EXETER Chiefs pulled off the ultimate “smash
and grab” as they robbed the Pirates of their 100 per cent unbeaten home record
with a late try in Sunday’s cross-Tamar clash at Kenwyn.
Winger
Jason Luff scored the all-important winning try two minutes from time to ensure
the Devonians of their second successive win under temporary coach Rob Baxter.
For the Pirates it was another disappointing afternoon’s work – even
though they fought back from 16-3 to level the scores with just seven minutes
remaining.
However, Jim McKay’s side were unable to turn their superiority,
particularly in the scrums, into points and it was the Chiefs who stunned the
record Kenwyn crowd with Luff’s late touchdown.
It marked a second
successive defeat for the Pirates, who were again watched by club president Dicky
Evans, who has spent the past week overseeing detailed planning for next season’s
National One assault on all fronts.
Luff’s try – coupled with an
18-point haul from fly-half Tony Yapp – ensured the Chiefs not only gained sweet
revenge for their 43-16 defeat to the Cornishman back in September, but inflicted
another decisive blow on the Pirates in their quest for a top two finish this
season.
However, a dismal first half display from the Pirates, coupled
with Exeter’s never-say-die attitude, was enough to ensure the Devon club of only
their second back-to-back victory this term.
Exeter’s victory, though,
was carved out in an impressive opening half, during which they stunned their
hosts inside a minute when Yapp fired them in front with a penalty on 40 seconds.
The fly-half then administered a second telling blow six minutes later as the
home side continually fell foul of referee Tim Wigglesworth.
Worse
was to follow on 18 minutes when strong running from former Pirate Mark Fatialofa
saw him link superbly with brother Junior, another former favourite at the Mennaye,
who in turn fed Yapp to barge his way past two tacklers to score by the posts.
The fly-half added the extras for a 13-0 lead.
Exeter continued to
dominating proceedings, starving the Pirates of ball, then using their own attacking
prowess to punch holes in the home defence. It was a tactic that was clearly working,
although the Pirates were able to stifle a number of potent attacks from the visitors.
Even when Junior Fatialofa was sin-binned on 25 minutes for a professional
foul, the home side were still unable to make their numerical advantage tell.
Indeed, it was the Chiefs who extended their lead through a Yapp penalty.
However, as the half drew to a close, the Pirates finally began to find
their feet and – following a series of drives through the middle – they were rewarded
with a Tom Barlow penalty after the Chiefs had strayed offside.
It
was the only bright spot of a disappointing first half from the Pirates. However,
whatever was said in the home dressing room during the interval clearly had the
desired effect as the hosts resumed with a renewed vigour to their play.
Within nine minutes Samoan flanker Iva Motusaga peeled off the back of a
maul for a try, converted by Barlow,who then added a 53rd minute penalty to leave
just three points in it. The Chiefs were rocking as the Pirates looked to press
home their authority, particularly in the scrums.
However, when Gavin
Cattle scampered off the base of one to cross in the corner, only for it to be
ruled out by referee Wigglesworth, Exeter maybe sensed this was going to be their
day. Although Lee Jarvis levelled things up with a thunderous 40-metre penalty
eight minutes from time, no one could envisage the late drama that was to follow.
As the Pirates pressed for a winning score, the Chiefs – just like
the week previous – reverted to their tried-and-trusted ploy of seasons gone by.
Keeping the ball tight, they starved the home side of vital possession, before
creating the opening from which Luff could strike.
Cornish Pirates
16
Try – Motusaga; Conversion – Barlow; Penalties – Barlow 2, Jarvis
Exeter
Chiefs 23
Tries – Yapp, Luff; Conversions – Yapp 2; Penalties – Yapp 3
Pirates:
D Roke, R Welding (W Davies 48-56), S James, K James, M Jess; T Barlow (L Jarvis
61), G Cattle (capt); A Paver, V Ma’asi (N Makin 50), N Adams (D Parkes 80); H
Senekal, J Beardshaw (S Hockings 10-25), J Bearman, I Motusaga, M Evans.
Replacements
(not used): N Chivers, S Betty.
Chiefs: S Ward; J Luff, J Fatialofa, M Fatialofa
(A Murdoch 74), G Kingdom; T Yapp, K Barrett; S Bennett (D Porte 19-25), S Jenkins,
G Davis (Porte 68); C Bentley, J Hanks; G Willis, A Miller (T Walker 50), R Baxter.
Replacements (not used): R Liddington, M Gabey, I Wilson, A Staniforth.
Yellow Card: J Fatialofa.
Referee: T Wigglesworth (RFU)
Attendance:
2,901.
