Exeter power tells in one-way second half

By SAM BRETT

Sale ………………..7

Exeter …………..43

EXETER have proved tough opposition for Sharks this season and yesterday’s fixture did not buck this trend.

However, there was cause for early optimism from Sharks’ impressive scrum performance and even after Exeter’s first try from a sturdy Jennine Detiveaux hand-off, the momentum remained fluid.

Sharks only try of the game came when Georgie Perris-Redding burst over. Vicky Irwin levelled the score at 7-7 with a well taken conversion.

Momentum quickly swung back to Exeter who scored through Rachel Johnson just before the break. Patricia Garcia added the extras.

The second-half told a different story, with Exeter exerting themselves comprehensively. Laura Delgado scored from a rolling maul, then Linda van der Velden crossed for their fourth.

A yellow card to Sharks’ Molly Morrissey for failing to retreat ten metres was compounded as hooker Emily Tuttosi scored immediately after. Merryn Doidge landed Exeter’s sixth try before another quickly taken penalty saw Brooke Bradley get through Sharks’ broken defence to score.

A tough result for Sharks who lost their grasp on the game in the second period despite dominating at the scrum.