The time had finally come, the BUCS Super Rugby Cup took place at StoneX stadium yesterday, where the mighty green faced the purple violet of Loughborough. With the sun still out, and a powerful wind behind it, it was time for the BUCS Super Rugby Cup to be taken home.

The game got off to a cracking start with Exeter at the front foot, with the supporters fully behind them. With a powerful carry from Jared Williams and a pass to Niall Armstrong, it was try time for Exeter and the boys in green were leading the game with 5 points under their belt. Off the restart, Loughborough were keen to retaliate and hungry to match Exeter’s first points, with the opposition’s strong attack, Loughborough were soon in Exeter’s ’22. However, with an early penalty conceded by the boys in green, the Exeter side knew they had to defend Loughborough’s strides for a try. Loughborough made their way through their phases with strength and speed, and they were rewarded with a try after an identified gap on the left wing. The opposition extended their five points with a successful strike of the ball, and with 10 minutes gone, the score stood at 7-5.

The pace of the game certainly didn’t slow down, with both well-equipped teams hungry for the cup. Off the restart, Jared Williams flew out of the line forcing pressure on Loughborough fly-half Charlie Titcombe, and after an interception from Josh Barton, the fly-half sprinted down the middle of the open pitch and scored under the post, from 50m out. With the conversion made by the try-scorer, Exeter were leading once again and the score stood at 7-12. The exhilarating game continued and excitement on the pitch led to errors being made from both sides. A high tackle against Loughborough led Exeter into their opposition’s ’22 once more but a collapsed maul gave Loughborough the scrum to get the ball out of dangerous territory.

Impressive play from Lucas Dorrell caused a penalty against Loughborough for not releasing, and once again it was the boys in green who had the advantage and they were making their way into Loughborough’s ’22. Exeter created cracking opportunities only a couple of metres away from the line and they weren’t stopping until they secured another try. And that they did- Milo Hallam saw the gap and dived for the line. Josh Barton’s kicks kept providing and with just over 10 minutes to go of the first half, Exeter were in a great position, with the score at 7-19.

However, as expected, Loughborough were coming back with a bang, and after a break from the line by Loughborough’s Harry Ralson and some significant attacking play down the field, Loughborough were rewarded with a converted try. With the score stood at 14-19, neither of the sides could sit comfortably. Off the restart, the pressure became too much and Exeter conceded inside their ’22, Loughborough saw this as an opportunity to close the score gap and took away the 3 points, leading the score to 17-19. With the time ticking on, the game proceeded to go Loughborough’s way and with Exeter conceding consecutive penalties due to discipline errors, the boys in green had to focus on their defence. However, Loughborough’s maul proved too much for Exeter and hooker Joe Plunkett scored for the African Violets. Charlie Titcombe secured the extra 2 points and with the whistle blown swiftly after, it was time for the Exeter boys to recalibrate at half time.

HALF TIME SCORE: LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 24-19 EXETER UNIVERSITY

The second half got off to a fiery start, with the Exeter boys pounding ahead into Loughborough’s ’22, and the pressure from Exeter resulted in a yellow card for Loughborough’s captain Teddy Leatherbarrow. This advantage for Exeter led them deeper into Loughborough territory and it was Jared Williams who went over for the try. Josh Barton’s kick narrowly missed the post and the score stood even at 24-24, 10 minutes into the second half of the fierce clash. Off the restart, Exeter had the upper hand and were swiftly back in the opposition’s ’22. The boys in green’s strong attacking stance created a weakness for Loughborough, giving a penalty just outside the ’22. Captain Josh Barton took the decision to kick for touch, and it was all to play for, for both sides. A strong maul from the Exeter side led to their second try of the half scored by hooker Harvey Dunn. Barton’s strong boot added those all-important 7 points to the scoreboard.

As the game moved along, an error from Exeter just over the halfway line gave Loughborough the penalty kick, which was successfully struck by Charlie Titcombe, which took the score to 27-31. Replacements to the field brought a fresh element for the Exeter side, which was apparent through strong attack in the midfield. A consecutive yellow card for Loughborough for Ben Smith gave Exeter another opportunity to use the extra man advantage on field. And that’s exactly what Exeter did, with a quick offload to Kofi Barton-Byfield who used his speedy wheels cross field and placed the ball over on the left wing. An unfortunate missed conversion made the score 27-36. The mighty Loughborough retaliated down into Exeter’s ’22 and a mistake from Exeter resulted in a yellow card. The African Violet’s kept persisting in the attack and were powering through the solid Exeter defence, and with a mighty maul Loughborough got the try. A successful conversion followed, and with a 2 point difference the score stood at 34-36.

A dangerous tackle on Dan John gave Exeter a penalty just over the 25m line and a strong lineout from the boys in green, created the perfect set up for a maul try and it was Milo Hallam who scored his second try of the game. A missed conversion for Exeter took the score to 34-41 with only 3 minutes left of the game. Loughborough had the possession but it was the impressive Archie Hill who turned the ball over in the ruck. A gap in Exeter’s defence led to a converted try for the opposition, which made the score even with 41 points each and as the full-time whistle blew, it only meant one thing for this clash- extra time.

FULL TIME SCORE: LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 41-41 EXETER UNIVERSITY

After the quick break, both sides returned to the field with a point to prove for the next 2 ten minute halves. An early penalty conceded by Exeter gave Loughborough the opportunity to put 3 points on the board, however the ball struck wide, making Exeter breathe a small sigh of relief. Although it wasn’t for long, as Loughborough swiftly put the 3 points on the board, due to a consecutive penalty. Exeter were looking up, and off the restart they went through their phases in the opposition’s ’22. This was short lived, as Exeter conceded another penalty and the first half of extra time was up.

HALF TIME SCORE (EXTRA TIME): LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 44-41 EXETER UNIVERSITY

This was it, all to play for, the boys needed to put all their blood sweat and tears into the final 10 minutes. In the first minute of the second half of extra time, Exeter won the scrum and had the advantage soon enough. A cracking carry from Tom Cairns drove the boys further up the field and with the penalty advantage held, Barton kicked for touch, 5m from the golden line. The boys in green knew they had to deliver and that’s exactly what they did- as Tom Cairns drove over the line! With the conversion successful from Josh Barton the score stood at 44-48. With 2 minutes left of extra time, tensions were high all round, as Loughborough were given a penalty on the halfway line. Loughborough attempted to go for one last try to win the game, however, an interception from Barton caused a turnover and with a pass to Dan John and the ball kicked out, the game was over and Exeter held on to the cup for another year.

An astonishing game of rugby from both sides and hard fought efforts from Exeter and Loughborough in an epic clash. It was the boys in green who secured the win and will retain the cup for a consecutive year.

FULL TIME SCORE: LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 44-48 EXETER UNIVERSITY