Chiefs fall at last hurdle
Black_Otter
By Black_Otter
May 5 2012
Chiefs perform their usual end game heroics but come up short at Vicarage Road
Saracens 40 Chiefs 22
A disappointing end to a wonderful season saw the Chiefs blown away by Sarries in a powerful first 20 minutes of the second half. With Heineken Cup rugby assured at Sandy Park next season and a theoretical (if somewhat unlikely) chance of still making the playoffs, Exeter started the game purposefully. The pack in particular took the game to Saracens, securing dominance in the scrum early on. Penalties were exchanged between Gareth Steenson and Owen Farrell (with the latter missing another long-range effort), when Exe broke committedly out of their own half. Naqer went close in the corner, but a lineout steal ensured that Chiefs kept possession and a couple of phases later, Tom Johnson was on hand to plough through the Sarries midfield and touch down under the posts, leaving a comfortable conversion for Steeno. The remainder of the half was typified by Exe kicking possession back to the hosts all too easily, numerous handling errors on both sides, while the penalty count against the visitors allowed Farrell to keep Sarries in the game.
With the score at 10-9 at the half and the Tribe in full voice, everything looked set for a gripping second period. However, it was Saracens who came out flying in the second half, moving up a gear and leaving Exeter trailing in their wake. Rustiness began to show for Exe, particularly among the players that hadn't seen much game time recently. A breakaway score from winger Short, some sweet interplay between forwards and backs saw prop Gill trundle over, and finally two wonderful pieces of interplay in the Sarries back division that resulted in tries for fullback Goode and replacement flyhalf Charlie Hodgson. Rob Baxter will undoubtedly be concerned that the Chiefs defence seemed highly porous during this period, but a rallying last twenty ensured an exciting end to the game. Tries from Chris Budgen and Matt Jess were just reward as the Chiefs pounded at the Sarries line, but there just wasn't enough time left in the game for Exe to catch up - the scoreline stood at 40-22 as the final whistle went.
So 5th place it is, in only our second season in the premiership - not bad for a team that many considered favourites for the drop. Although today did not see the best ever Chiefs' performance, we will look back on a year that saw the team exceed all expectation and hold our heads high.
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What a season indeed..who would have thought that we would be still involed at nitty gritty end of the season at the top rather then the bottom of the league.
Fighting for top honours rather then the dog fight at the bottom as predicted by many pundits.
How far can this team and club go.Only time will tell..but what a second season we have had!
Hats off to all involved,and that includes us,the 16th man.
Bravo!
Never imagined that on the last day of the season the Chiefs would still have a chance of gaining 4th spot! There were some saying that they couldn't see where a try was coming from back a long. The team have taken us on a fantastic journey and we deserve a pat on the back for the support.
Well done lads, looking forward to next season and Hieneken Cup......yes, that's right, Heneken Cup rugby at Sandy Park
Time for a pipe of Old Toby!
The team has done so well this season, but next will be the real test for our squad, coaches and the fitness team, playing in the HC and in a league where a lot of teams seem to be strengthening very well.
But they are up to the challenge, and up till now the signings seem top notch for the way we do things.
Another roller coaster next season.
What a great season and big thankyou to rob and the guys.
From a Sarries fan.
I reckon the Tribe out-shouted their fans and were very entertaining.
A toast to everyone involved with the Chiefs and thanks for some fantastic memories from a fantastic season.
Glad to hear Chris Budgen's got another year - the mans been a legend for you
Congratulations on your success this season, you are the success story of the premiership and long may it continue for you
I had spent the week wondering how we would cope with your big Fijian centre, but was somewhat surprised at his lack of mobility. can see now why you use him mainly as impact for the last 20 mins!
Congratulations on a great campaign.