Another clash between top-five clubs, this time the two that were most desperate for wins. Chiefs were no longer running clear at the top of the league; Bears knew they couldn’t afford any more hiccups. It was fourth versus fifth.
The Maher-effect touched Sandy Park: “Please ensure you arrive in good time. A larger crowd than usual is expected”.
Among the many changes to the Chiefs’ back-line none was more welcome than Claudia Macdonald’s return on the wing. She’d been absent for nearly a year.
The match
Any opening was bound to be dramatic; it turned out to favour the visitors. Chiefs offended twice; the ball ran out to Ilona Maher, who had to be brought down by the restored Macdonald. The ball sped the other way for Phoebe Murray to hint at a pass, accelerate and score. (0-5) Ironically it was Murray who had the extra task of ensuring Maher saw some ball on the wing.
The loss of Hope Rogers from the starting XV was bound to affect Chiefs adversely against a first- choice England front row. The penalties conceded allowed Holly Aitchison to kick into attacking regions, but to their credit it was Chiefs who scored next. Their tame Kiwi, Liv McGoverne, made a thrilling break to the line, and Alex Tessier’s conversion put them ahead. (7-5)
For once Bears’ overwhelming advantage in the front row – present for much of the season – paid dividends. On the half-hour mark the pack drove over the line; the referee carded Nelson after a review. Try Balogun. (7-12)
Next Reneeka Bonner celebrated her call-up to the England training squad with a try, to give Bears a sizeable advantage. Chiefs, knowing their lives depended on the result, hit back at once, Taylor Perry scoring. She stepped her way past any number of trap-doors to score an outstanding solo try from the halfway line.
Half-time: 14-19
Beautifully balanced: home advantage offset by a narrow away lead.
Now it was Bears’ turn again. Maher fed the ball back inside to Meg Varley and she was over for the all-important bonus point.
At just the wrong moment Chiefs’ weakness up front led to a penalty try. The lead was stretching. (19-33)
Now at last supporters who’d travelled down the M5 to see their new hero got their money’s worth. Maher went over for her debut try. It was a special, starting from five metres inside her own 10-metre line, a shoulder behaving like a snow-plough. (19-38)
The battle was unrelenting. Back came Chiefs, first through the pack, then Alex Tessier with the five points. (29-38); the result still in doubt. You can always tell; the team offered a penalty aims for the sticks. Keira Bevan added three points. (24-41)
It was high time Macdonald reminded the crowd who the star winger was today. She got past the megastar Maher and scored. (31-41). Seven minutes left.
Nerves were close to being shredded, making unforced errors more likely. It meant no more scores over the final few moments; no losing bonus for Chiefs.
Result: Chiefs 31 Bears 41
Teams:
Exeter Chiefs
15 Alex Tessier, 14 Claudia MacDonald, 13 Nancy McGillivray, 12 Liv McGoverne, 11 Katie Buchanan, 10 Taylor Perry, 9 Flo Robinson, 1 Mikiela Nelson, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Poppy Leitch (captain), 5 Dorothy Wall, 6 Ebony Jefferies, 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Rachel Johnson
16 Cliodhna Moloney, 17 Demi Swann, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Linde van der Velden, 20 Maisy Allen, 21 Lucy Nye, 22 Merryn Doidge, 23 Georgina Tasker
Bristol Bears
15 Courtney Keight, 14 Reneeka Bonner, 13 Meg Varley, 12 Phoebe Murray, 11 Ilona Maher, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Keira Bevan, 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Hollie Cunningham 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Alisha Joyce-Butchers, 7 Chritiana Balogun, 8 Rownita Marston- Mulhearn
16 Jess Sprague 17 Simi Pam, 18 Elliann Clarke, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Gabriella Nigrelli, 21 Tilly Ryall, 22 Amy Coles, 23 Ella Lovibond
Note: each team made a late change: Chiefs, Hope Rogers out for Nelson; Bears, Evie Gallagher out for Balogun.
Afterthoughts
Bears’ struggles continue. Their five points leave them still stranded two behind Chiefs, who have those games in hand. At least they are home to Tigers next week.
Before this match Chiefs lagged behind some of their rivals by three games. Catching up means a deal of pressure in the confined space the fixture-schedule permits. Another home loss maintains a depressed atmosphere over Sandy Park.
For both clubs the fear is another chance of glory missed.
