By Ben Baker
Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Sean Lynn hopes that the “relentless” Kingsholm crowd will help his side come out on top against Exeter Chiefs Women in this weekend’s PWR semi-final.
After finishing top of the league, Gloucester-Hartpury will face Exeter Chiefs Women at Kingsholm Stadium. The winner of the match will face the winner of Saracens Women vs Bristol Bears Women in the final.
“It’s a fairytale come true, last year we had the home semi-final and final at Kingsholm. It’s pretty special and it was one of the targets at the start of the season to get a home semi-final. It is special in front of the Kingsholm crowd; The Shed are relentless and they’ll help us get through those tough times in the game.”
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the Chiefs, they’ve got a very well drilled forward pack, they are losing a bit in the back three threat but they’ve got a lot and a home final to play for, I know how much pride they take in their supporters and we’re not taking this game lightly as this Exeter Chiefs side are very good.”
Gloucester-Hartpury beat Exeter Chiefs in last year’s final and beating them again this weekend means the Circus move to just one win away from winning back-to-back titles.
“I think as a coaching group and bunch of players we’re very competitive and we just need to take each game as they come, going back to back would be amazing but I’ve got a new set of girls here this year and there will be some girls playing who weren’t involved last year and for me it’s making sure with the players and staff we’ve got that we can still win trophies.”
Sean Lynn made many changes to his players and coaching staff for the 2023/24 season; it has been proven to work so far this season after finishing top of the league table with only one loss.
“Everything is about togetherness, the staff the players are all in it together. Honesty is big and part of our values. Some staff have left, and we’ve got new members of staff that have come in and they’re doing very well so it’s going to be great going into the semi-final this week.”
Lynn’s side were one game away from completing a perfect league season, only losing out to second placed Saracens last time out. However, he is sure that the defeat will not be stuck on the players’ minds.
“The game on Saturday, everybody was disappointed with the loss however we’ve got to learn and keep a good environment in the camp I have good people, we employ good people and keep good people around the club. I’m big on making sure that everything is positive, and we’ve got a semi-final to prep for so we can’t dwell on that we’ve got to move forwards.”
World Cup winning scrum-half Natasha Hunt believes that Gloucester-Hartpury’s defeat to Saracens in the regular league season, hasn’t had any affect on the morale of the squad.
“I think it would’ve been great to have had that unbeaten run, but nobody’s ever done it and there’s a reason for that because it’s a really really difficult thing to do, and the fact that we were even in that position is crazy to us.
“The defeat hasn’t dampened our morale, it takes quite a lot to knock these girls, they’re a brilliant group of people and so internally driven which is why you see these results and why we get better and better all the time.
“Everybody wants to be their best every time they pull on the shirt so yes it was a little wake up call and a little check to remind us that we always need to be on it and that anything can happen in this league but it’s probably come at the right time for us and has given us a target to go after next year.”
If Chiefs reach the final, then they will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd at Sandy Park. They’ve reached the final in the last two seasons but have fallen short on both occasions. Hunt believes these factors will give the visitors that extra bit of determination to beat the Circus.
“We’re aware that they’re playing for a home final which gives them an extra bit of fight and spice, we were privileged to do that last year and I think it’ll be in the back of their heads and obviously they played us here last year in the final.
“All these things add that little bit to what they’re bringing to us. I think it’s going to be a proper battle and we are definitely aware of what’s coming but we really want to control and enhance what we’re about because that’s probably what let us down against Saracens.”
Earlier this week, it was announced that Sarah Beckett had signed a new deal with Gloucester-Hartpury, The Red Roses back row has started in 15 out of 16 games so far this season for the Circus. Lynn is delighted with the way she has progressed since joining from Harlequins.
“She’s really special, she’s becoming a leader. What’s lovely about it is that Zoe and Mo will always go to her for a voice. What she brings us is just different to what other players will bring and I just think that she is growing and growing within the game.”