Joy for Jefferies as Chiefs win again

By Harry Scott-Munro
29/11/21

Exeter Chiefs flanker Ebony Jefferies was left smiling after “a really positive week” as her side resumed Allianz Premier 15s action with a defensively solid 14-7 victory over Loughborough Lightning.

Jefferies’ try in the second half, alongside a first-half score from Laura Sheehan, both of which were converted by Patricia Garcia, saw her side home as Loughborough only managed to make it over the line once through Georgina Tasker.

After a week of reintegration for a number of Exeter Chiefs’ international contingent, Jefferies was pleased with how everyone had managed to adjust back into the side.

“It’s so great to have all of our international players back and to have had a full week of everyone integrating back in. It’s been really positive this week,” she explained.

After Jefferies’ score had given the Chiefs the lead, they then had to put all hands to the pump in a mammoth defensive effort to keep the visitors scoreless in the second half, especially after losing flanker Maisy Allen to a yellow card in the final ten minutes.

“It’s all about keeping our composure and not getting too frantic,” Jefferies highlighted. “We stuck to our processes and got off the line. I thought we did really well to defend their maul, it’s something they are renowned for scoring so many tries from, so we did really well there.”

Jefferies has made a name for herself this season with her ability to get past the gain line and carry hard into contact. She was quick though at full-time to highlight the importance of the structure of her side in providing those opportunities.

“It’s something we all work on. If we can get our structure in place, it allows us to make those kind of carries.”

This weekend, the Chiefs face a tricky trip to Worcester Warriors with Jefferies admitting that it will be another week of hard work for her side ahead of the clash.

“It’s always a tough one against Worcester. They always put up a real fight, so we’ll be back on the training pitch and see what we can produce.”