Looking back in previous years, the start of the season is always covered in sunshine. Supporters in shorts and t-shirts and free-flowing rugby on display. However, in 2024 this was not the case. Torrential rain and heavy winds turned what promised to be an exciting showcase of attacking rugby, into a real arm-wrestle of an encounter.

The opening 15 minutes were defined by mistakes from both teams as the ball became harder to hold onto. Therefore, both sides looked to the skies and used the boot far more than we’re used to seeing from 2 attacking teams.

After what felt like an age, the deadlock was finally broken and Exeter University had their first score of the season. Working their way up the pitch through consecutive penalties, the boys in green and white tapped and went from 5m out. Keeping their patience, it was eventually Seth Findlay who drove over to deliver the points in the 2024/25 season.

The uni boys seemed to get a hold of the conditions as it didn’t take them long to extend their lead. Using the power in the forward pack they drove over from close range, with all but 1 back joining in to make sure Louie Gulley crossed the line for the try.

Heading into the break, Exeter were on top on the scoreboard, but certainly not clear of Clifton yet.

HALF TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 12 – 0 CLIFTON

Somehow the rain only seemed to get heavier after the break, killing any momentum either team had coming into the second period.
Clifton seemed to now have the upper hand on the conditions, kicking well and pinning Exeter back inside their 22, and even forcing a couple of touchbacks leading to goal line drop outs. It felt like it was only a matter of time until a kick stuck.

However, despite the constant pressure they had to settle for only 3 points through Ollie Milner after Exeter gave away a penalty for offside.
Having now scored their first points of the season, Clifton used this to their advantage and piled on the pressure further. Tom Anderson crossed for the try following a strong maul the uni boys couldn’t deal with.

With now only 5 minutes to go, Exeter only had a narrow lead. They had to score again or risk losing the lead they’d held since the first half.
With some fresh legs in the front row in Ralogaivu, and the ever-present Gulleys, the green and white pack sensed their chance to attack at the scrum. Driving Clifton off their ball, they won the penalty within kickable range.

Sam Walker stepped up to take the lead to 7 points. Off the bench the fly-half nailed it, despite the difficult conditions, and Exeter breathed a sigh of relief.

The game was far from over though as Clifton still had a chance at a draw. It was all pink for the final 5 minutes as the visitors threw everything at Exeter. Chance after chance went beginning for them as the ball became harder to hold onto.

Eventually, the opportunity came. The ball was thrown into the 5m lineout and the maul was set up. Despite an initial strong hold from the Exeter boys it wasn’t enough. Clifton kept their patience and scored in the corner.

With the gap at 2 points, Millner had to get the tough kick to tie the match. He nailed it from out wide in horrible conditions to make the scores level.

The referee blew for full-time and ended an incredible finish to Round 1 of Nat 2 West.

FULL TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 15 – 15 CLIFTON

Perhaps not the result we had hoped for, but we go into next still undefeated and desperate to get that first win of the season. Our next opportunity will be away against Devonport Services, as we travel to Plymouth for the first time since January 2017.