EXETER UNIVERSITY VS HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

This week, Exeter faced Hartpury on home soil, in the first fixture of our BUCS Super Rugby 23/24 season. The weather wasn’t in our favour, with a yellow warning of wind and showers of rain forecasted. Nevertheless, it was clear from the start that both teams were ready to prove their pre-seasons hard work and graft.

The clash commenced in Exeter’s favour, as Hartpury conceded a penalty for a high tackle in the first minute. The pressure caught up to the visitors, as their clearance kick landed just outside of their own ’22. Exeter used this opportunity wisely, and full back Benjy Joseland made a break from the line, and with a quick offload, it was Orson James who scored the first try of the BUCS season. The new face of Luca Mignot bagged the conversion and it was a strong start for the boys in green. Off the restart, Hartpury were keen to prove themselves, and had a cracking opportunity as they were awarded with a scrum just a few metres from the try line. The opportunity was missed, and the ball was swiftly back in Exeter’s hands thanks to the backs putting in solid work in the breakdown. The Exeter side were promptly going through their phases and it wasn’t long before Charlie Mccaig got his hands on the ball and after a short pass to Benjy Joseland it was try time again for the boys. A missed conversion led the score to 12-0, only 15 minutes into the clash.

As play resumed, Hartpury had the upper hand after Exeter conceded a penalty in the midfield, however a knock on from the visitors allowed Exeter to regain the possession. Orson James got the ball out of the ruck with speed, and after an offload to Chester Ribbons, it was time for Exeter’s third try of the match. Luca Mignot struck the ball with accuracy leading the score to 19-0. Exeter had a slower start off the restart, and Hartpury identified the gap in the home side’s defence, as they put their first points on the scoreboard. With the conversion under their belt, Hartpury were back in the game with the score at 19-7.

Retaliation was soon underway for Exeter, as Benjy Joseland made a cracking carry down the field into Hartpury’s ’22 and with an assist from Charlie Mccaig, it was winger Kian Gentry who scored the try for the home side. Despite the strong winds, Luca Mignot pulled through as the boys in green were comfortably leading with a score of 26-7. The last 10 minutes of the half was filled with penalties from both respective teams. Exeter were lucky with the final penalty of the half, and with a quick tap and go from Joe Vajner, second year Seb Driscoll placed the ball over the whitewash.

HALF TIME SCORE EXETER UNIVERSITY 31-7 HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

After an intense first half, the EURFC side knew that Hartpury would return to the field with fire in their belly. Hartpury certainly proved this point, as they spotted a gap down the left wing, and with a quick sprint Hartpury had bagged the first try of the second half. With the conversion won, Hartpury had made their return to the scoreboard with a 31-14 score. The second half certainly saw both sides discipline decline, with constant blows of the whistle from the referee. Hartpury had the lineout in the opposition’s ’22, and with ambition and might the visitors scored a try off the maul. With an unsuccessful conversion, the score gap was tightening at 31-19.

As play resumed, the back and forth penalties continued, but it was Hartpury who had the possession after a handling error from the boys in green. With a powerful pass to the wing, it was Hartpury’s calling for another try. A tricky conversion for Hartpury didn’t phase them, with the score standing at 31-26. The EURFC side were quick to respond and with the penalty advantage under their belts, it was the new face of Jack Forsythe who obtained the try on his BUCS Super Rugby debut. An unfortunate missed conversion for Exeter led the score to 36-26, with 10 minutes to go.

These last 10 minutes were nail biting for the supporters and staff, with constant changes in possession from both sides. Hartpury were soon dominating the midfield eager to get a try, but a tackle from Kofi Barton-Byfield put the ball into touch. However, Hartpury weren’t finished yet, as they spotted a gap down the wing. The Hartpury side converted their try, leading the score to a tense 36-33 with only a few minutes to go.

The EURFC side stayed strong despite Hartpury’s strides for a final score, as they kept possession until the final whistle was blown.

FULL TIME SCORE EXETER UNIVERSITY 36-33 HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

An impressive display of rugby from both sides in the first BUCS Super Rugby game for EURFC. Next week, the boys look ahead to the trip to Nottingham, where the Exeter side will need to hone in on their strengths and weaknesses from the game today.