Consistency the Key as Exeter Continue Perfect Start

In cold northern conditions, Exeter’s physical presence and continuity in the backline was ultimately the difference as they overwhelmed a Northumbria side still searching for their first win of the season.

After a brief stoppage just 5 minutes into the match for second row Lasha Jaiani to have his finger popped back into its socket, Exeter struck first through winger Toby Williams. After the impressive Luke Mehson made a characteristically surging break into the Northumbria 22, the ball was worked wide to captain Paul Schroter, who’s powerful bust through the tackler allowed him to free up his hands, popping the ball to Williams who simply had to catch the ball to finish off the score. Northumbria looked to respond quickly after Exeter allowed their livewire winger too much space in broken play.

However, the opportunity was snuffed out by the impressive Mehson, who tracked back to make the tackle, before securing the turnover for his side. After 15 minutes, prop Fin Richardson made his first bust off the match, bulldozing over the would-be tackler before rampaging towards the Northumbria line with speed most backs would be proud of. Despite the positive carry, Exeter’s hands let them down as a knock-on in contact allowed Northumbria the opportunity to relieve the pressure.

Despite Exeter’s dominance, the game was missing a moment to spark it into life until Mehson duly provided it with a stunning individual score in the 21st minute. After leaping highest to take a high-ball from a Northumbria clearance, he stepped the onrushing defenders with ease, before turning on the gas to outsprint the Northumbria right-winger and run in from 50m. Bazalgette’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0. Northumbria responded quickly though with their first score, as their elusive right winger burst through a gap, before their forwards went to work, burrowing over from close range. The missed conversion meant Exeter’s advantage was reduced to 9.

After Bazalgette added 3 points from a penalty, Exeter’s third score came from the forwards as hooker Harrison Fowke profited from a well-worked driving maul from the pack to crash over. Much to everyone’s surprise, Bazalgette’s conversion attempt drifted wide, his first miss from the tee this season. Right on halftime, Exeter secured the try bonus point, with Richardson grabbing the score his performance deserved, again driving through an attempted tackle and sprinting clear from 20 metres. Bazalgette’s conversion gave Exeter a 29-5 halftime lead after a composed and well-structured opening 40.

The second half started in a similar vain to the first, with Exeter controlling play, marshalled well in defence by flanker Charlie Fethney and by Bazalgette and centre Joe Elderkin in attack. Minutes after play resumed, Mehson grabbed his second of the day as Exeter pounced upon a Northumbria mistake. From the Northumbria knock-on, the ball made its way to the backs, with Bazalgette’s well-timed miss-pass floating into Mehson’s hands for the fullback to run in unopposed. 5 minutes later, it was a case of history repeating itself, as another sumptuous miss-pass from Bazalgette left the Northumbria defence at sixes and sevens, with Mehson completing his hattrick out wide. Bazalgette’s conversion extended Exeter’s lead to 43-5.

Northumbria responded next with their second score on 58 minutes, a well-structured backs move utilising the speed of their winger and strength of their outside centre, despite some suspect passes that on another day and with a different score may well have been called up for going forwards. With the conversion, the score stood at 43-12. On 60 minutes, Exeter scored their 7th as replacement prop Johnson scored from a quick-tap penalty, much to the delight of the bench, Bazalgette’s conversion helping Exeter hit the 50-point mark.

Northumbria scored their 3rd try in the 72nd minute, despite some strong Exeter defence, marshalled well by Fethney and replacement flanker Cam Bullard. Exeter’s final score came on the 77-minute mark, Johnson continuing to show his hunger for finding the line, helping himself to his second of the day. Bazalgette’s conversion extended Exeter’s advantage to 57-19 and secured a comprehensive and accomplished away performance.

In arguably the most fluid and well-structured team performance so far, Exeter’s cohesiveness came to the fore, with the individual prowess of Richardson and Mehson in attack standing out, alongside the impressive defensive interventions of Fethney and Schroter. Next up for Exeter is an away match against last season’s play-off champions Hartpury, with the men in green and white hoping to continue their fine early season form.