Chiefs U18s 12 Saracens U18s 46

By Mark Stevens
23/12/21

Exeter Chiefs Under-18s coach Marek Churcher insisted lessons would be learnt in the wake of his side's 46-12 defeat in their Premiership Rugby Under-18s League opener against Saracens.

Running out at Truro College, it was the visitors who started the brighter, taking the lead inside the opening ten minutes with a converted try from blindside flanker Jacob Ray.

However, there was an immediate response from the Chiefs who cut the deficit within a few minutes when hooker Pete Harris claimed the first of their two tries on the day.

Sadly, the Chiefs could not build on that score and it was the Londoners who dominated the remainder of the half, adding tries through Charlie Bracken, Alex Witchell and Micaal McFarlane, the last of which was converted by Tobias Elliott to stretch their lead to 24-5.

As half time approached, the Chiefs rallied and cut the deficit when flanker Seth Findley was able to cross for their second score, converted by the boot of fly-half Matt Smale.

Although the hosts battled hard during a competitive second half, it was Sarries who ruled the roost, adding four tries in a 16 minute period to put them out of sight.

Harry Legg, Ben Westcott, Tyler Weeks and Toby Clinch all touched down with Elliott adding a third conversion.

Post-game, Churcher said: "It was a good competitive game that saw the two teams go at it for the whole 70 minutes. Although we did well for good periods of the game, Saracens were good value for the win.

"Personally, I thought we showed some really good bits, but it was often undone by some poor ball retention, which Saracens were able to capitalise on.

"For a first game, though, particularly with limited preparation time, I thought there were lots of positives to take from the game and lots to get stuck into before our next match. I've no doubt our lads will learn a lot from this game; learn a lot from Saracens; and be better players for it."