Match Review 

 Nottingham 24 Chiefs 14

 In the past it’s been Exeters’ second half performance that has been criticised by fans. With the game seemingly in the bag the team sometimes appear to “have a rest” and the opposition come storming back. Sundays’ efforts were the exact reverse of this with Nottingham taking the game to the Chiefs with some very effective forward play linked with energetic back play. For fully 55 minutes the Chiefs seemed to have little if any clue as to how to contain a Nottingham side determined to demolish Exeter in the early exchanges and take our season long second place from us.

How close they came! With two converted first half tries and a penalty under their belt at the break it seemed highly likely that Exeter would end the weekend in third place in Division 1.

So what was the problem? It was bitterly cold. 1905 fans rattling around in a football stadium made it an odd atmosphere (well done Oggy and the Tribe on your efforts to lift the guys). Eyes on the Prize? With Twickers a week away maybe players were holding back to save themselves from injury).

None of the above hold water with me. It’s been colder. We’ve played in front of far fewer in far worse places. Surely the players should have been playing for a place in next weeks squad?

The plain truth is that on the day Nottingham (1-22) were better than Exeters’ starting 15. It wasn’t until the likes of Ward, Johnson, Marsden and Miller joined the fray that the Chiefs finally got into the game and actually had periods in which they managed to dominate. The 14 points scored were probably no more than we deserved but, annoyingly, there were several other opportunities. Had we been more clinical (and to be fair had Nottingham been less aggressive in defence) we could have taken at least a losing bonus point.

On matters other than rugby;

Joke(?) of the day. Name 3 fish beginning with “K” Answer King size Haddock, Killer Shark & Kilmarnock. No it’s not a fish but it is a place! (This shows just how depressed the coach was on the way home – we laughed!)

Our second coach driver displayed jumping skills that would put him in many Div 1 packs. He must have jumped at least four feet into the air from a sitting position. The reason? The exit door swung open suddenly and of its’ own accord at 60 miles an hour; he was sat next to it!

Finally, a word to the whingers. If you feel hard done by at Sandy Park because the corporates have the best of everything, try a visit to Nottingham next season. The “facilities” for the ordinary fan consist of one “bar” selling only lager and “bitter” and the usual burgers, pies & chips. This bar is in the underbelly of the stand and is part of the walk through to the stand – no seats or any other amenities. After the game you have the choice of.... well, you don’t have a choice, if you want a drink and to mix with the local fans you have to walk to the nearest pub! Contrast that with the corporate effort upstairs in the fully stocked and carpeted corporate suites. I salute the regular fans of Nottingham who put up with this to support their club at home. We are very well catered for in comparison.

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