Match Report: Bath U18s 34 – 29 Chiefs U18s

Exeter Chiefs U18s resumed their academy U18 league on Saturday afternoon against Bath U18s at Chippenham RFC.

Having started the league back in August with a strong performance and good win against a Saracens side, Exeter were unable to back up their form with a second victory. Despite dominating for large parts of the game, the Chiefs side were unable to convert pressure into points.

Bath played very well and their ability to take their opportunities to score and make good on their chances proved to be the difference come the end of the game.

Academy Manager Rob Gibson was, despite the final score, still impressed with the effort shown by his young side.

“I know the result didn’t go our way, but we transferred a lot of what we have been focusing on in training which was pleasing. It’s important we take learnings from Saturday and take little steps forward each week individually and collectively as that’s what development rugby is all about.”

Chiefs scored some well worked tries through Josh Mann, Tyler Bayley, Rhys Richards and Ted Hocking with three of them converted by fly half Freddie Hirst.

Rob Gibson added, “We’re frustrated not to have come away with the win but two points away from home isn’t a bad return and we can now focus on Harlequins this Saturday, January 13 [KO 12.30] at Truro College.”

Bath U18s: O Erasmus; J Nunn, H Bartlett, S Emanuel, T Lock; J Linegar, S Gane; T Malik, E Gallagher, L Palmer, H Butterworth, A Deering, J Maloney, E Elliott, C Treacey.

Replacements: H Bonetti, S Janaway, O Cartwright, A Blackett, F Kempton, I Mears, J Harrison, D Treacey.

Tries: Palmer, Gallagher, Treacey 2, Bonetti Conversions: Linegar 3 Penalties: Linegar

Chiefs U18s: J Findlay; N Clifford, L Brano, N Lilley, R Williams; F Hirst, J Pengilly; J Mann, T Bayley, B Woodmansey, L Evans, C Evered, M Warren, B Harris, X Retallack.

Replacements: T Hocking, M Lowery, A Dowse, T Dingle, J Lewis, G Newman, I Akinrowo, R Richards.

Tries: Mann, Bailey, Richards, Hocking Conversions: Hirst 3 Penalties: Hirst