Appleby's joy as Chiefs secure first win
By Harry Scott-Munro
7/11/20
Delighted Exeter Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby was full of praise for her side after they secured their first-ever victory in the Allianz Premier 15s with a 19-7 triumph over visiting Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park.
Tries from Lottie Holland, Emily Tuttosi and Laura Delgado, plus two conversions from the impressive Gabby Cantorna, sealed a historic win for the Devonians who have adapted well to their maiden campaign in the women’s top flight.
Returning to action after a break in play for the culmination of the Six Nations Championship, Appleby hailed the fighting spirit of her side against the Warriors, who had opened the scoring through a converted try from Vicky Foxwell.
“That first try for them was an interception just through a poor decision, so they hadn’t necessarily deserved it,” said Appleby. “The good thing was it didn’t dampen the confidence of what we were doing, so that was really pleasing.”
Despite an early score in the second half from Laura Delgado, Appleby still wants to see more from her side, adding: “Second half was probably a little disappointing that we didn’t kick on a little but, ultimately, to get a win and to learn how to win, and what it feels like, is really important for a team that is very young.”
Appleby was also full of praise for Olivia De Merchant, Laura Delgado and Patricia Garcia, all of whom made their first starts for the club.
“They did some things really well. Patricia, I love Patricia, she’s in the ref’s ear which he was hating but I was loving. Liv had some really good bits, some good defensive bits and Bimba [Delgado] was outstanding. She was everything we expected of her and more. She thought she had a quiet game, so that bodes well for the future doesn’t it?’
There was also a word for the influential American pair of flanker Kate Zackary and inside centre Gabby Cantorna, both of whom were the lynchpins of a superb defensive effort from the Chiefs.
“They’re our American superstars,” said a smiling Appleby. “Gabby was huge, some great reads in that outside channel, which just nullified everything Worcester were trying to do. Kate Zackary is just a whirlwind in a really good way and a natural leader.”
Despite the obvious pleasure at securing a first Allianz Premier 15s victory, Appleby and her coaching staff are already turning their attention to next week’s encounter with DMP Sharks.
“Everyone has done really well today and the most important thing is we take this win, we’ve learnt that we can win, and we take it forward to Darlington next week.”
The most pleasing aspect of the performance for Appleby was the competition it will now create within the squad, as players vie for a spot in the match-day side.
“We’ve got people coming back from injury and we’ve got players that are starting to come into some form,” said Appleby. “We’ve got players that are now into their fourth game and really gaining momentum in how they’re performing. I think it’s really going to up the ante at training.”