Hat-trick hero James Short praised the contribution of the Exeter Chiefs pack as they brushed aside the attentions of Worcester Warriors in their latest Aviva Premiership encounter on Saturday.
The talented winger took his seasonal tally to ten touchdowns with his timely treble at Sixways, but it was the efforts of those around him – particularly up front – that the 27-year-old was quick to highlight following his side’s 48-32 success.
“You’re always glad to be on the scoresheet, but I thought the forwards were outstanding,” said Short. “They really pushed Worcester around the park and they were able to get us on the front foot.”
With little to choose between the two sides at the break, the Warriors led 18-17 at the time, it was the Chiefs who cranked up the gears in the second half, particularly when the Midlanders lost back-row forward Alafoti Faosiliva to a yellow card.
During the Samoan’s ten-minute stint on the sidelines, the visitors crossed for three tries to put themselves in control of proceedings.
“We said before the game that we would have to work hard and although we did that in the first half, we were probably guilty of committing too many forced errors,” added Short. “We talked about it half time, we put them to bed, and you saw what we did in the second half.”
The win, coupled with a loss for reigning champions Saracens the night before at Gloucester, means the Chiefs are level on points with Mark McCall’s side and on course for the end of season play-offs.
For Rob Baxter’s side to achieve that feat, however, they must continue to keep delivering on the field, starting with this Saturday’s visit of in-form Newcastle Falcons to Sandy Park (3pm).
“It’s going to be another tough game for us,” said Short. “Newcastle are in great form at the moment and they had another good win at the weekend [against Northampton].
“The top four at the moment is very tight and I think it will stay like that until the end of the season. That said, I’d like to back us home or away against any side, so we’ll see how things develop.”
