Exeter Saracens Rugby Club, Exeter, Devon

Match Report

22th September 2007

Exeter Saracens 46 v O.P.O. 17

Exeter Saracens showed off their new tee-shirts sponsored by Westructure Timber Frames and were presented with their new Training Tops by John Justice owner of Fahrenheit Nightclub in Exmouth in advance of this important match at home against second placed OPOs who were undefeated so far this season.

After the early distractions with the new kit presentations the team warmed up thoroughly and made an excellent start to the match with Chris Crow rounding off some fine three-quarter running and handling to make the score 5-0. OPOs kicking tactics paid off with a penalty after a further seven minutes of pressure to make the score 5-3. Sarries slowly raised their game moving the ball at every opportunity. However it took an exceptional break from just outside his own 22, for Raul Ramirez to leave a trail of defenders before going the full length of the pitch to score under the posts. The conversion added by full back Paul Webber. Only 2 minutes later Ben Croft had another long run chasing a well placed kick to stretch the lead to 17-3. Just before half time Sarries really turned the screw using the hard won possession from the diligent forwards and again fine handling by the backs for Ben Croft to score his second try and make the half time score 22-3 in favour of the home team.

The half time break seemed to dull Sarries sharpness whilst breathing new life into the visitors. After a couple of midfield missed tackles by a string of players, indiscipline at a breakdown enabled OPOs to kick for the corner. Again the home side were not as quick thinking as they should have been and OPOs won the lineout far too easily to set up a tight driving maul for a deserved score which was converted.

At last Sarries sprung into life. This time, again after a series of phases Darren Light on the right wing showed his running skills and speed to score in the corner having beaten several players. Only 3 minutes later Raul Ramirez darted over for his second try after the forwards had once again created a good platform with Matt Archer in particular, in commanding form. Raul converted his own try. Quickly recycling the kick off Sarries were soon back in the visitors 22. This time Chris Crow cut an excellent line to slice through the defence, scoring under the posts again for Paul Webber to convert.

Late in the game there was a mix up in decision making from another OPOs long kick and in effect OPOs were gifted another converted try to bring the score to 41-17. To round the game off, captain Martyn Dibble scored an excellent try after the whole team had been involved in the build up to make the final score 46-17.

This was an excellent result against difficult opposition.

Coach Brian Sherrell hopes to continue the momentum next week where Saracens are still looking for a replacement fixture as Prince Rock Woodland Fort have pulled out of the league at a late stage.