Zackary disappointed after home defeat

By Harry Scott-Munro
13/12/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s co-captain Kate Zackary admitted that her side “underperformed” as their recent winning run in the Allianz Premier 15s was halted by Gloucester-Hartpury at Sandy Park

Susie Appleby’s side saw their unbeaten home record come to an abrupt end as tries from Zoe Aldcroft and Kelly Smith helped the visitors to a 10-8 success.

In reply, the Chiefs scored a try of their own through Patricia Garcia – with the Spaniard adding a further penalty, but it wasn’t enough to snatch victory.

“Underperformed sums it up,” said a deflated Zackary. “There was a lack of execution of some of the finer details. We prepped really well this week, so we’re all feeling a bit disappointment. But that’s rugby, it’s an 80-minute game and it’s all about who comes out on top. Hats off to Gloucester-Hartpury for the way they played today.”

There had been a real focus during the week on physicality for the Chiefs as they looked to respond to the ferocity of the Gloucester-Hartpury line speed. Despite seeing her side “combat it” several times, Zackary felt her side were unable to make their usual ground in midfield.

“We talked about their physicality at halftime and tried to combat it. We executed a few times and almost saw Jennine over the line,” said the American international. “There were some great balls as well out towards Laura and Chloe, but just in the midfield, we didn’t get that go forward we usually do from the forwards.

“I’m not sure if that was to do with their defence, but we’ll go back and review that as we prepare for next week.”

Despite the obvious disappointment of the scoreline, Zackary – who for a second successive week was employed in the centre, rather than her usual back-row role – was quick to praise the impact of the bench as they gave the Chiefs an added impetus in the second half.

“Our impact subs came on and made a huge difference. Nichola [Fryday] has only been with us for two games now, but she came on and made some huge carries around the breakdown. Linde as well, she moved back into eight and made some powerful carries off the base to give us that go forward which we needed.”

Looking ahead to her side’s final fixture of 2021 against DMP Sharks, Zackary made sure to emphasise how important it was to not “underestimate” the opposition.

“DMP are a great team. They’ve been showcasing some of their key players and scored some really nice tries over the last few weeks,” Zackary acknowledged. “They’re never a team to underestimate. It’s a long trip and will be quite a cold one for those of us that aren’t used to it! But we look forward to the challenge and hopefully finishing 2021 on a high note.”