Exeter Saracens Rugby Club, Exeter, Devon

Match Report

8th September 2007

Totnes 19 v Exeter Saracens 17

This was a disappointing start to Exeter Saracens season especially following good pre-season preparations. Saracens started the game well and were awarded a penalty just outside the home team 22 within 3 minutes of dominant play. Unfortunately the kick was missed and the high tempo start faded away. This was then followed by some misdirected lineout throwing, denying the exciting Saracens three quarters possession to work from. This was compounded by some poor tackling in the midfield which eventually led to Totnes’ first try which was converted. The Saracens team then rallied and enjoyed a good 10 minute spell of domination, playing to the agreed game plan which included some strong forward running and skilful three-quarter movement. During this spell of domination Paul Webber, Saracens new full back scored under the posts and converted his try to level the scores.

Unfortunately Saracens then went off the boil again and to honest were fortunate to reach half time with only a five point deficit.

After a soul searching half time talk, the domination returned and it looked as though Saracens were going to blow away the home team. Paul Webber scored again, finishing off a fine handling movement involving the majority of the team.

Again Saracens lost concentration and momentum. Totnes scored again after some ineffective tackling around the base of the scrum, leading to a breakaway try. Dan Sweeney replaced Dave Loman and Chris Slee came on for Martin Egan and the edge retuned with the injection of new legs. Again it was after some fine driving runs by the forwards that the backs scored through centre Chris Crowe in the corner to make the score 17 -19. Saracens then threw everything at Totnes for the last ten minutes but despite fine running by Sam Williams, Martyn Dibble, Darren Light, Ben Croft and a clean break by Kieron Bromell, they just failed to make the final telling score.

On the positive side, when the team concentrated, they looked really exciting and threatening but we will need to extend this to the full match if we are to reach our full potential this season.