We've reached the half way point in this season's AP and Chief's report says?
Half Way There
Half Way there and the Chiefs have 33 points, are 4th in the Premiership as well as topping both their European and LV cup groups. Not a bad place to be from a long time supporters point of view. I remember looking at the stats when we gained promotion and working out that given a 'normal' season 32 points should make us safe. So that's OK then we are safe!! But what about the high and low points of this season. Well I can't see too many low times from the season so far but I suppose another defeat to Bath doesn't exactly fill me with glee. Although they arein a Rich vein of form and looking like they'll be a force to deal with in the coming seasons.
That only leaves me me to give my opinion of the low point and I'll plump (especially for you Pirate) for the defeat to Tigers.
This might seem an odd choice but we really should have nailed the victory having done all the hard work. As for the high point, well I'm spoilt for choice with some great performances to choose from. However I've got to choose one and it's the win over Sarries for me. It may seem strange to choose a match where we failed to score a try but for me this marked a seed change in Exeter Chiefs rugby. It showed a steely resolve and ability to play to a pragmatic, very controlled style of rugby to ensure a win. I love to watch our free flowing, off loading game but in previous seasons this has been our undoing. The Chiefs are still a work in progress and I'm convinced we are ahead of plan but what an exciting club to follow.
Part two begins with the visit of the Cherry and Whites and the possibility of a first sell out at the enlarged Sandy Park. I can't wait.....
Great summing up Moorsman I think that most of us would be more than pleased with where we are. It is always an 'if only and but for' situation and apart from the game against Bath we could have been in an even stronger position. The game against Glaws is or could be a terminal moment for us this season as a defeat could let some heads drop. I would still not swap a minute of our journey so far for anything.
Thanks Moorsman. I've also thoroughly enjoyed the 1st half of the season. Hopefully with more home games than away one's in the second half of the season we can push on towards a top 4 finish.
I do however have to ask whether we push for retention of our LV title (not my preferred option) and/or Challenge Cup progress utilising the squad we have in addition to concentrating on the league. I know the AP is the priority but I wonder if we'll see a few more of the academy/dual reg lads getting LV game time and perhaps 1st team squad members making up a significant number of the European team? I'd hate to be in a coach's position.
I also wonder how much impact the weather is going to have over the next couple of months. Our pack doesn't seem as dominant in a number of areas as it has been over the last few years.
Just to introduce myself as a Season Ticket holder and Member since 1996. I have been reading this blog for some time and feel I should now contribute occasionally. I agree that 33 points means we are safe for this year, unfortunately I have developed a pessimistic streak since promotion and still start each season in urgent need of 30+ points so that I can relax at matches. As a former Shedhead of 15 years standing, I am looking forward to Saturday in expectation of a good win and some convivial banter with old friends.
I calculate that we will need around 60 points to make the top 6 which will take some doing but we are capable. A proviso is, in concurrence with Boston Chief, we leave the LV to a development/reserve team. I do not feel that we are a top 4 side as yet but that will come sooner rather than later.
Promising not to ramble on so much next time !
Thanks Colin, good summarisation in my book.
League is priority, has to be. LV and Europe are bonuses and a good opportunity to play Academy/,Fringe players.
However, I think the game prior to return to a league game we should have our strongest XV involved at some point in the second half.
I was one of those who would have been happy with a top 6 spot this season and am still thinking that way. Being in the top 4 has been excellent but I'm still not sure we are quite good enough just yet. Still enjoying the journey.
We always seem to suffer a blip at this time of year and it hasn't helped having two consecutive away games over the Christmas period when a full Sandy Park is guaranteed to really push the team on.
We must get back to winning ways this weekend and maybe set up a win away against LIrish!
The 16th man must turn up this weekend!
Me I'll be happy with top 6(hell 7th would technically be an improvement on last season) but hell...we're going into the second half of the season having still not dropped out of the top 4! Taking one weekend at a time though! Glaws match crucial
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:12:31:17:11:02 by ExTeddChief.
Agree the Gloucester match is crucial. If we have any ambitions for the end of this season we really have to win home games such as this one. The best teams are ruthless in this regard. And this is in no way disrespect to Gloucester - they have some real quality throughout their team and a strong tradition, but are still taking time to gel. Having lost their last two Premiership games also they will be looking to move up the table where they feel they belong. Teams like Gloucester don't often lose 3 games on the bounce.. However, if we want to be a top 4 side we have to beat the team in 9th.
Looking back at the "points achieved" for the team finishing 6th over the last 10 years, there seems to be a fairly wide spread between late 40's and early 60's so 55 maybe enough. I think we could manage that.
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