson

6 Charlie Fetney

7 James McRae

8 Ben Oliphant Thompson

Replacements (from): Callum Young, Jack Hodge, Josh Peters, Kas Ellman, Rory Lorimer, Greg Dubois, Gwyn Parks, Toby Williams