Appleby happy to take 'scrappy' win
By Harry Scott-Munro
6/2/21
Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Susie Appleby was left breathing a huge sigh of relief after her side backed up last weekend’s victory over Saracens with a “scrappy” success over Allianz Premier 15s leaders Harlequins at Sandy Park.
An early try for McKinley Hunt, converted by Gabby Cantorna, proved to be Exeter’s only score of the afternoon in a fiercely contested encounter which saw the visitors counter with two penalties from Ellie Green.
The win – Exeter’s sixth in 11 games – ensured the Chiefs remained fifth in this their first-ever season in the women’s top-flight.
Post-game, a relieved Appleby was quick to praise her side’s latest display against one of the country’s top women’s sides.
“Scrappy is an understatement,” explained Appleby. “It was ugly, yes, but a win and we’ll take it. It was a really physical encounter out there, but I thought our defence won the day.”
Victory over Harlequins was Exeter’s fourth on the bounce and Appleby felt it was a sign of just how much her side had been developing in recent weeks.
“We are building, we’re on a journey,” she added. “Every single game we’re learning a bit more about ourselves and a bit more about each other. That’s what happens when you’re growing in the game, but we’ll take that and move forward into next week.
“The girls are really prepared to fight for each other and that is what the badge is meaning to them. It speaks volumes in any performance.”
In a match where defence dominated, Appleby was delighted with the performance of prop Olivia DeMerchant, who bought “huge physicality” to her side, whilst there was also praise for young backs Flo Robinson and Merryn Doidge from their coach.
“Young Flo Robinson was in a tricky game today, but she did alright. I think Merryn at the back had a good game. The effort that has gone into that performance is massive. The other one who I feel is worth a mention is Rachel Johnson. She came off the bench and the impact she had was tremendous. It’s going to be a tricky selection come the next couple of weeks.”
There is still plenty that Appleby will want her side to work on, especially with their fluidity in attack.
She continued: “What we’ve got to do is get more accurate. When we’ve got hold of the ball, keep hold of it. Again, were we smart enough? We tried to be, but we weren’t as accurate as last week, so there’s some things to work on.”
“That said, I am super, super happy for that squad in there (though) to have come out with a win against two top sides.”
“(We need to) Sharpen up some stuff, rest up some bodies as we’re into the third game of a three-week cycle and make sure we get recovered properly. A bit of tweaking and improvements on what we did today.”
Appleby also offered some encouragement about Michaella Roberts, after the prop took a nasty knock to the head from Emily Robinson, that resulted in the Harlequins flanker receiving a red card.
“She’s okay and she’s on her feet. We’ll have to see how she goes, but it was right on her head. It’s always tricky when you come into a game as well which she did but fingers crossed she’ll be alright.”
Appleby also took time to pay tribute to the fans who had supported her side throughout with large numbers tuning in to watch her side play a live-streamed fixture for a second consecutive weekend.
“100%, we’d like to stream every single game so everyone can be there supporting us. I’d really like to thank everybody who has supported us because there are lots of people out there.
“It wasn’t pretty but not all the men’s premiership games are pretty and it’s about the evolution of the game and the support we can get.”
Next Saturday sees Appleby’s side back on the road, as they make the trip to take on Jo Yapp’s Worcester Warriors side.