Round Nine of Allianz Premier 15s saw Wasps return to Twyford Avenue to face Exeter Chiefs. Wasps were looking to build on past performances showing moments of brilliance. With conditions overcast and windy, Wasps went to work.
With 10 minutes gone, we saw the first action of the game, from a resulting kick to the corner Chiefs managed to gain momentum with the driving maul which saw Emily Tuttosi go over for the first try of the afternoon. On 19 minutes just before the end of the first quarter Chiefs found themselves in a similar position, this time Liv McGoverne took advantage of the Chiefs pack to touch down for the visitors and with extras added it was 0-12. With Chiefs opting to go wide McGoverne managed to receive a difficult shipped pass out to the left which she regathered and ran in to score Chief’s third try of the afternoon. With 10 minutes left of the half they led 0-19 with the extras added. Wasps were growing strongly into the game but a lack of discipline led to another penalty that was a straightforward kick to the corner. From the resulting driving maul Claudia Macdonald popped up with a try for Chiefs, with the conversion missed both sides headed in with the score at 0-24.
Half Time Score – Wasps 0-24 Exeter Chiefs
As the half began Wasps looked to build on positive play from the first half. Four minutes in Wasps found themselves deep in their 22, from the resulting ruck Rachel Johnson on the pick and go touched done. With 48 minutes gone, Chiefs made the use of the left-wing shipping it out to Eilidh Sinclair who ran in under the posts. it was 4 minutes on from that where Chiefs opted for the same again shipping it out to the left side finding Sinclair who touched down for her second. Extras added, 0-41. On 54 minutes a concerning injury at the time to Liz Crake saw the reintroduction to Wasps Women Rugby for Helena Ironton and Suzie Flowers would replace Jemma-Jo Linkins after an impressive first home start. Sadly the next 5 minutes would see a ball shipped out wide to Kate Zackary who would run in a try for chiefs with extras added, and a injury to Suzie Flowers needing medical attention. At the 60 minute mark it was 0-48. On 61 minutes a step on the outside put Flo Robinson into space and with a turn of pace she ran in for Chiefs. With 65 minutes gone a quick flurry of tries from Sheehan, McMahon, Zackary (2) and Rogers with three of the extras converted brought an eventful final 15 minutes which reflected in the final scoreline of 0-84. With positives to take from the match, the togetherness in the group is strong as we move on to Saracens next week at Twyford Avenue.
Full Time Score – Wasps 0-84 Exeter Chiefs
