Allen's joy as Chiefs reach Cup final
By Harry Scott-Munro
19/4/22
Returning flanker Maisy Allen admitted that it was “just brilliant” to pull on an Exeter Chiefs jersey again as her side put on an Easter blockbuster to brush aside Bristol Bears 66-0 in the semi-finals of the Allianz Cup at Sandy Park.
Susie Appleby’s side were at their ruthless best, helping themselves to ten tries in total to help set up a final showdown against Harlequins this Saturday at Sandy Park (3pm).
Tries from the American contingent of Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers (2) and Jennine Detiveaux (2) set the Chiefs on their way, before further tries from Clara Nielson, Daisy French, Charlie Willett, Linde van der Velden and a penalty try sealed their success.
Fresh from featuring for the England Under-20s in recent weeks, Allen was in fine form on her Chiefs return.
“It’s been brilliant,” she said of her call-up. “It’s been weird not playing with the girls, but to come back and get such a big win is just brilliant. It's amazing, it's really tight competition here, but to play alongside the girls is so good."
Allen was one of five Chiefs to perform for the national side and she admitted the experience of pulling on the Red Rose has only whetted her appetite for more glory in the future.
“It’s been great. It’s been an emotional journey and we built loads as a group. We didn’t quite get France at the end at home, but there was so much progression for us.”
After a defence-dominated first-half, the Chiefs led by 14 points, with Allen explaining that the messages at half-time were all about making the most of the ball in hand.
“It was a half-time talk about getting the ball and keeping possession. Defensively we were solid. We were making big shots and they weren’t getting through us. The second half was about taking the opportunities. We came out, found the extra few percent and took the opportunities.”
Allen was also quick to credit the crowd at Sandy Park, as they roared her side to victory, explaining how much it meant to the squad to see so many young fans in the stands as well.
“It’s massive with this crowd. They help so much with their energy. You speak to them all after the game and then there’s the little kids as well. It’s so nice to catch up with everyone.”
Allen was quick to admit that her side have “already got the buzz,” ahead of next weekend’s final, but acknowledged that whilst this was a memorable victory, all eyes now were firmly fixed on the final against Harlequins.
“The feeling after the game was massive. We’re preparing now for a big week ahead and we can’t wait for it.”