Strong Exeter squad head into Championship weekend
Seven Chiefs players have been named in the University of Exeter’s Women’s Championship South 1 game against Old Albanian Saints this Saturday.
Exeter University Women, who were promoted to this league at the end of last season, currently lie in fourth place in the table while OAs are five points ahead in second.
Coach Poppy Leitch’s side have won seven of their 10 fixtures and drawn one, giving a young squad excellent exposure at this level as they come up against very experienced players in weekend fixtures that are separate to the Women’s BUCS Super League.
More than 50 university players have had their chance to shine in this competition. Players from the Exeter Chiefs Women’s squad have also been given opportunity for game-time away from the PWR or to ease athletes back into action after injury.
Among those players who have played in the Championship this year, most have also represented Exeter in the famous green and white jersey in the BUCS competition.
As such, the Champ’s side forms an important part of the Exeter Chiefs pathway to prepare players for life in the top tier.
Chiefs Women’s U23s coach Leitch said: “Not many will truly understand the history of this side, which started in NC2, working our way up the league system year on year. In the past two seasons, this team has very much become a performance side. It gives players at university a totally different experience to BUCS.
“We have seen many players develop at a faster rate from playing in the Championship in comparison to BUCS. Players have to show a whole other level of maturity in this league, especially when playing alongside or against PWR experienced players.
“The Championship means a great deal to me, and this year we have had some fantastic performances. The Exeter Chiefs players add masses to our squad, but it is important we don’t rely on them.
“To see alumni Exeter College players like Katherine Dyke play alongside alumni Exeter University players, such as Naomi Brennan, brings me a huge amount of joy. We are the only programme in the country with this step up, and although it’s doubled my washing for the week, it’s a massive part of what is working for us in Exeter.”
Among the Chiefs players in action this Saturday will be lock Kate Smith (above right) who has recently returned from shoulder surgery and hooker Kayleigh Priest who has recovered from an ankle injury.
Smith said: “It felt amazing to be back playing again! I’ve had a rough year and a bit having two surgeries within a year and rehabbing for a long, long time.
“To be back playing is such a freeing feeling and even better to be back playing in green. The Champ is such a good standard so that will definitely help with regaining confidence around my shoulder.
“I’m buzzing to be back playing on the Crumb with the girls. It will facilitate a fast and furious game!”
Former Exeter University captain Naomi Brennan (above left) will also get to pull on the jersey she used to wear week in week out this weekend.
She said: “The Champ is a great opportunity for some more game time and exposure to physical, quality teams. The university pathway has been pivotal for so many of us, so we’re grateful to be able to wear the green jersey again and work with Poppy and the current university players. OA Saints will be a big game before the Christmas break as we narrowly lost to them away earlier on in the season. I am looking forward to it!
This round 11 game will take place on the Rubber Crumb on the University of Exeter campus on Saturday (KO 14:00).
Exeter University team v OAs
15 Dani Preece*
14 Immy Latham
13 Frankie Welsher
12 Naomi Brennan
11 Clara Johnson
10 Katherine Dyke
9 Eleanor Hing
1 Poppy Harrison
2 Kayleigh Priest
3 Alessia Skeates
4 Katrina Hayes (VC)
5 Kate Smith
6 Mia Collins
7 Brogan Kent
8 Lola Whitley
Replacements:
16 Reese Williams
17 Amelia Melville
18 Amelia Lambourn
19 Darcy Hacke-Woods
20 Honey Kerslake
21 Lily Relton
22 Charlotte Wreford
*players in bold have played for Exeter Chiefs Women
