Skinner's chance to shine
By Mark Stevens
1/11/18
Harvey Skinner insists the Premiership Rugby Cup offers youngsters like himself the perfect breeding ground in which to showcase their talents.
The young playmaker marked his first start for the Exeter Chiefs last Sunday by helping the Devon club to a share of the spoils in their 22-22 draw away to Newcastle Falcons in Round One of the competition.
Now, the 21-year-old playmaker will be looking to lead from the front once again as the Chiefs prepare to welcome Bath to Sandy Park this Saturday (1pm).
A near capacity crowd is expected for this latest match-up between the two Westcountry rivals who, incidentally, battled it out in the final of this very competition back in March.On that occasion, it was the Chiefs who prospered at Kingsholm, winning 28-11 to secure the trophy for the second time in four years.
Since then, the Chiefs have made no secret of the fact they are keen to keep hold of their crown - and although they had to settle for a draw in their opening fixture against the Falcons, Skinner knows victory this weekend and in next week’s home encounter with Harlequins, can help put the club firmly on the front foot moving forward.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” said Skinner. “Bath are a good side, it’s a local derby, and the atmosphere at the weekend I’d imagine will be really good.We’ve had a good prep week, training has gone well, and now we’re looking to build on what was a pretty positive performance up at Newcastle.”
In tough conditions up at Kingston Park, the Chiefs battled back from 22-10 down to rescue the draw.Max Bodilly scored a try in each half for the visitors, while replacement James Short also got in on the scoring act.Skinner completed the job with the additional seven points, which included a sublime touchline conversion to Bodilly’s second try.
Although admitting to feeling nervous ahead of kick-off in the North East, Skinner impressed in the No.10 jersey and he’s hoping to use the Cup to glean vital game time and experience moving forward.
“This competition is a great breeding ground for young players like myself, Sean Lonsdale and Josh Caulfield.Josh and I have been playing down in the Championship with the Pirates, but this is a really good platform for us to get experience under our belts.
“Of course it’s a step up, the intensity and the physicality was right up there, and with the way we want to play here at Exeter, you need to be fit and mentally prepared for everything that comes at you.”
Skinner, though, is keen to learn and having seen others use the Cup competition as a launchpad to success, he is hoping he can make the most of opportunities afforded to him this month.
“This club is great for bringing through young players,” he said. “They’ve shown if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.Even when you’re away at your club playing in say the Championship, they are always watching you and they are not afraid to bring you back up here if you’re playing well.
“For me personally, I just want to make the most of any opportunities I get.Last week was one, this week is another, and hopefully I can keep going from there.Playing at Sandy Park will be special, especially as it will be my first start there. You come and watch the boys play in the Premiership and the atmosphere is always awesome.Hopefully, it will be the same at the weekend, especially with it being a derby, and I’ll just try and do my best out there.”