Johnson feels pain of last-gasp defeat
By Harry Scott-Munro
21/2/22
Exeter Chiefs Women’s flanker Rachel Johnson was philosophical after seeing her side slip to a gut-wrenching 28-25 defeat to Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Premier 15s at Franklin’s Gardens.
The hosts led at half-time through scores from Charli Jacoby and Fran Goldthorp - with Chiefs No.8 Kate Zackary going over in response for the visitors.
The Chiefs rallied in the second half with tries from Liv Jones and Hope Rogers, Meg Foster adding 10 points from the tee. That would prove to be in vain though, as a late Sadia Kabeya double snatched victory for Loughborough.
“First off, we need to give Loughborough our congratulations. They really came to play today and rose to the occasion. I’m so proud of my team-mates today though. We put in such a shift, and I thought we had that one,” sighed Johnson.
The flanker though was reflective and accepted that a slight drop off from her side in the final few minutes ultimately saw them come up just short.
“That’s sport. If you let off just a little bit against a side like Loughborough, they will come back. They played well and they deserved that win.”
Having trailed at half time, the second half performance from the Chiefs was one of the best seen in recent weeks. Johnson praised the messaging in the week from the leadership group within the side and how they handled going into the interval trailing on the scoreboard.
“Our captains really spoke to us about momentum this week. After half-time, we really came out and took that momentum. We really showed what being an Exeter Chief is all about, but it was those little moments that just let them back into the game.”
For Johnson though, she admitted that she was “excited” to see how her side responded this weekend against visiting Worcester Warriors.
“I’m really excited now to see how we respond ahead of next week. We need to look to carry even bigger momentum into Worcester at home.”
Whilst the win may have ultimately slipped away, this could still prove to be a valuable point on the road. Johnson challenged her side to get back to winning ways next week and explained that results like this one, would drive the side forward for the rest of the season.
“In a close league like this, every point counts. Today will bring us closer as a group. I always play with a drawing of mountains on my wrist to highlight the valleys and the peaks. Today is obviously a valley, but this will only help us build towards that next peak.”