Exeter 'never got flustered' in cup comeback
Exeter Chiefs coach Ricky Pellow has praised his side's composure as they twice came back from behind to beat Ealing Trailfinders in the Premiership Rugby Cup. The Championship side led 22-14 with 30 minutes to go in their semi-final at Sandy Park - having also had an early 10-0 lead.But Exeter recovered to win 28-24 and ensure a home final against Bath on Sunday at 12:00 GMT. "We were under pressure in periods, they scored some quality tries and the scoreboard came away from us a little bit, but we never got flustered," Pellow told BBC Radio Devon."In the past, like the Gloucester game, we probably got a little bit flustered and then our discipline went."Today we managed to maintain our discipline and that allowed us them to rip the momentum back off Ealing."
Exeter have struggled this season, winning two Premiership matches. Six bonus points are all that keep them above bottom side Newcastle.But they have had success in the cup, and have used the competition to try and iron out their problems, while blooding a number of younger players. Pellow felt at times that his side underperformed against Ealing, who are 13 points clear at the top of the second tier."To be going into a final and feel a little bit frustrated is good," he said."What we've got to do this week now is reset, take some learnings from the game and re-energise."We know we're in for one hell of a game against Bath. They're a physical side, they're direct with how they play, and we're going to have to front up again in a big physical confrontation."He added: "This competition for us is a super way of developing players, but also to give you an opportunity to have something tangible."This competition means a lot to us and a lot to the players - we see the guys in the changing room now, they're super-excited and looking forward to Sunday."
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