Sarries edge out Chiefs again

By Mark Stevens
29/7/18

Exeter Chiefs saw their hopes of lifting the Premiership Rugby 7s ended by eventual winners Saracens, who triumphed 29-24 in their quarter-final encounter at Franklin’s Gardens.

Having qualified 24 hours earlier for the last eight with bonus point victories over Worcester Warriors and Bath, Ricky Pellow’s side started their clash with the Londoners brightly as James Short opened the scoring inside the opening minute.

Saracens replied quickly, taking a two point lead when Nick Tompkins added the extras to a try from Rotumi Segun.

The game continued to be nip and tuck as skipper Tom Lawday claimed his side’s second try to restore Exeter’s slender lead, before a second converted Segun try gave Sarries a 12-10 lead at half time.

Short was in on the scoring act early in the second half, quickly followed by George Chatterton, who scooted over from a tap penalty to put his side 24-12 ahead.

Saracens, however, refused to lie down and when Tompkins hauled them back into the contest, another effort from Matt Gallagher tied the game up at 24-24.That’s how it stayed until the final whistle, forcing both sides to continue into extra time.

Sadly, it was not to be for the Chiefs as three minutes into that added on time, it was Saracens who claimed the all-important win with a score from Reffell.

It was a disappointing ending for Pellow and his side, who could only watch on as Saracens lifted thetrophy after an impressive 33-12 victory over reigning champions Wasps.

Captain Joel Conlon, formerly of the Chiefs, led the way with two tries as the defending Premiership champions ran in five tries.

It is the second time that Saracens have claimed the Premiership Rugby 7s Cup title having previously defeated Newcastle Falcons in the 2010 final.

Elsewhere, Gloucester Rugby were named as back-to-back Premiership Rugby 7s Plate winners after defeating Worcester Warriors 17-15.