Before the break, Exeter Uni had started to find their form as they won back-to-back games for the first time since October and were looking to put pressure on the top 4.

Now back on the Rubber Crumb for just the 2nd time in National League rugby, they will be looking to reignite the season before we head to Sandy Park for a match-up with Exeter Chiefs on Monday.

TOMORROW’S OPPONENTS

Formed in 1892, they moved around a lot before settling on Coventry Road in 1929. With a big ground and good facilities, it brought some big clubs to the town including Saracens, Oxford University and Sheffield. However, they eventually had to move on and found their current home on Leicester Road in 1967. The big clubs kept coming though as in the 1970s they hosted Leicester Tigers in a cup game, and despite defeat, it was a huge moment for the club.

One of the better teams throughout the game amateur era, their fortunes changed after the creation of the league system. 3 consecutive relegations to start left the club languishing in the Leicestershire regional divisions. After a couple of years of rebuilding, they were on the up again getting to the National Leagues in the early 2000s. They have since yo-yod between the National Leagues and the top of the regional divisions but have been a mainstay at this level since 2015/16. Always a consistent performer ‘The Hornets’ got a 5th place finish last year and have continued that this year. Just 10 points off the top, and putting pressure on the top 3, Hinckley will be looking to improve their current standing of 4th.

KEY PLAYERS
Ben Pointon – The scrum half is crucial in dictating the attack and also scoring tries, and after a worldie against us last year the boys know the threat he possesses.
Oscar Harper – Ever present in the starting XV this season, the prop is a key reason for Hickley’s success at scrum time and something the boys in green will be wary of.
Alex Salt – Able to play second and back row, the captain is talismanic for ‘The Hornets’ in defence and his hard work in attack,

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
16th Sept 2023 – HINCKLEY 24 – 43 EXETER UNIVERSITY
19th Feb 2023 – HINCKLEY 22 – 19 EXETER UNIVERSITY
23RD Oct 2022 – EXETER UNIVERSITY 26 – 29 HINCKLEY

TEAM NEWS

Despite the long break, Gareth Elliot hasn’t made too many changes as he looks ahead to the return of BUCS Super Rugby in just a couple of weeks.

A familiar face in those BUCS lineups is Chris Freeman, as he starts alongside Oli Webb and Archie Alexander in the front row. Hallam is joined by Oscar Beckerleg in the second row, with Boyland moving to 6 to partner Kelly and Sat XV debutant Seth Findlay in the back row.

The attacking threat of Ben Potter is at 9 and is joined by Park in the halfbacks. Woody Pugh and Dylan Power make up an exciting centre partnership, with both players looking to force their way into the BUCS team in a couple of weeks. Ferguson and Volley on the wings will have similar ideas having impressed before Christmas, with ever-dangerous fresher Tom Burton looking to add to his try against Clifton.

It’s good to have rugby back. A month without it hasn’t felt right. Now is the chance for all the boys to get rid of those holiday frustrations as National Rugby is back in Exeter!!