There just seems to be something a little bit extra about the rivalry between Exeter and Cardiff Met. So often, both sides are marked out as flagbearers for all the BUCS Super Rugby represents, combining an education with providing high-quality environments for athletes to excel.

It’s no surprise that so many of the players who have graduated into the professional ranks have cut their cloth at one of the two universities.

One of those who continues to impress in Exeter colours is flyhalf and vice-captain Josh Barton. The talented playmaker proved himself to be the man for the big occasion in the final last season against Durham and he has taken his game to another level this season, with 182 points and 7 tries already in the regular season.

Barton was part of the side that secured semi-final victory over Met last season at Topsham. Looking back on the match, Barton highlighted the kick battle as being the crucial facet of the performance.

“I remember the conditions being much nicer than they’re likely to be on Wednesday! It was a very physical game, and we won the kick battle which gave us the foothold we needed. Although it was not our best game it gave us good momentum and confidence going into the final.”

Whilst Met finished the regular season lower in the table than they have become accustomed to, they are a side that can beat anyone on their day.

The rivalry between the two universities is one that is keenly felt by all and Barton admitted that it’s the nature of the contests that seems to drive the rivalry forward.

“I think the rivalry comes from meeting them at important moments of the season and always having tight games. For me they’ve always been a side that have been difficult to beat, especially on big occasions, and that always makes a good game.”

It’s fair to say that EURFC coughed and spluttered their way through their quarter final with Hartpury last season, edging to a three-point victory.

One of the key lessons that that squad took from the match was to focus on the match itself rather than the occasion. Barton was quick to highlight that the message has been exactly the same within this season’s squad, focusing on what they can control on the day.

“I think the nature of knockout rugby changes certain decision-making processes for me as a flyhalf. But as team our mentality won’t change and will keep focus on us and what we can control, rather than playing a quarter final.”

It hasn’t been the most conventional of seasons for EURFC, with three losses in the opening five games.

From there onwards though, the side have been near-metronomic in their performances, as they came within a point of the league title. Barton feels that the momentum is building at exactly the right time for his side, as they look to retain the cup title they won at Sixways last season.

“As a team we’ve come through a lot this season and we’ve taken the learnings really well to start building at the right time. We’ve put some really good performances in last couple of weeks and we’ve kept that momentum in training this week, so I think the team is in a really good place.”