Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Exeter Chiefs book Premiership Rugby Cup final spot after edging Ealing Trailfinders in an encounter, setting up a showdown with the winner of another semi-final.
After Tobi Wilson’s line break, Craig Hampson scored the first goal for the visitors, igniting the game after a calm first quarter.
Josh Hodge’s close-range attempt for Exeter gave them a response, and just before halftime, more Chiefs pressure led to Exeter being given a penalty try.
Following Hampson’s half-break, Ealing scored rapidly through Reuben Bird-Tulloch, then Matt Cornish rushed over after Jordy Reid had first breached the Chiefs defense.
However, Exeter was unstoppable, as Tommy Wyatt’s goal put the game beyond Ealing after Ethan Roots first cut the deficit with a close-range shot.
As a result, the Chiefs will play Bath in the final at Sandy Park next Saturday in an attempt to win their second Premiership Rugby Cup.
In the tense first few minutes, neither team gave their best effort, but it was the visitors who took the lead thanks to a penalty kick from George Worboys after Tamati Tua’s no-arms tackle.
Then, under questionable conditions, Ealing increased their lead.
Wilson looked to slip forward after Worboys’ ball to him, but the referee waved play on, thus Wilson fed Hampson to sprint in unharmed.
Exeter reacted right away, hoping to win the tournament for the second time in three years.
Tom Cairns fed Hodge, who ran down the short side for the Chiefs’ first goal of the day after the visitors were unable to bring enough men around the corner after a collapsing maul in the Ealing twenty-two.
Then Rob Baxter’s guys grabbed the initiative. After a lineout in Ealing’s half, Danny Cutmore finally brought down a slow-moving maul that was inches from the line.
Cutmore was sent to the bin for ten minutes after referee Joe James gave the Chiefs a penalty try.
Shortly after the resumption, Ealing regained their advantage after falling behind four points at halftime.
When Hampson saw a half-gap around the ruck after several phases, he managed to offload to Bird-Tulloch, who beat Wyatt to dot down next to the posts despite being tackled.
When Ealing scored their third try through Matt Cornish, Exeter’s situation worsened even further. Reid offloaded to the furious Cutmore after slicing through a hole in the Chiefs line.
The Exeter defense was disorganized, so Hampson fed Cornish down the short-side to extend the Championship team’s lead to ten after the second-row was dragged down short of the line.
Exeter had to react because their dreams were on the line, and they did so by using Roots.
After Hodge’s arcing run, the back-rower saw a hole in the Ealing defense and battled his way over with a close-range pick-and-go.
Then Wyatt scored the game-winning goal. In their own half, Ealing lost possession of the ball during a counter-ruck, and the Chiefs full-back scored by slicing through a wide opening.
Ealing attempted to win the game in the closing minutes, but their handling let them down, and Exeter fought to advance to the final once more.
Exeter’s Ethan Roots speaking to TNT Sports:
“They made us work for it the whole 80. We were never safe, we got a bit lucky a couple of times in those last few minutes – it just goes to show the quality that Ealing has.
We had to scrap right to the final whistle. I’m very proud of the boys that we dug in.”
Ealing captain Rob Farrar speaking to TNT Sports:
“It was a real clash. This is a tournament we’ve gone to all year. We’ll rue the lost opportunities – you saw our inexperience in that last half, a bit flustered, not used to it at this level.
I wish we had more opportunities to put our skills out there and show people how good we are. We feel like we’re ready to step up (to the Premiership).”
What are Exeter’s chances in the final against Bath?
Bath was recently defeated 21-15 by Exeter in a Champions Cup encounter, demonstrating Exeter’s competitive play. They might feel more confident going into the final after this win.
Exeter’s recent cup performances have demonstrated tenacity and the capacity to earn significant victories, which may help them gain momentum despite their league struggles and string of defeats.
Josh Hodge and Ethan Roots, two key players in Exeter’s potent lineup, have contributed significantly to their recent victories. In the final, their capacity to perform well under duress will be crucial.
Throughout the season, head coach Rob Baxter has placed a strong emphasis on development and progress. His ability to think strategically and his background in high-stakes games may be crucial in getting the club ready for the championship game.
This will be a highly anticipated final because of their recent performances, which show they can perform well under pressure.