Terrace Verdict - Exeter 02/02/08
By Pete Walford
February 4 2008
This was my first attendance at a Cov game since the Northampton trip, and the Cornish All Blacks at BPA, having heard the reports that Cov now had more leadership and direction on the pitch with Brett Davey. For the first 30 minutes, Cov were holding on - only seven points adrift....
This was my first attendance at a Cov game since the Northampton trip, and the Cornish All Blacks at BPA, having heard the reports that Cov now had more leadership and direction on the pitch with Brett Davey.
For the first 30 minutes, Cov were holding on - only seven points adrift and having given Exeter a scare with a Myles Dorrian break, with the last pass letting Cov down. Errors continued to cause frustration, and when they finally broke the Exeter defensive line in the second-half they were pulled back for crossing, with Myles Dorrain having a clear run-in to the line.
Exeter showed how to use possession and come away with points, especially in the final 10 minutes of the first half, running in two converted tries, and Yapp superbly using the wind to kick a penalty. Unfortunately Cov did not seem to have this conviction, coming up against a strong Exeter defence, or - irritatingly - losing out to handling errors.
Despite 20 minutes of constant second-half pressure, Cov were still unable to unlock Exeter, and still unable to find someone who was able to offer the direction and guidance when needed.
Exeter were comfortable winners, and certainly showed Cov how to play clinical rugby.
Finally, air horn taken, but brought back with same amount of gas in it!