Exeter's Defeat: A Frustrating Missed Opportunity or a Learning Curve? 🏉
Exeter's head coach, Rob Baxter, expresses his disappointment after a close loss to Bristol in the Premiership. Despite a numerical advantage for 30 minutes, Exeter couldn't secure the win, leaving Baxter feeling they let a victory slip through their fingers. But is this a cause for concern or a natural part of the team's development?
The Chiefs fell short with an 18-14 loss, a surprising result considering the Bears played with 14 men for half an hour. This loss marks Exeter's first of the season, and a disallowed try late in the game added to the frustration. Baxter admits their shortcomings but also highlights the team's growth, saying, "We've still got a lot of hard work to become a great side..."
But here's where it gets interesting: Baxter refuses to let this loss define them. He reminds everyone that Exeter isn't a finished product and that losses are part of the journey. He said, "...I can't believe people think we were coming into this season as the finished article..." This statement might raise some eyebrows, as it implies a more long-term vision for the team's success.
And this is the part most fans will appreciate: Exeter's performance this season has been a vast improvement from last year's struggles. They've consistently secured bonus points and are already close to accumulating a third of last season's total points after just three games. This progress is what Baxter wants the team to focus on.
He encourages a positive outlook, saying, "...I'm not going to get downbeat..." and emphasizes the team's growth. Baxter's message is clear: keep moving forward, learn from the loss, and don't let it define their season.
So, was this a frustrating missed opportunity or a necessary learning curve for Exeter? The answer might spark some debate among fans. What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
