Firstly, what a great gesture made by the Chiefs this weekend, the shirts looked fantastic and hopefully they can be auctioned to raise a significant contribution for the NHS charities.

With friends who work for the NHS, as well as working very closely with the NHS and its employees in my new career, the people within it deserve all the support we can offer. They tirelessly work to ensure that we get as good a healthcare system as possible.

A great turnout at Sandy Park to see the shirts and more and more awareness raised, I’m sure.

A real heav weight weekend from my point of view, with Sidmouth coming up against a rather sizeable team in Wellington and believe me I have the bruises to show it, the much talked about boxing match up of Fury Vs Wilder III and the return of more of the Heavyweight hitters into the Chiefs squad. I enjoyed each part, although unfortunately, only two of the three results went the way I’d have liked.

Currently writing this from A&E waiting patiently for an X-ray is as good a time as any to reflect on a tough trip to Wellington.

We saw ourselves down by 15 points in the first 20 minutes, a tough start with a rather physical side firmly running with their tails up. The boys managed to wrestle some momentum back for the next 60 minutes and had large periods of green control.

Taking the game back at the ‘Welly’ men but sadly, we came a little short at the full-time whistle with some memorable performances from a young side, including some new faces and positives a plenty. A league position that doesn’t necessarily reflect the performances, but a hope of more points to come.

On the Chiefs front, it was fantastic to see the return of more of their very own heavyweights at the weekend. Sam Simmonds, Dave Ewers, Jon Hill, Stuart Hogg and Cowan Dickie, all recently back in the fold, names that any team would love to roll out, and for sure are the types you would love to see in the true heavyweight games.

When the ‘heavy hitters’ return they always tend to lift spirits, lift quality and always add spice to training for the guys who are currently occupying the shirt.

Great to see them impact on the pitch, along with some of the young initiates who have had some key ‘teeth cutting’ experience, while the others have been unavailable. Capstick and Skinner being two of those who are really beginning to grow, putting in top performances. A fantastic all-round performance making short work of a side that by no means looked like they were going to be whipping boys.

Finally, the Gypsy King putting in a performance for the ages. I am a huge UFC fan but the state of play within heavyweight boxing at the moment has definitely won back a lot of my attention.

A character who took a long time to warm too, Tyson Fury has been to the brink and back, both physically and mentally, something that has to be admired and to be able to perform as he has this weekend really does show what a legend he is (in my opinion). I am sure he’s a polarising figure but to have a British fighter at the top of the tree, in a sport that requires a huge level of dedication, is great to see.

Two days post-match, I’m feeling like I’ve been a round or two with a heavyweight, or even on the receiving end of a Dave Ewers pick and go, hoping for a positive outcome. A by-product of the sports we love to watch and the brutal nature of them tends to catch up to you every now and then. It won’t stop me enjoying them one jot though.

Midweek Herald: Facundo Cordero of Exeter Chiefs goes over for a try and celebrates during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park on 9 Oct 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUKFacundo Cordero of Exeter Chiefs goes over for a try and celebrates during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park on 9 Oct 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK (Image: PINNACLE PHOTO AGENCY LTD - PPAUK)