Match Reaction - Gareth Elliott
By Mark Stevens
16/10/22
Gareth Elliott admits there is real ‘excitement’ amongst the Exeter Chiefs coaching group about some of the fledgling talent coming through the ranks at the club.
With many of the club’s frontline stars given the weekend off following the cancellation of the Gallagher Premiership clash with Wasps, it was the turn of some of the up-and-coming youngsters to show off their talents in a hastily-arranged friendly with Bristol Bears.
In front of a crowd of over 6,000 at Sandy Park, supporters were given an insight into the future of the club with the parading of a squad, whose average age was in the early 20s.
Exeter’s 42-24 victory came courtesy of tries from Tom Cairns, Arthur Relton, Tom Wyatt, Joe Bailey, Max Norey and Lewis Pearson with Will Becconsall slotting six conversions.
It was an impressive showing and one which Elliott was keen to highlight at the final whistle. He said: “It was a really good performance and showed the great links we have within our Academy and the University in terms of young players coming through.
“I think for all of the players, it was a good experience for them to play here at Sandy Park in front of a big crowd and against what was a tough Bristol side. We have to thank Bristol for coming down and playing us and also to the supporters for turning out in the numbers they did.
“It’s brilliant how they have rallied this week, especially in the wake of losing the Wasps game, and helped to create a real atmosphere around the ground. Obviously, it’s a tough situation for Wasps and we feel for them, but as a club it was important we got out there and supported our own fans.”
For those in attendance, they were treated to a highly entertaining encounter, one in which the young Chiefs dominated for long periods.
“You saw at the end it was a very young side out on the pitch,” added Elliott. “I think Rus Tuima was one of the senior guys out there, but he was outstanding today, with and without the ball. Also, Dan John with his line breaks showed what he could do; Will Becconsall playing out of position really controlled the game throughout; and Jack Innard skippered the side very well and was strong around the set-piece and around the pitch.
“As coaches, though, it’s exciting watching this group of players. That was the second time they’ve played Bristol this season and we’ve got more Premiership Rugby Cup games coming up as well, so it’s important they are able to experience days like today and have that opportunity to bed into our systems and wear the Chiefs jersey.”