Returning Hunt makes her mark

By Harry Scott-Munro
28/3/22

Exeter Chiefs Women’s forward McKinley Hunt couldn’t hide her delight as she continued her successful comeback from injury with a brace of tries in her side’s 47-15 Allianz Cup victory against Loughborough Lightning at Sandy Park.

Further scores from Ebony Jefferies (2,) Hope Rogers, Kate Zackary and Emily Tuttosi put the seal on victory for the Chiefs, but Hunt admitted that there were still tidy ups for the side moving forward this season.

“It wasn’t a pretty game and it felt very back and forth, but I’m pleased we switched it on in the second half and showed what we’re all about,” beamed Hunt. “Loughborough have always been a tough side for us. They have very physical and direct runners. But I’m really proud of the way we stepped up. It wasn’t perfect in the first half, but I’m pleased that we showed that we’re a very physical and hard carrying team.”

Canadian international Hunt suffered a broken leg against Harlequins earlier in the season, but since her return she has picked up where she left off, scoring tries for fun in a Chiefs jersey.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s hard being out that long with an injury, but I’m really grateful to the club for their support and I’m enjoying being back out there with some of my best friends.”

Hunt was quick to highlight the close connections within the squad and felt that it was that link as a group that was continuing to drive the side forward.

“I think those close connections are the strength of our team. It’s the foundation of everything that we do, and it really helps us in tough games that we can lean on each other and rely on each other.”

Hunt admitted, however, that her side would have to sharpen up ahead of this weekend’s Cup clash with Saracens and challenged her side to be more direct in their play.

“We need to focus on the contact area and make sure that we’re clear and direct at the breakdown. It’s the small things really that we need to tidy up. We need to up the communication and make sure we really understand where we are on the pitch.”

Hunt also praised the returning Gabby Cantorna and Brooke Bradley on their first matches back since sustaining long-term injuries, highlighting how the competition for places within the squad was another key factor in driving them forward.

“The competition is immense. The girls have worked so hard to make their way back onto the pitch. It really builds that competition in the squad which will make every single one of us better.”