Exeter Chiefs 15 - 0 Gael Force: Gael Force gamble on pack power not enough

Published on Sunday 29 November 2009 21:48

GAEL Force head coach Stephen Gemmell made nine changes to the team beaten 29-8 by Cornish Pirates in their opening British and Irish Cup clash, but this was another fruitless long trip to England's south west.

Gemmell reshuffled his pack for the second game in the competition, with a new back row including Scotland internationalist David Callam and Scotland A internationalists James Eddie and Calum Forrester.

National Academy players Colin Phillips at prop, and Robert Harley at lock, won starting roles as Gemmell gambled on a more physical presence in his forwards. However, Chiefs, who are top of the Championship, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon. Coming off their only competitive defeat of the season last week to Newport, they controlled possession and territory throughout.

The Scottish team's early tactic was to test Chiefs' full-back Clive Stuart-Smith's composure in the wet conditions, but they conceded a penalty in seven minutes when they dived over the top of a breakdown. Exeter's initial attack, after kicking to the 22 metre line, failed, but they were awarded a second penalty for holding on which Danny Gray kicked over from 25 metres.

The Chiefs won another penalty just two minutes later after pushing the Scottish pack backwards, but Gray kicked wide. The Gael Force pack continued to struggle and another penalty attempt by Gray on 30 minutes hit the post.

With the conditions getting worse after the break it was clear the impetus would be with the forwards, and, after 51 minutes, Exeter were awarded another penalty 15 metres out and opted to take a scrum. They dismantled the Scots again and, as they trundled towards the try-line, a boot came through the scrum and kicked the ball resulting in a penalty try award which Gray converted.

Handling became difficult in the wet and Exeter had a try disallowed when Dave Ewers was adjudged to have not grounded the ball. However, with five minutes remaining Ewers carried the ball off the back of a scrum 15 metres out and Chris Budgen went over the whitewash.

Exeter Chiefs: Lewis; Marsden, McKenzie, Bedford, Sestaret; Gray, Stuart-Smith (Bolt 64mins); Moon, Blythe (Nelson 53mins), Andrew (Budgen 54mins), Tomes (Bentley 60mins), Hanks, Alan Miller (capt) (Ewers 26mins), Andy Miller, Stupple (Calder 64mins). Replacement not used: Dollman.

Gael Force: Blair; Kinloch, Murchie, Horne, Bury (McCulloch 75mins); Gregor, Jericevich (Samson 47mins); Little, Thomson (capt) (Crombie 61mins), Phillips (Orr 54mins), McKenzie, Harley, Eddie, Forrester, Callam (McInally 60mins).

Scorers: Exeter Chiefs: Tries: penalty, Budgen; Con: Gray; Pen: Gray.

Referee: G Morris