Exeter Saracens ground was pronounced unavailable earlier in the week, so luckily they managed to book the Exeter College Rugby Academy, Flowerpots training ground, on the banks of the river Exe, so for an hour at least, we got to fire up the Ton, and get some rugger on!

A healthy turn out of 16 gave me the nice problem of a team selection, and 4 subs to the side, eager to show off their skills to the bleary eyed Ton army, up and about early for a 9.00 ko.

The 12 on field started with a little trepadation, unknowing of the characteristics of this alien plastic pitch, and the faring of ones knees and elbows, inevitably about to be tested.

We went a few tries down early on, which could be attributed to hesitant tackling, and although understandable I started to see some heads dropping and feared it could be turning into a hard fought experience.

When William saw some daylight in the Sarecens backs and ran 30 meters through to the try line a welcome moment of the match lifted the Tons spirit and sparked a rebellion. ?⭐️??

When everyone is available our second row picks itself, William and George PB, the stand out pair.

When frustration got the better of one of them who saw red, (and not the one you'd expect!), a re-jig saw Finn return from a while out through injury, to pair up with Will, and did a great job. ?

We finished the game the stronger side, and had the match carried on I think we would have won, our fitness and endeavour the better of the two teams once we had gotten used to the 3g surface leveller that started in their favour.

Get them back on terrafirma, and I saw enough to say we'd win it.

Joshy was full of beans today, doing a lot of graft all over the park, earning him player of the match. Lovely stuff ???⭐️

Joe, Ed, and Jack all worthy of a mention. A level above anything Sarries had on show, and new recruit Oliver made his debut with aplomb.

In summary a good game and a solid performance, leaving us looking forward to our next game, and ideally, some grass.

Chris.