Champions challenge excites Doidge
By Harry Scott-Munro
19/3/21
Exeter Chiefs back Merryn Doidge insists her side will “take it by the horns” as they prepare for a potentially season-defining match against Saracens in the Allianz Premier 15s at the StoneX Stadium tomorrow (2pm).
Last time out against Wasps saw the Chiefs fight back from a 15-point deficit to secure a pulsating 31-29 win that leaves them still in the hunt for a play-off place in their debut season.
With last week serving as a rest week for much of the Premier 15s, it gave Doidge time to reflect on “a great contest” that served as “a really good advert for the women’s game.”
That result in Acton extended the Chiefs unbeaten run to seven games, that included the scalp of Saracens back at the end of January, as the Chiefs ended the Londoners 33-match unbeaten run in the competition.
Doidge has been a mainstay of every starting XV this season for the Chiefs and credits the togetherness of the side for their remarkable run of form.
“We’ve had a great run,” she said. “Our cohesiveness is really showing on the pitch. It’s the little learns that we take from each week that are really getting us up there. Ultimately, the development of the team is the most important. The winning streak has been really positive for us.”
As always with Susie Appleby’s side, the key phrase is “the little learns,” with all the players buying into the mantra of small individual improvements aiding the collective squad effort and showing the rest of the league what they are capable of.
“In training it’s been full force and doing our usual thing, working together as a cohesive unit on those little things that we want to put right for this weekend,” explains Doidge. “When they (Saracens) came to us it was a real tes,t but it’s getting other teams to know what we’re capable of and I think we showed that last time. Everyone is really excited for this weekend.”
Injuries in the backline and the emergence of Niamh Terry have seen Doidge switch from full-back to the wing in the last couple of fixtures, where she will continue this weekend. Equally comfortable in either position, she insists that minutes on the field are the most valuable for her, whatever position that may be in.
“I’ve played on the wing before and it’s great to get playing wherever I can. I’m happy to step in there because ultimately it’s about the team.”
Despite the result against the Chiefs earlier in the season, Saracens have continued to run like a well-oiled machine, currently sitting six points clear at the top of the table. Despite their obvious ability, Doidge is hopeful her side can put in another strong performance against the champions.
“Saracens have got an amazing team, they’re an excellent side with threats all over the park, but when we’re cohesive, confident and enjoying it, we play at our best,” highlights Doidge, before adding that “If we take that onto the park, along with the learnings from each week, hopefully we’ll get on the right side of the scoresheet.”
With just four rounds of the regular season to go, Doidge admits that it has “been quite mad” just how quickly the season has gone. One thing that has added to her experience this season though, has been the support from her friends, family and the Chiefs fans, who have followed the progression of the team since the start of the season.
“Chiefs and other teams getting on board with the livestreams has been really helpful, certainly for us girls with our families watching. It’s become a weekly thing for them getting on the livestream and supporting us, along with all the Chiefs fans that we see on the pages.”
Supporters will be able to watch this weekend’s encounter on the Saracens website by signing up for a free Wolfpack membership.