The game got off to a rapid start, with both teams eager to prove a point. It wasn’t long before Benjy Joseland broke from the line and with a pass to Josh Barton, it was Archie Hill who went over the important line. Josh Barton successfully put the two extra points on the scoreboard, and it was game on for Exeter. However, the boys in green conceded a penalty for being off their feet, giving Cardiff an opportunity to win some points. The home side kept possession of the ball, and they were soon in Exeter’s ’22, eager for a revenge try. The game continued to go Cardiff’s way, as Exeter were penalised for a tackle in the air, giving the home side another advantage of a penalty. Retaliation was on the cards for Exeter, and the pressure caused a knock-on for the opposition. Exeter soon had the front foot with a scrum on the 10m line. Unfortunately for Exeter, it was Cardiff who used the penalty and they were rewarded with a try on the left wing. With a successful conversion, the score was equal and for both sides, it was all to play for.

The Exeter side swiftly responded, and a dynamic line out led the boys to a try off the maul, scored by captain Ollie Leatherbarrow and assisted by Oli Burrows. With the score at 7-12 only 20 minutes in, it was clear this game was going to be a tight one. Exeter’s excellent play just kept continuing, as Ross Vincent drove the ball down the field, and over the line. This try didn’t allow for the boys to get too comfortable, as the game was too tight to allow for complacency. The game’s pace became a stop/start dynamic due to the constant penalties being handed out by the referee, due to discipline errors. Ben Hammersley was secure under the high ball, and made multiple carries throughout the match, making metres down the pitch. In the last minute of the tense first half, Cardiff identified a gap in Exeter’s defence and broke through for a try. The home side’s successful conversion made the score 14-17 to Exeter at half time.

With a 3-point gap in the score, the second half was predicted to be filled with anticipation and pressure for both sides. Cardiff had the advantage early on, due to a forward pass from Exeter, and after a strong lineout, Cardiff scored another try. Cardiff’s streak continued as Exeter conceded a penalty in their own ’22, giving the home side an opportunity for a penalty kick. Cardiff’s hunger for another try, caused Exeter to step up defensively, and they refused to go down without a fight. The visiting team’s efforts paid off, and it was Max Courtis who dived over the line for a try. Josh Barton’s strike of the boot added the all-important extra points and Exeter were leading by 2.

Work in the ruck by Lucas Dorrell and Ollie Leatherbarrow turned over the possession which gave Kofi Barton-Byfield the ball, which he drove down the wing and put the needed 5 points on the scoreboard. Josh Barton’s kicks kept delivering and it wasn’t long before Exeter had an 8 point advantage over the home side.

Although, the game was in Exeter’s favour, a last minute try from the opposition brought the score to 29-31. With two minutes left on the clock, the pressure was on, but unfortunately a penalty conceded outside the Exeter ’22 gave Cardiff a penalty kick. After a successful strike of the boot from their number 10, the whistle was blown and it was a narrow defeat for the boys in green.

A disappointing loss for the Exeter side, but they will need to look ahead to the tough upcoming fixtures, and hone in on their discipline, especially with Varsity against Nottingham, next Wednesday at Sandy Park.