With the clock deep in the red at Sandy Park, the Tigers dug deep into their reserves to somehow fashion out a match-winning moment for replacement Tommy Reffell to help seal a 17-14 success.
It sparked scenes of jubilations among the visitors and their supporters in the stands, whilst it also gave a winning start to life under new head coach Michael Cheika who, ahead of battle, had opted for Chessum as his new onfield leader.
In what was a first for the 24-year-old England international in Tigers colours, Chessum did not disappoint as he led from the front with a heroic display that augurs well for the future.
“Other than being capped at international level, this is probably the biggest honour I’ve had in rugby,” he said. “It may only be for one game, who knows….. but it’s a huge honour.
“When Cheik said on Monday that he was thinking about making me captain and how did I feel? I was straight away like ‘yes’. When I first got to the club, I would have bitten your hand off to play one game – and I’d have certainly bitten your hand to take the captain’s role.
Esta historia es de la edición September 29, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 29, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
