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Weather forcast from Metcheck..

13:00 Temp 14°c, UV 4, Showers 0.1mm, Cloud 99%, Wind WSW 4mph - 5mph
16:00 Temp 14°c, UV 4, Showers 0.1mm, Cloud 76%, Wind W 4mph - 5mph

Looks like a decent day for running rugby with little wind or rain.

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:04:28:15:58:31 by Moorsman.

and the Squad News ....

PRESS RELEASE

Baxter out but Steeno returns

Exeter Chiefs will be hoping to take a victory over Nottingham at Sandy Park on Saturday to not only secure a home semi-final but to also give Richie Baxter a chance to feature again this season.
The influential No 8 suffered an injury against London Welsh but head coach Rob Baxter is pleased with his progress so far.

He said: “Richie is doing remarkably well. We are really confident he will play again this season and for that to happen, we need a good result from this weekend.”

Although Baxter has not been named in this weekend’s squad, fly-half Gareth Steenson has been selected among the extended group after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered against London Welsh at home in the pool stage. Simon Alcott has also been named after recovering from the injury he sustained in the Doncaster game three weeks ago.

Ticket sales have been going well for this game but there are plenty more available with the North Terrace bringing Sandy Park’s capacity up to 10,000. Baxter is hoping the home support will continue to help the team produce the kind of results they have enjoyed at home in the play-off phase.

Baxter said: “There is no doubt that, particularly through the play-offs, the supporters have played a massive part in our season. The home atmosphere has been incredible and that is the kind of support we are growing here. If that support follows us for the rest of the season, it will help us move on to where we want to be.”

For tickets for this all-important game, call the ticket office on 01392 890890 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays or log onto the website at www.exeterchiefs.co.uk.

Exeter Chiefs v Nottingham
Saturday, May 1, 2010 – KO 3pm
Sandy Park

Forwards:
Simon Alcott, Neil Clark, David Gannon, James Hanks, Tom Hayes, Tom Johnson, Andy Miller, Ben Moon, Ruaidhrí Murphy, James Scaysbrook, Chad Slade, Michael Stupple, Brett Sturgess & Hoani Tui

Backs:
Richard Bolt, Matt Cornwell, Phil Dollman, Mark Foster, Danny Gray, Matt Jess, Paul McKenzie, Bryan Rennie, Nic Sestaret, Gareth Steenson, Clive Stuart-Smith & Haydn Thomas

Looks like the crowd could be over 7000 so lots of noise unless someone is kicking for goal

Goal kicks are the only time for silence on Sat (despite what Chader may think)

Good piece in the E&E can't wait for Saturday.

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS

Hi guys,

I know this game won't be easy as they turned us over in the opening game but it is our home form to date that has kept things in our own hands. Rich will be missed but it gives TJ another chance at 8 if thats the way they go, Chad 6 and Scays my player of the year at 7. A quality performance is needed to give the guys momentium going into the semis.

BHLC,
spot on there, Richie will be missed, he's been immense this season but what an opportunity for TJ.
The back row looks tasty, lets see who starts.
A big crowd and lots of noise is just what the players need, so lets just hope the footballists who disrespect the kickers stay at home, or failing that bring their manners with them.
C'mon you Chiefs.

More from Nottingham - Big game experience crucial

Latest from Metcheck...

13:00 Temp 13°c, feels like 11°c, UV 2, Showers 0.7mm, Cloud 99%, Wind SW 4mph
16:00 Temp 13°c, feels like 10°c, UV 1, Showers 1.4mm, Cloud 99%, Wind WSW 3 mph

just as well the North Enclosure has a roof and the wind is light.

No team selection and no preview on the Nottingham official site, just some comments from a Wasps prop whom they've borrowed to cover for du Plessis who's gone the other way.

\i note that he's viewing his time there as a way of getting match fit. I'm sure Sturg or Chicken will be happy to put him through his paces!

How come they managed to sign someone AFTER the transfer deadline ?

BTW GJ, I don't think Chicken is in this week's squad.

I found that out just after posting, he's playing for the Army at Twickers against the Navy.

The prop in question was allowed to sign as "emergency cover" as allowed by the RFU to prevent uncontested scrums, let's mash him!

Quote:

Rob Baxter - E&E
Baxter has been really impressed with the noise generated at the last two home games — the play-off matches against London Welsh and Doncaster — as well as the travelling support the team get.
He hopes that continues tomorrow and in the potential home semi-final and home leg of the final to help the Chiefs finally achieve their long-standing goal of winning promotion to the Premiership.

"There's no doubt that through the play-offs our support has played a massive part in our success," said Baxter.

"The home atmosphere in the two play-off games was just incredible. You could really sense a buzz of anticipation before the games.

"Our away support in the last game at London Welsh was nothing short of fantastic. They virtually took over one side of the ground and were still cheering and shouting 15 minutes after the game.

"That kind of support is something we're growing here and if that follows us for the rest of the season we can build a momentum that can carry us on to where we want to be."

More of the same Ladies, Gents and Youngsters

I know it's getting ahead of myself but if we win tomorrow and if we win the weekend after we'll be in the final......... what I can't remember is how it's decided who plays at home first.... think it's based on the play off league but can't remember - anyone...

In todays E&E its says that the club has sold around 4400 tickets inc season ticket holders and sponsors for the Notts game, however on the offy site the tickets still available number approx 2500, if our capacity is about 10,000 then doesn't that leave about 7500 as tickets sold? Is it me, have I missed something, surely we havn't sold 3000 odd tickets between the E&E going to print and now, can anyone explain?

At lunchtime today sales were about 4800

Sorry Cowleychief, that still doesn't explain what I see as a big discrepency!

Lets hope we are not in Exeter City land?

They don't make all of the tickets available at the same time, the east and west sides of the SWC stand are not made available until the 2 central segments are almost sold out, so there's an extra 1000 tickets, plus they put very few ground tickets on the site, to encourage people to buy the dearer terraces, which equates to another 500 or so.

Chiefs Chiefs CHIEFS

Thanks 3WOMW, I was getting quite excited thinking we could have 7500+ tomorrow, still might I suppose, but whatever the crowd let's make sure we give RB et al the atmosphere they want and help them get the result we all want.

Met Office says...

1300 Light Rain showers, Temp 14°C, Wind SW 7mph
1600 Heavy Rain Showers, Temp 14°C, Wind WSW 8mph gusting to 18mph

...but it's not going to rain on our parade

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS

Just let it be dry from 2.30 till 7.00 for both matches.
Can't wait till tomorrow.

East Terrace Central
Our roads are paved with hope, and there are no stop signs.
"COME ON EXE!"

Latest from the Met Office...

1300 Light rain showers, 14°C, Wind WSW 6mph gusting to 20mph
1600 Light rain showers, 12°C, Wind WNW 9mph gusting to 22mph

that's better, less rain and more wind

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS

It's hammering down in Exeter now

And it's Stopped Again.

Expect there will be some weather through the day

Can't get to the game, good luck boys. Listening on BBC radio from Sunny Boston USA.

Great Start come on exe also in the states in sunny san fransisco

Boston and San fran ?? Glad to know you're out there cheering but you can't beat the new north terrace when it starts to tip it down with rain.

Not all of the tickets are available for sale at any given time. Dur! It's not like this topic hasn't been discussed before.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:05:01:22:31:44 by Geronimo Jim.

THe small band of Notts fans were excellent yesterday, well done, sorry we did you over so comprehensively.

On second thoughts no I'm not, we needed to play like that and prove a point ready for the semi.

2 home 1 away to go (yes I know, I'm arrogant), whatever the outcome I can't wait!

GJ, the topic of ticket sales may well have been discussed before but I have not seen it, I am a relatively new poster, and I don't make a habit of reading all 96 pages of threads before I make a post! Durrrr!

If you want to know anything concrete about the club, ring the club, simples, they may or may not give you a straight answer but most of what you read on here will be rumour & conjecture, DUR!

So in other words GJ, you are full of brown, sticky, smelly, stuff! Couldn't agree more!

As must you be 50p

Ladies Please. this is no time for discord

Quote:

Big Tom Tom
Ladies Please. this is no time for discord

Big Tom Tom, shouldn't that be on the Kettle thread ?

Living the dream
Supporting The Chiefs in the AP

BTT - The last time I looked I wasn't a lady, however I can't vouch for GJ, but going by the way he @#$%&.......?
GJ - Twas you that said what I read is mostly rumour and conjecture. What I write is mostly factual, vive la difference.

Girls, Girls, Girls or as Harry Hill says .....

50P, think of your health. All this angst will put your blood pressure up, this, in combination with a semifinal could have a dramatic consequence

Gents I am as calm as can be, blood pressure well under control thanks, just giving GJ a bit of his own medicine

Water off a ducks back, I only post for fun (as many, including the site moderator know), if you choose to bite, it's your blood pressure as someone else said.

After the last couple of years I've had, no-one, but no-one, can get under my skin any more so carry on, if you think you're smart enough!

So, after last Saturdays appalling discipline (a yellow AND a penalty try) will we keep a full compliment on the pitch this coming Saturday? I think that will be crucial as Bedford have the ability to punish 14 men.

Yawn..., I'm getting bored with this now, suffice to say, I don't bite, never have done never will, just expressing my opinion, as do you GJ.
As to whether I'm smart enough, watch this space!
Don't think 'appalling discipline' is quite right, more a case of careless or stupid or even harsh decisions.

Quote:

50pointer
Don't think 'appalling discipline' is quite right, more a case of careless or stupid or even harsh decisions.

50pointer, I think you just " bit "

I ALWAYS get one in the end!

So having a different opinion,or point of view is biting is it? Not in my opinion! Not got this one yet GJ, keep trying!

Back to the matter in hand i.e. a very important rugby match.....

MetCheck forcast ...

Light Rain in the morning but clearing by lunchtime
13:00-15:59, Temp 8°c feels like 5°c, Cloudy 0.1mm rain, Wind NNE 12mph gusting to 14mph
16:00-18:59, Temp 8°c feels like 4°c, Cloudy 0.3mm rain, Wind NNE 12mph gusting to 15mph

Nice forecast.

50p the point you missed is that my comment about discipline was tongue in cheek, as those that know me and are accustomed to my games realised, it's not my opinion, I WAS fishing and you bit. Get over it.

PRESS RELEASE
Unchanged starting XV to face the Blues

Exeter Chiefs will field an unchanged starting XV for tomorrow’s Championship semi-final against Bedford Blues (KO 3pm).

After Chiefs’ 53-10 demolition of Nottingham last weekend and a fully fit squad to choose from, head coach Rob Baxter did not feel any need for change.

He said: “We are aware of the threat Bedford will bring. They are a good cup knock-out side and always thrive on the big occasion. But we are at home with a fully fit squad and we are a good side. If we turn up with the right attitude, we will be fine.”

There are two changes on the bench however with Chris Budgen back on duty after first being delayed in South Africa by the volcanic ash episode and then playing in the Army v Navy game last weekend. No 8 Richie Baxter has also been named on the bench.

Baxter said: “Richie has been added to the squad along with Chris Budgen. We are selecting from a full squad of players. They are in very good physical condition and that is testament to the way we have managed the season for them and testament to our fitness and physio staff.”

Like the players, Baxter is looking forward to welcoming Bedford Blues to Sandy Park and to make full use of the Chiefs’ home advantage.

“Home advantage is massively important,” Baxter added. You don’t want to have the hassle of travelling. Also for us, it’s great to be here with our crowd. They have played a big part this season. We are in it together as a rugby club: the people who work on the ground, the girls in the office, the caterers and our supporters. Successful organisations thrive on working together.”

Supporters can still purchase tickets for this game today both online until 4pm Friday or via the phone on 01392 890890.

Exeter Chiefs v Bedford Blues
Championship semi-final
Saturday, May 8, 2010 – KO 3pm
Sandy Park

15 Phil Dollman
14 Matt Jess
13 Nic Sestaret
12 Bryan Rennie
11 Mark Foster
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Haydn Thomas
1 Brett Sturgess
2 Neil Clark
3 Hoani Tui
4 Tom Hayes (capt)
5 James Hanks
6 Chad Slade
7 James Scaysbrook
8 Tom Johnson

16 Simon Alcott
17 Chris Budgen
18 David Gannon
19 Richie Baxter
20 Clive Stuart-Smith
21 Danny Gray
22 Paul McKenzie

This squad speaks volumes (IMO) for the way Rob & Co. have managed the players throughout the season. We've come to the most difficult part of the season with very few '1st' choice players injured or unavaiable. The players are not only fit but match fit and producing their best rugby. Just, I know it's not easy, need to continue this on Saturday and we should be through to the final.

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS

Last week it was an awesome atmosphere at SP. The vibes seemed to be coming from the team as they came off the pitch from their warm up so you knew something special was going to happen. Let's hope the feeling is there this week and that the oggy man and his tribe are a bit more vocal as it went quiet a few times last week.When they are in full voice with the drums it certainly is a chilling sound all around the ground.

It was good to hear the East Terrace getting their drums and 'oggy man' developing some volume too.

The anticipation and excitement is building nicely

P156...COME ON YOU CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS....CHIEFS

PRESS RELEASE

Tickets still available for semi-final

The recent expansion of Sandy Park means there are still plenty of tickets available for Exeter Chiefs’ Championship semi-final against Bedford Blues.

Ticket sales have been steady ever since Chiefs booked their place in tomorrow’s game but with a capacity of more than 10,000 now, following the installtion of the North Terrace, there is still plenty of availability.

The ticket office phone line will close at 4pm today but supporters will still be able to purchase tickets online until 10am tomorrow and then collect them from the ticket office. Furthermore, the ticket office will re-open at noon tomorrow for match day sales.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm and the match day atmosphere will be enhanced with performances from Devon’s own opera singer Donna-Marie Hughes, who will sing Jersualem, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Nessun Dorma, and further musical entertainment provided by the Lympstone South West Telecoms Brass Band.

Flags for Saturday

Quote:

Moorsman
PRESS RELEASE


Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm and the match day atmosphere will be enhanced with performances from Devon’s own opera singer Donna-Marie Hughes, who will sing Jersualem, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Nessun Dorma, and further musical entertainment provided by the Lympstone South West Telecoms Brass Band.

Do we know if Donna-Marie will be singing before kick off or at half time ?

I have been told she will be singing before kick off and at halftime. Lets hope the words are in the programme for us all to join in!

Living the dream
Supporting The Chiefs in the AP

Nothing to get over here GJ, how do you know my response was not tongue in cheek, and therefore your post about my comment is your opinion and, as you used capitals, which, correct me if I'm wrong, infers shouting, you bit! He he.
Biting - a verbal or written response which infers annoyance or anger towards that which is being responded to!
Chiefs to win by 12-15 points, you saw it hear first.

Quote:

50pointer
Chiefs to win by 12-15 points, you saw it hear first.

Actually, if you check the prediction league, myself and quite a few others have been quoting similar margins for quite some days.

When did I ever I didn't bite?

Donna will be singing Jerusalem before 5 mins before kick off.

and a couple at half time...

Make sure your out of the bars early today and in the your viewing area by 14.45, so the boys can get a huge cheer when the leave the pitch for their final preperations!

Sorry Mabolza I havn't looked at the prediction league, great minds think alike though eh!