and so to Leeds...
3Wheels
By 3WheelsOnMyWaggon
March 30 2011
3Wheels looks forward to Exeter Chiefs away match at Headingly
Leeds v Exeter at Headingley
The last time the Chiefs made the trip to Headingley was just before Christmas 2008, when we were tussling for the top spot in the then National 1. Leeds had been relegated from the Premiership the previous season, and had made their intentions obvious by winning all their matches up until this date, including the second fixture of the season against the Chiefs, which had been a close battle, ending 13:14 to Leeds. On this occasion, Exeter were planning to show that this season was not to be a one horse race for the promotion spot, by turning over unbeaten Leeds on their own turf.
The team included some current names, and some old favourites who have since moved on: Marsden, Sesteret, McKenzie, Bedford, Drauninui, Steenson, CSS, Sturgess, Blythe, Bugden, Stevenson, Hayes, Johnson, Pugh, Baxter, Alcott, Parkes, Cracknell, Barrett, Gray, Jess
The Tribe were in good spirits, buoyed by 3 coach loads taking the Raiding party on the long trip north, in what on the day felt like a cup final trip. In full voice, the Tribe witnessed another very close battle, leading 6:16 mid way through the second half, it looked like we had the opportunity to reduce Leeds to a 1 point lead in NL 1. However, with what was deemed to have been a deliberate knock on by Josh Drauninui, right on our own line, they were awarded a penalty try and Josh was shown a yellow card, allowing them back into the game. With Josh still off the pitch, Leeds struck again, taking the lead, 18:16. The chiefs continued to throw everything at them, however, with Steenson missing a last gasp penalty, the Tribe left Headingley proud of the team’s effort, but feeling dejected by the final result.
Leeds continued their efforts throughout the season and secured promotion back to the premiership. The Chiefs, as we know, followed their footsteps at the end of last season and return to Headingley having won the home tie at Sandy Park, another close game, winning 15-9. Leeds however, are languishing at the base of the table, with Exeter wanting just 3 points to confirm their survival.
No one will be taking this tie lightly, with plenty of lessons to be learnt from our first premiership visit to the MadStad last weekend, the Chiefs will want to prove that they deserve to be where they are by winning this clash and thereby propel them further up the premiership, whilst Leeds, having only won twice this season, need the points to attempt to avoid the drop, an uphill task, but one that they will not take lying down. As always we need to beware the wounded animal.
Here’s hoping we can leave Headingley in the same party mood that we went up there in, the last time we met there 2 seasons ago. No predictions, but I will be expecting a 4 pointer from this trip.
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