NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY VS EXETER UNIVERSITY

After a cracking start to the BUCS Super Rugby season last week, Exeter were looking forward to Nottingham this week, to secure a consecutive win. As the whistle blew, the ball was swiftly in the hands of the visiting side, however a conceded penalty led the Nottingham side to spot a gap in the Exeter defence, allowing them to bag the first try of the game. The Nottingham side converted, and it was Exeter’s time to retaliate. Off the restart, Exeter were making their way into Nottingham territory, but a knock on gave the home side a scrum on the 10m line. Exeter’s hard work paid off in the scrum and with might, they made their way into the opposition’s ’22. A lineout a few metres out from the whitewash gave Exeter the perfect set up for the maul try, scored by Joe Vajner.

With the conversion missed, the score stood at 7-5, and with only 15 minutes of time gone, this clash was forecasted to be a tense one. As play resumed, the boys in green started off on the right foot, as the kick from Luca Mignot took them to the ’22 for a lineout. Exeter were dominant in their setpiece, and this time, it was Seb Driscoll who placed the ball over the line. With the conversion under our belts, the score stood at 7-12 and both sides were eager to deliver, in this clash. Nottingham were determined with their defence off the restart, as Orson James’ kick was charged down, their efforts were rewarded with a penalty in Exeter’s ’22. However, Exeter soon turned it around as they were given the scrum penalty.

The visitors took advantage of this opportunity and as they stormed into the oppositions ’22, and it was Benjy Joseland that put the points on the board. With a missed conversion, the score stood at 7-17. Pressure from both teams resulted in handling errors and penalties from respective sides, however Exeter’s strong delivery in their scrums gave them the advantage next, with the lineout just a few metres from the try line. The visiting side relied on their same play of a maul try which was Joe Vajner’s second try of the match. Luca Mignot struck the ball well, taking the score to 7-24 with Exeter having the upper hand in this half.

As the first half resumed, it was a penalty battle between both sides, until the powerful Exeter side turned up the heat as Luca Mignot drove the ball down the field, and with a quick inside pass to Benjy Joseland, it was try time for Exeter. As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 7-29.

HALF TIME SCORE: NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY 7-29 EXETER UNIVERSITY

After a short half-time break, the second half commenced with both teams eager to get back onto the ball. The first penalty of the half went in Nottingham’s favour and they were awarded a scrum on Exeter’s 10m line. Exeter retaliated with ease, as pressure from the side caused a knock on for Nottingham. The first ten minutes of the half was crammed full of penalties for both sides leading to a stop/start rhythm to the game. Exeter were now back on the ball, and had a lineout on the 5m line, well into Nottingham’s territory. With the setplay of the maul, Exeter had secured the try and with Joe Vajner placing the ball over, it was a hattrick for the hooker. Mignot struck the ball well and the score stood at 7-36.

As play resumed, Nottingham were putting in the graft, and were awarded with a penalty a few metres out from the white wash. Nottingham’s hard work paid off and after an accurate pass to the right wing, the home side were rewarded with the try. A missed conversion for the opponent took the score to 12-36.
As the game continued, Exeter continued to impress, as Luca Mignot set the boys up perfectly after a kick out the field landed just inside the oppositions ’22. Off the lineout, Exeter’s strong and mighty maul took formation and it was Jack Forsythe who delivered the ball right under the posts. Luca Mignot secured the all-important extra points taking the score to 12-43.

With the clock ticking, Exeter decided that there was still room for one last try, and with Nottingham penalised for a high tackle, Exeter were awarded with a lineout just inside the ’22. This time, it was fly-half Luca Mignot who touched the ball over the line for the final play of the game.

FULL TIME SCORE NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY 12-48 EXETER UNIVERSITY

Both sides displayed a fantastic game of rugby at Highfields, and Exeter come away with a consecutive win, under their belts. Next week, we look ahead to hosting fellow rival Loughborough at Topsham.