Match Report: Bristol University 12-34 Exeter University Fresh 1s

EURFC’s Fresh 1s secured the BUCS Premier South title in style, as they secured a 34-12 victory against Bristol, in front of the livestream cameras.

Tries from Tom Giglio, Tom Cairns, George Davis, Ellis Baldry and Will Becconsall secured the victory, with the rest of the points coming from the boots of Ben Hammersley and Sam Walker.

Having beaten EURFC 3s on Saturday and with the 3s suffering defeat this afternoon to Hartpury, the Fresh 1s knew that the league title was theirs before kick-off, but that didn’t stop them from securing a statement victory to round off their league campaign.

The early exchanges almost saw Exeter open their account within minutes, as Hammersley charged down the wing and chipped through to chase. The fullback managed to win the race to the ball but was unable to control it as he looked to collect and score.

It didn’t take long for the Fresh to open their account for the evening though, as Tom Giglio powered over from close range, following a series of huge carries from the pack.

Bristol though were straight back on the attack and, after nearly five minutes of sustained pressure near the Exeter line, hooker Tom Wright barrelled over from the back of the maul.

It took a Hammersley penalty to separate the two sides at Topsham earlier this season and in the first half, this was looking like it would be another tight and cagey affair.

Exeter continued to hammer away and grow back into the game and scored their second of the night on the fifteen-minute mark, thanks to some quick thinking from scrum half Cairns. With a penalty awarded to his side, Cairns took quickly, leaving the Bristol defence chasing shadows, to dance over.

EURFC continued to apply the pressure, as Chester Ribbons went close, but were then penalised for holding on.

That seemed to spur Bristol back into life, as Jake Williams and Ben Murray linked up, Davis and Hammersley tracking back to deny them the score.

The hosts would get over the line eventually though, through Cameron Kinross, as the pounced on an overthrown Exeter lineout.

There would be one last chance for EURFC to end the half, as Tom Tribe was denied in the corner. With the penalty advantage, Walker put the ball into touch, but the lineout was overthrown, leaving the match level at the break.

HALF TIME SCORE: BRISTOL UNIVERSITY 12-12 EXETER UNIVERSITY FRESH 1s

The second half saw Exeter begin at a rate of knots, with the scrum gaining an advantage that they would never let go of.

Tribe was again showing what he could do with ball in hand and when Bristol failed to roll away, Hammersley pointed to the posts from near halfway. His kick fell just short, but Exeter continued to turn the screw.

As Bristol’s penalty count continued to rise, Walker put his side into the corner, and the pack drove for the line, being hauled down illegally by Bristol. Playing with the advantage, Cairns fizzed the ball wide to Davis, who showed supreme strength to finish excellently in the corner, Hammersley adding the conversion.

Exeter were beginning to open up Bristol’s defence at will now, with Ribbons and Kian Gentry almost releasing Tribe down the left wing.
Despite Exeter’s dominance up front, there was still only a score in it. And, when Louis Kassapian burst through the Exeter defence, it took a huge hit from Conor Manzi to halt him in his tracks.

Bristol were continuing to hunt another try, but were met by a brick wall in defence, with Archie Alexander and Davis securing the turnover after George Charnock and Ben Murray had combined for the hosts.

With Hammersley off the field, Exeter turned the screw, allowing Walker to slot a penalty to take the lead beyond a score.

That seemed to knock the stuffing out of Bristol, as Exeter picked up the pace. With Becconsell now on the field, the speed of attack was relentless, with a delicate kick through almost being chased down by Baldry for a try in the corner.

That bonus point score though would soon arrive, as Baldry got his score from a more conventional route, crashing over from close range, after Exeter had driven to within a metre of the Bristol line.

Bristol were continuing to be kicked around the park by Becconsell and the scrum half would score the final points of the game after a stunning line break from Ribbons, with the centre then releasing the scrum-half, to race over and spark scenes of celebration. Walker added the conversion to add some more gloss to the performance, before a huge hit in defence from Manzi stopped Bristol from adding to their own tally.

This was a superb season for the Fresh 1s, as they secured the league title, with EURFC 3s finishing in second place. The performance of the side bodes well for the future of the club but for now though, the focus is rightly on celebrating what has been a superb season, ended in the best way possible.