Match Report: Exeter University 50 - 24 Nottingham University

In a game full of festive cheer, Exeter University rounded off 2023 in style with a bonus point victory over Nottingham. They were made to work for it for much of the first half, however, tries on either side of halftime put them in control.

Following last week’s disappointment, the boys wanted to make a statement from the first minute, and they did just that. Less than a minute in Jack Forsythe hit a beautiful line, cutting straight through the defence before being dragged down 5m out. The Exeter forwards kept their heads as they spread it wide, with Chris Freeman giving the final ball to Hugo Ellerby to open the scoring.

The boys in green continued to dominate possession and territory in the opening exchanges, however, a loose offload in midfield left the ball bobbling along the floor. Mignot attempted to flick it up, however, he didn’t see the on-rushing Connor Moyse who took the interception and ran it in.

They allowed the visitors to grow, as they had another chance ruled out shortly after, but the final pass was deemed to have been forward. The pressure was being applied hard to Exeter.

However, they reacted in style. Yet another break from Jack Forsythe had the Nottingham defence backpedalling. Looking around for support, he found it in the form of Zack Wimbush. Using his long frame the centre reached out over the line to put the boys back ahead.

It didn’t last long though, as the visitors responded immediately. A nice ball back on the inside Payne but Moyse through, and with numbers spare winger Will Callan just managed to have the pace to beat the covering McCaig. Once again, the scores were all tied up.

With the memories of last week still looming, the boys did not want a repeat and ignited the next gear. A brilliant turnover from Joe Bailey just 5m from the line did wonders. He went quickly, and a few phases later Tom Gulley was held up over the line. To add even further pressure flanker Lewis Richardson saw yellow.

It didn’t take long for Exeter to take advantage of the extra man. It was some quick thinking by Jake Murray at the base of the ruck, as he spotted a slight gap, A dummy and a step later and the scrumhalf was over the line.

A key part of Exeter’s game this season has been the scrum. That was no different today, even with a rotated front row. Freeman and the Gulley brothers had the Nottingham pack running backwards, turning the ball over at every opportunity. Off the back of one of these, there was some space wide for Barton-Byfield. A few carries from the forwards later and holes began to show. Once again Murray was alert at the base, rushing through the line and giving a perfect offload to Benjy Joseland to score.

The final 10 minutes of the half were crucial for Exeter Uni, as that 2-score lead gave them a nice buffer heading into the break.

HALF TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 26-12 NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY

The momentum stuck with the hosts after the break as Ellerby and Wimbush made break down the left wing, to get within 2m. The boys kept the heads, and the forwards kept it tight. Eventually, the Nottingham dam broke, with Chris Freeman driving over for the first try of the second half.

Nottingham had to find a way to get a hold of the game, and they got that through a quick tap penalty. Just 10m from the line scrum-half Bailey played quickly, catching the Exe defence off guard. Spreading it wide immediately, he found the large figure of Connor O’Byrne who used his strength to finish in the corner. After a tough kick was successful, the next score was to be crucial.

Not wanting to be dragged into another close affair, Exeter increased the pressure. They were soon rewarded as a loose pass was intercepted by Jake Murray who broke into the 22. Looking to catch the defence unorganised, Mignot shipped the ball to Benjy Joseland who finished in the corner for his second. Firmly back in control, Exeter just had to see the game out.

As is the case with so many games in BUCS Super Rugby, it wasn’t to be that simple. Rolling over the line from a 5m lineout, hooker Michael Cantle rode over the line with the help of his pack and many of the backs. Game back on.

Still, with a comfortable advantage, the boys in green and white wanted at least one more to be comfortable and didn’t have to wait long. Another strong scrum gave the backs a strong platform to play off, and after a couple of carries for the forwards it was time to strike. Standing in at first receiver, Hugo Ellerby executed a perfect dummy, and then a step and was untouched as he finished under the posts.

With plenty of time to go there was even time for Exeter to get another, and who else would it be than Joe Vajner. 12 tries in his first BUCS season already the hooker knows the way to the try line. Picking and going, he seemed to have tackled but kept the leg drive going, and spun away from his opposition to the line. With McCaig again getting the conversion Exeter came away victorious.

FULL-TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 50 – 24 NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY

A tense match for much of it, but a good period on either side of the break, and a brilliant final 15 minutes secured Exeter got back to winning ways.

With no more BUCS games until the new year, attention will be turned to our huge game against Exeter Chiefs on the 15th of January. Tickets are available now as we face the former Premiership and European Cup champions at Sandy Park.