Braves side to face Newcastle Falcons

By Mark Stevens
23/4/18

Ricky Pellow says his Exeter Braves side have given themselves a "great opportunity" of securing Aviva A League glory ahead of tonight's semi-final encounter with Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park (7:30pm).

After emerging as Southern Group winners with just one blemish on their record in nine games, the Braves are just one game away from securing their place in the final against either Northampton Saints or Harlequins, who meet in tonight's other semi-final.

Pellow is hoping home advantage, coupled with the fact that many of tonight's line-up helped the Devon club to lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup last month, can prove a key factor as the Braves look to claim a third A League crown in eight years.

"It's another great opportunity for us to get into another final and potentially win some more silverware for the club," said the Cornishman. "We know we're going to be up against a very strong Newcastle side, who have done very well in their group, but we're excited about the challenge and hopefully all of the guys will rise to the occasion."

As well as being able to call upon a large nucleus of the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Pellow will also been able to include in his starting line-up, centre Michele Campagnaro. The Italian international has not featured since injuring his knee in pre-season against Cardiff Blues, but he is back not only to boost the Braves side, but also put himself in the frame to play some part in the final weeks of the Premiership season.

"The players have worked incredibly hard during the A League this season - and their reward for that is to be at home on Monday night," added Pellow. "Now, we've got to make the most of that advantage and really drive in another big performance. If we can do that, I think it will not only give us a good lift to take into the Sale game this weekend, but it will give this group of players something really tangible to really go after over this next week or so.

"The mood within the camp is really positive, we're all really excited about playing in a semi-final, and we're hoping that a big crowd will turn up to help cheer the guys on."

Season Ticket Holders, Gold Card and 1905 members can gain FREE entry to this evening's game as part of their seasonal package, while admission for all others is £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s or Students.

BRAVES TEAM TO FACE NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

16 Jack Innard
17 Billy Keast
18 Jack Owlett
19 Sean Lonsdale
20 Josh Caulfield
21 Joe Snow
22 Harvey Skinner
23 Harry Strong