Braves side for A League Final

By Mark Stevens
30/4/18

Ricky Pellow is confident his Exeter Braves side can put the seal on another impressive campaign by lifting the Aviva A League title with victory over Northampton Wanderers this evening (7:30pm).

The Braves booked their place in tonight's showpiece at Franklin's Gardens by dispatching of Newcastle Falcons 50-14 in last week's semi-final.

Pellow's side ran in eight tries that night in a polished display, which followed up an impressive qualifying period for the Devon club, who lost just once - away to Saracens - during the Southern Group stages.

Tonight, however, they will face stiff opposition in the form of the Wanderers, who like the Braves, have also shown their strength during the course of the competition. Last Monday's home win over Harlequins set-up this latest match-up and Pellow is aware of the threat the Midlanders pose.

"We're expecting a tough game up at Northampton," warned the Cornishman. "They've shown during the qualifying rounds what they are capable of and they've produced some very good results. That said, as a group we're really looking forward to this evening's game as it's opportunity for this group of players to finish off a great campaign in style.

"I know the players are really excited about the game, but they are also fully focused on the task ahead. It's not only another Cup Final for the guys, but it's also a big opportunity for all of them to put their hand up and say they want to be part of what is going to be a big two or three weeks for the club moving forward.

"We saw last week some really outstanding performances, not just individually, but collectively, and we want more of the same up at Northampton."

The Braves, who will again be skippered by flanker James Freeman, remain largely unchanged from the side that beat the Falcons last time out. Billy Keast comes in at loosehead with Scottish international Moray Low moved to tight-head following a knee injury to Marcus Street.  The other change in the pack sees Sean Lonsdale get the nod over Wilhelm Van Der Sluys at lock.

On the bench, Danny Southworth fills the void left following the promotion of Keast into the starting line-up.

Exeter's back division remains the same and has plenty of experience with the likes of Will Chudley, James Short, Tom Hendrickson, Michele Campagnaro, Tom O'Flaherty and Max Bodilly all starting.

EXETER BRAVES SIDE TO FACE NORTHAMPTON

15 Max Bodilly
14 Tom O'Flaherty
13 Michele Campagnaro
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 James Short
10 Sam Morley
9 Will Chudley
1 Billy Keast
2 Shaun Malton
3 Moray Low
4 Toby Salmon
5 Sean Lonsdale
6 James Freeman (capt)
7 Matt Kvesic
8 Tom Lawday

16 Jack Innard
17 James Kenny
18 Danny Southworth
19 Wilhelm Van Der Sluys
20 Josh Caulfield
21 Joe Snow
22 Harvey Skinner
23 Harry Strong