Saracens 27 Exeter Braves 17

Saracens Storm 27

Exeter Braves 17

Mark Stevens at Allianz Park

Exeter Braves endured a disappointing start to their Aviva A League title defence as they slipped to a 27-17 defeat away to the Saracens Storm.

Ricky Pellow’s side were sadly second best for much of the contest as the Londoners bounced back from a Round One defeat at Gloucester to claim all five points at Allianz Park.

Fly-half Tom Whiteley led the way for the hosts, scoring one of their four tries, as well as kicking two conversions and a penalty to finish with a personal haul of 12 points.

Further touchdowns from Roti Segun, Henry Taylor and Neil De Kock capped off the home win, while the Braves were left to lick their wounds in a display that was littered with a number of unforced errors.

In reply, Exeter claimed tries from Jack Maunder and Shaun Malton, both of which were converted by Will Hooley - who also added a first half penalty - but it was never enough on a tough day at the office for the Devonians.

With two strong line-ups in place in North London, it was the home side who started brightly, taking the lead inside two minutes when fly-half Whiteley slotted a long-range penalty after the Braves were pulled up for not releasing at the tackle.

Moments later and the Storm had the chance to double their tally, but this time Whiteley fired his kick against the right post, much to the relief of Exeter full-back Ted Landry, who had been caught in possession as he looked to run the ball out of defence.

At the other end, the defending champions twice went close with attacking raids, but on both occasions they were unable to capitalise, turning over possession and allowing Sarries to clear the danger with relative ease.

Worse was to follow for the visitors as first, Whiteley picked off a telegraphed pass from Carl Rimmer to race in from halfway for the game’s opening score, then the talented playmaker provided the deft kick in behind the Braves defensive line that allowed winger Regun to add the home side’s second try of the afternoon.

Thankfully, the Chiefs began to find their rhythm and having cut the deficit with a penalty from Hooley, they claimed their first try just before the break.

Working a driving line-out inside through the forwards, the ball was eventually fed out to the back division where Pete Laverick threatened initially before skipper Maunder - following in hot pursuit - was able to pick up and dive over from close range. Holley obliged with the conversion to cut the home side’s lead to just three points.

HALF TIME       SARACENS STORM 13 EXETER BRAVES 10

Having hauled themselves back into the contest, the Braves were looking for a strong start to the second period. However, Sarries had other ideas, adding a third try within five minutes of the restart.

Capitalising on a loose high ball, centre Tom Griffiths cut a powerful line right through the heart of the Exeter back division, before offering a simple pop pass to Taylor, who was able to race under the sticks for the score, this time converted by Whiteley.

The Braves looked to respond almost immediately, but having punched significant holes in the home defensive wall, they were again pulled up for holding on just inches from the line.

Saracens duly made the most of the let-off to sting the Braves with a bonus point try on 55 minutes. Pinning their rivals back deep inside their own 22 with a long clearance, the visitors looked to clear through Hooley, but his kick was charged down by De Kock and the South African won the subsequent race to the line to dot down unopposed.

Up against it, the Braves again looked to summon a response of sorts, but far too often they were guilty of over complicating things, allowing Saracens to soak up their pressure, before clearing their lines of trouble.

The Braves threw on the Haydn Thomas for the final quarter and the experienced scrum-half was pivotal in helping the visitors reduce the deficit as he provided the instructions at the back of a driving line-out that saw Malton burrow over at the third attempt for the score converted by Hooley.

Ten points adrift with as many minutes to play, the Braves were beginning to find some authority up front and having won another scrum penalty, they were able to position themselves back deep inside Saracens territory.

Malton threatened first when he burst down the left flank off a pass from Tom Johnson, then Tom Lawday - who impressed during his 40 minute appearance - also caused problems for the home side with a charging run through the middle. Again, though, the Braves could not capitalise on the opening, much to the disappointment of coach Ricky Pellow.

Although the Braves pushed hard at the end in pursuit of a possible losing bonus point, it was not to be as the Storm held firm in a determined last stand.

Saracens Storm: M Gallagher; G Perkins, T Streather (capt, A Gliksten 25, N De Kock 50), T Griffiths, R Segun (A Fielder 76); T Whiteley, H Taylor; R Barrington (R Adams-Hale h/t, B Walker 61), S Spurling (J Saunders 55), T Lamositele; M Flanagan, N Isiekwe; K Brown (B Hodge 50), B Earl, S Vunisa (A Maka 25).

Tries - Whiteley, Regun, Taylor, De Kock; Conversions - Whiteley (2); Penalty - Whiteley

Exeter Braves: T Landry; M Jess (R Bright h/t), P Laverick (M Hains 61), T Hendrickson, M Bodilly; W Hooley, J Maunder (capt, H Thomas); C Rimmer (M Street 73), E Taione (S Malton 45), M Low; S Lonsdale (T Lawday h/t), S Skinner; T Johnson, B White, K Horstmann. Replacements (not used):  E Roofe, D Swain

Tries - Maunder, Malton; Conversions - Hooley (2); Penalty - Hooley