Masterclass in control and maturity as Exeter U18 edge out Wasps

Two very strong sides in Exeter and Wasps were the second match at the Premiership U18 Academy League finals day at Sixways. Both sides were narrowly beaten to top spot in their respective conferences, Wasps finishing on the same number of points as league winners Sale, being beaten only on points difference. 

                 There was much excitement around two fly halves on display, in Exeter’s Gwyn Parks who had impressed with his kicking & game control throughout the season and Wasps’ Jacob Umaga who was the starting fly half for England U20’s win against Wales at the weekend.

                Wasps scrum half got the game off to a lightening start with a great solo try. After collecting the ball just outside his own 22m, the captain Will Porter stepped two Exeter players before bursting into space and using his pace to score an 80 metre try under the posts to give Wasps the early lead. Exeter began to eat into the Wasps lead with two penalties, the first a well struck kick 45m out from Parks and the second following a strong carry by Exeter’s huge presence at number 8 Rusi Tuima, closing the score to 7-6.

                Wasps were back on the attack shortly after and neat hands from Umaga created a simple two on one which was well finished by full back Matt Wells, the conversion extending the lead to 14-6. Exeter’s forwards responded with powerful carries and good support with Charlie Wright making good ground but the Wasps defence hoeld Exeter just short of the try line before conceding a penalty which was calmly slotted. The Exeter forwards continued to dominate as a driving maul from a lineout on the Wasps 22m was driven up to the line before being stopped just short, but prop Danny Southworth finished it off, the conversion giving Exeter a 16-14 lead. With a further exchange of penalty kicks before the half-time whistle, Exeter maintained their lead at 19-17.

                The Wasps backline began the second half in the same way they started the first, looking lively in attack, before earning a penalty on the Exeter 22m, giving them the lead back at 19-20. The Exeter forwards also looked to pick up where they left off as they continued to apply sustained pressure on Wasps, making their way deep into Wasps territory. The pressure eventually told after a number of phases of Wasps defence, as Rusi Tuima attacked on the fringe and crossed the whitewash for Exeter. The lead was narrowed again however, as Wasps winger Taju Atta ignited the Wasps attack using pace to get round the Exeter defence. Despite being stopped just short, hooker Alfie Barbeary kept his width on the wing and went over in the corner, giving Exeter just a one point lead at 26-25.

                The Wasps backline continued to cause problems for the Exeter defence and a penalty 35m out in front of the posts was slotted by Umaga to give them a 26-28 lead with not long to go in the second half. However, Parks showed his skill in kicking from hand and gained territory deep inside the Wasps half, and Wasps then went on to concede a penalty just outside the 22m near the touchline, and Parks calmly slotted the penalty to restore Exeter’s one point lead at 29-28. Wasps pressurised Exeter in the remaining few minutes but the defence held firm and the ball was turned over and kicked off the park as Exeter won in a high class game from both sides.

                In a game that wouldn’t look amiss in the Aviva Premiership both sides should be hugely proud of the effort and discipline showed throughout the game. Wasps backline looked constantly threatening and Exeter’s forwards were incredibly powerful, but what was most impressive was the level of control and maturity shown as both sides attacked and defended. In the tightest of games, Exeter’s forwards, who had led their team well throughout the season, gave their team the platform to secure the victory and 3^rd place in this season U18 league.

                Wasps, much like their senior side, will be pleased with the dangerous backline they possess. It was led well by lively and quick scrum half Will Porter, and supported well by wingers Atta & Clark both with real pace and an eye for a broken defence. However, the standout performance from Wasps came from fly-half Jacob Umaga. Not only did Umaga kick 13 points from the tee, his distribution from hand was quick, direct and accurate. He controlled the game extremely well and was a great playmaker to make the most of Wasps’ attacking backline.

                Exeter will be delighted to have won this hard fought game and owe a lot of credit to their forward pack which produced a powerful and influential performance. There was a huge work rate across the squad, led well by hooker Ben Phillips working hard in defence. Exeter’s back row also got through a huge amount of work in defence but also dominant carries created great opportunities, with Charlie Wright & Rusi Tuima looking like great prospects. However, as with Wasps, huge credit should also be given to fly-half Gwyn Parks. Parks controlled the game well and his kicking from hand was pinpoint accurate and continued to peg Wasps back. His goal kicking was also vital in securing Exeter the win, nailing a number of challenging kicks and earning 19 points from the tee.