EXETER UNIVERSITY VS BATH UNIVERSITY

This Wednesday saw the 1st XV make their return to the Crumb, for the first time this season. Bath University made the trip to Exeter for Round 8 of the BUCS Super Rugby League where Exeter looked to continue their unbeaten streak.

As the game kicked off, it was a slower start with a battle of penalties, but it was Exeter with the first points on the board as work from Jack Forsythe gave Chester Ribbons the ball landing Exeter with the first try of the match. Charlie McCaig stepped up to the tee and secured the extras for the home side.

Bath looked for retaliation off the restart, resulting in pressure for Exeter. The visitors took this opportunity and ran with it as the winger identified the gap and went over for the try. The Conversion was missed leaving the score at 7-5 thirty minutes into the clash. The last ten minutes saw plenty of scrums and line outs and the Exeter front row were fantastic, with a tough Bath pack against them, however the visitors came away with the scrum penalty inside their ’22.

However, a overthrown ball in the line out gave the ball to Joe Vajner and with a quick dash it was try time for Exeter. Charlie McCaig delivered over the posts, and Exeter were leading with a score of 14-5. As play resumed, discipline errors crept up to the home side and Bath were awarded two consecutive penalties, edging them closer to Exeter territory. The visitors formed a maul and they charged over for the try.

With only a few minutes of the half remaining, there were only four points between the sides and Exeter knew they had to extend the lead before the whistle blew. Strong attacking play from the side saw Joe Vajner go over for his second try of the game. With the conversion secured, Exeter were in a good position going into the half time break.

HALF TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 21-10 BATH UNIVERSITY

An early infringement from Exeter after the short recess, gave Bath the possession in the early few minutes of the second half. Exeter’s lack of discipline gave Bath a consecutive penalty, but the home side soon reclaimed the ball after an error in the Bath line out. With the bitter bite in the wind and increasing pressure from respective sides led to a series of knock ons with both teams unable to get a grip on the ball.

As the minutes ticked on, play remained in the midfield with both teams eager to break through for points on the board. A cracking tackle from Zack Wimbush put the ball into touch, turning the possession over back to the boys in green. The line out saw Bath reclaim the ball but Hugo Ellerby spotted an opportunity and intercepted the pass and dived for the line. Charlie McCaig had a superb game of kicking adding the all-important points to the board.

Off the whistle, Bath were swiftly into Exeter territory, determined to get some points back on the board. Exeter had a brilliant defensive game but a penalty pushed them closer to the try line and they went over for their third try of the game. The conversion updated the score to 28-17 with only minutes to go.

Exeter pushed on, and the last play of the game saw Exeter with the penalty kick which Charlie McCaig secured for the winning side.

FULL TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 31-17 BATH UNIVERSITY

Another brilliant game of rugby this week with Exeter shining through, continuing their unbeaten streak for the season. Next week sees the side face Leeds Beckett on home soil for the ninth week of the League.