Appleby 'excited' as new fixtures confirmed
By Mark Stevens
6/8/21
Susie Appleby says her Exeter Chiefs Women’s side cannot wait to get stuck into the action again following the publication of the Allianz Premier 15s fixtures today.
Fresh from finishing sixth in their debut season, the Chiefs have made no secret of the fact they want to build on the foundations they set last season, where they came a hugely impressive sixth.
Ten victories in 18 starts underlined the strength of the Devonians who, by the end of the season, had recorded victories against all of the top four sides, including defeating eventual champions Harlequins back in February at Sandy Park.
Appleby, though, is not one for resting on her laurels and already she is focusing her thoughts to the new campaign, which will kick-off in earnest with a Westcountry derby at Bristol Bears Women on September 4.
“Bristol first up, it’s a great local derby to get us underway,” continued Appleby. “It’ll be a good challenge, especially as they have recruited well and they have some great players, but you can say the same about us!
“After that, Sale at home, it’s another great game. Obviously, we beat them quite convincingly down here last season, but they turned us over up at their place later in the season – and then after that, we go to Harlequins, who showed their class last season by winning the league.
“Overall, I’m pleased with the start. As I said, it’s exciting for all of us, not just because we’ll be starting up again, but I think the league this season will be incredibly competitive.”
“I guess the over-riding feeling amongst the group right now is one of excitement,” said the Chiefs head coach. “We’re well into our pre-season programme now and we’re just keen to get going again and pick up from where we left off last season.
“The big difference this time around is that we’re not starting from scratch. Of course, it’s not going to perfect, it never is in sport, but at this stage we’re working hard and we’re looking to push on once again.”
With the Chiefs set to entertain rivals Wasps Ladies in a pre-season fixture at Sandy Park on Saturday, August 21 (2pm), Appleby says that fixture will give her a perfect gauge of where her side are leading into that opening clash against the Bears.
“We’re not quite ready yet,” added Appleby. “The Wasps fixture in a couple of weeks, that’ll be a good test for us. Not only are we coming up against a top side, but we’ll see how the things we have been working on come to fruition.”
After kicking off the new Premier 15s campaign away to the Bears, the Chiefs will entertain Sale Sharks in Round Two on Sunday, September 12 (2pm), before travelling to Harlequins on Saturday, September 18 in Round Three.
As well as fixtures in the Premier 15s, the Chiefs Women will also experience their first taste of Cup action, having been drawn against Sale Sharks, Worcester Warriors, Loughborough Lightning and Saracens.
It’s league matters, however, that will occupy the thoughts of Appleby and the Chiefs over these coming weeks.
