Match Reaction - Susie Appleby

By Mark Stevens
3/6/22

Susie Appleby admitted the pressure of the Allianz Premier 15s final got to her side as they lost to Saracens at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium.

The Londoners were a cut above on the day, producing a powerful performance that Appleby’s side were simply unable to handle.

Saracens - who topped the table at the end of the regular season - scored six tries in all, as Marlie Packer helped herself to a double, with further scores from Vicky Fleetwood, Mackenzie Carson, May Campbell and Alysha Corrigan.

Although the Chiefs put up a valiant fight throughout, they were unable to quell the power game of their rivals, countering with tries from Jennine Detiveaux, Ebony Jefferies and Patricia Garcia in her final game before retiring.

Post-game, a reflective Appleby said: "They're used to finals they're used to big days in rugby, big moments within games - we were making decisions that I didn't even recognise. But that's the pressure that was put upon us.

”We wanted to impose ourselves on them, but I feel they got the upper hand and they imposed themselves. Finals don't come around very often, you need to make sure that next time you're on the right side of it."

Sadly, Exeter’s defeat meant they were unable to record a historic league and cup double, this after they lifted the inaugural Allianz Cup with victory over Harlequins last month at Sandy Park.

"We're in our second season, and the experience is invaluable that we've got this season," added Appleby. "Next season we'll go again, and we'll get better and we'll have different players and the same players and we'll grow."

On Monday evening, the Exeter Chiefs Women’s squad will enjoy an Open Top bus parade through the city centre to mark their achievements. The parade starts at 6pm and will finish with the team reaching the Guildhall by 6:30pm.