EURFC vs Durham - BUCS Super Rugby - Round 5 - North vs South Clash 2023

VS DURHAM UNIVERSITY

WED 25 OCT 2023 KO 19:45 | ISSUE 04

PLAYING FOR THE KEITH FLEMING CUP

FRONT COVER

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WELCOME TO SANDY PARK

CONTENTS 4. Director of Sport Welcome 5. Head of Rugby Welcome 6. AU President Welcome 9. Keith Fleming Tribute 12. Quickfire Questions with Charlie McCaig 13. Lucas Dorrell – The Big Interview 15. BUCS Super Rugby Fixtures 16. BUCS Super Rugby Table 19. Season So Far 21. Sandy Park Memories 26. Today’s Teams 3

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DIRECTOR OF SPORT WELCOME

ALISON DAVIDSON GOOD EVENING ALL, AND WELCOME TO SANDY PARK, THE HOME OF EXETER CHIEFS. We are delighted to be hosting what should be a fantastic game of rugby against our North favourites Durham University. Thank you to Tony Rowe OBE and all at Exeter Chiefs for supporting us with this fixture.

We cannot go any further without recognising that today marks a shift in the landscape of Rugby at the University, with the arrival, of our new Head of Men’s Rugby – Gareth Elliott, who has produced a fantastic start to the season and we hope that continues tonight and into the rest of the year.

However, this evening is an opportunity for us to formally recognise the outstanding achievements and show our gratitude for the recently retired Director of Rugby, the one and only Mr Keith Fleming.

Keith played a critical role in forming the strong partnership that exists today with Exeter Chiefs, allowing players to experience a fully professional rugby environment, whilst at university. During his time at Exeter, in excess of 50 students have gone on to play elite-level rugby across a range of professional clubs.

Under Keith’s tutelage, University of Exeter

have become and sustained themselves as a powerhouse of university rugby, rising through the English league pyramid, to National 2 West. In BUCS University rugby, Keith turned University of Exeter into a titan of the game. As well as his success with the men’s side of the programme, Keith was paramount in the growth, development and success of the women’s programme at Exeter too, with the women securing back-toback BUCS championship titles in 2018 and 2019. As the BUCS Super Rugby era kicked off, Exeter continued to be a presence at the top of the league, finishing twice on top of the pile and securing second place in every other season. The club remains the only university in the country, to have reached the semi-finals of every BUCS Super Rugby season since its inception. We are delighted that Keith is able to join with us tonight along with his wife Jasmine and his honoured guests. Thank you, Keith for everything you have done for University of Exeter. Going forwards, this fixture is renamed in his honour and will now be known as the Keith Fleming Cup. Tonight is an evening for the club, please support all players on the field and show respect. Enjoy the match and BLEED GREEN!

HEAD OF RUGBY WELOME

GARETH ELLIOT WELCOME TO SANDY PARK FOR THE NORTH VS SOUTH CLASH AGAINST DURHAM UNIVERSITY. Taking on the role of Head of Rugby has been a privilege. To know that I am following Keith Fleming and continuing the amazing work he has done for this club is very special for me personally.

I’ve been a part of these Sandy Park fixtures before, but it is an honour to be a part of this one as Head of Rugby for the first time.

Both Exeter and Durham will be playing for the Keith Fleming Cup this evening and it is incredibly special for all of us that Keith will be here this evening to see the trophy awarded for the first time.

Exeter’s rivalry with Durham goes back several years. But it is the recent matches that make this stand out as a fixture to watch.

These encounters always tend to be tight between two very well-matched sides.

Saying that, I’ve been delighted with how the squad have started the season, with four wins from four.

After three bonus point wins, last week was all about grinding out a result in terrible conditions against Swansea. For the side to come through and secure the win was huge.

The success on the field doesn’t just come overnight though. There is a dedicated team of staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we can be successful.

My thanks go to Rich, Rob, Jack, Damian, Haydn, Jamie, Nic, Tony, Poppy, Hannah and Freya for everything they do behind the scenes.

Our thanks must also go to Tony Rowe and Sandy Park for allowing us to put on this fixture this evening.

We must also say a huge thank you to George Sloan and the team at Timepiece for their continued support of university sport here in Exeter.

To be completely honest with you, this has been a whirlwind year for rugby as a whole.

However, seeing the desire, commitment and workrate that our current players and our alumni continued to put in, both on and off the field, gives me a significant amount of pride in what we are able to achieve at this club. Exeter University rugby is about moulding the whole person, not just the athlete and that’s something we take incredibly seriously.

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SPORTS PRESIDENT

GEE BURNETT I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO YOU ALL TO SANDY PARK, THE ESTEEMED HOME OF EXETER CHIEFS THIS EVENING. My name is Gee, and I am honoured to serve as your Sports President. It fills me with great enthusiasm to greet you and to share in the excitement of another remarkable rugby event right here at Sandy Park.

I'm genuinely delighted to see you all in attendance, contributing to yet another soldout crowd, as we rally together to propel our talented athletes towards the try line and advance our position in the fiercely competitive BUCS Super Rugby standings.

Building on the triumph of last year's National Championship Final at StoneX, our team has poured their heart and soul into the demanding preseason preparations, all in pursuit of recapturing the prestigious title of BUCS Super Rugby champions. Tonight, you will witness the fruits of their labour and dedication throughout the season, promising an exhilarating match against Durham.

It is essential to recognize that an event of this magnitude could not be run without the tireless efforts of our remarkable students and dedicated staff members, all of whom take immense pride in being a part of Exeter Sport. I want to express my heartfelt

gratitude, particularly to the devoted student sport team, the dedicated rugby staff, and the diligent committee members who work tirelessly to ensure that the student sport experience is both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Furthermore, we extend a special and appreciative thank you to the Exeter Chiefs for their gracious hospitality in hosting us this evening and for their steadfast support of rugby at Exeter.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Tony Rowe OBE, for his commitment throughout the years to the development of our athletes. Additionally, the ongoing support of our sponsors. Timepiece, have contributed to the success of these events and we are beyond appreciative of David Meylan, George Sloan, Sam King and Robert Skinner for their continued support of the Athletic Union.

Thank you all for all your continued support and best of luck to all our players competing tonight.

THE FEATURE INTERVIEW

After a defeat away from home, last week against Hinckley. The boys in green are on home soil for round 4 of the National West 2 League, facing a fresh opponent of Dudley Kingswinford. With the return of BUCS commencing next week, we had a chat with 3rd year student Ronan Kelly to discuss the fixture this weekend and the prospective season ahead.

Kelly expressed how much he was looking forward to the game tomorrow and to be back on the pitch with the boys in full force: ‘Yeah, I’m feeling very excited, it’s been a long and tough pre-season, but we feel that we’re in a good place and we’re ready to fire into the match on Saturday. It’s put us in a good stead to be able to have full confidence in our processes and fitness to get the job done!’

Luctonians at the top of the table, with 15 points. With two strong years of experience in the club, Ronan expressed how crucial it has been to lead the younger boys, whether it be in training or match play: ‘It’s been brilliant. I’ve really enjoyed leading the younger lads and trying to help them to get to grips with the way we play. I’d say for me it just keeps me honest as I need to know my stuff in order to help them and the new talent just forces me to stay on it and drive myself and the rest of the boys forward.’

EURFC’s strength and determination certainly has proved strong with the start of the National West 2 season, however this focus and agility needs to be maintained with a similar approach, week in week out.

Ronan Kelly was an asset to EURFC last year in respective BUCS and National League fixtures throughout the year. Exeter also look ahead to Wednesday, where they will face Hartpury at home for the first BUCS fixture of the year. We asked Kelly what needed to be done this year in order to secure the double: ‘I think it’s about consistency, being able to go week in week out, home and away.

We’ve got a really exciting squad this year and it’s about backing each other to go all the way and win even when the cards are against us.’

‘Our approach is the same as against any opposition. We want to play a fast, exciting brand of rugby and our processes won’t change. We can’t afford to be complacent just because they’ve recently been promoted. We will back ourselves to do what we’re good at, and what we know best.’

EURFC have certainly set themselves up for a promising season ahead, in regard to the National West 2 League as we sit joint with

If Kelly and his teammates are able to do that, what they can achieve this afternoon is firmly in their own hands.

This afternoon’s match against Dudley Kingswinsford is bound to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter. ‘The boys need to keep their head down and take one fixture at a time, with a fresh mindset.’

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TODAY’S OPPONENTS

DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD FOUNDED INITIALLY IN 1920 AS BEAN FOOTBALL CLUB, THEY QUICKLY CHANGED NAMES TO THE MORE FAMILIAR DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD IN 1927 Now located on the west side of Birmingham, they face the long 4-hour drive down the Devon in what has been a tricky welcome to the 4th tier of English rugby.

Having been promoted to the Midlands Prem in 2021, they quickly found themselves fighting for promotion last season. It came down to the final couple of weekends, playing title rivals Bridgnorth on the penultimate Saturday.

A defeat kept things interesting, as Dudley needed a win over struggling Broadstreet.

A comfortable bonus point victory secured them the league title by 3 points, achieving promotion to Nat 2 West and the 4th tier for the first time ever.

After three defeats to start life at this level, they will no doubt be raring to try and get off the mark this afternoon.

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NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE

LEAGUE TABLE

NEW TABLE AFTER THIS EVENING’S GAMES

OFFICIAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR FOR ADFVERT MANCHESTER THUNDER 74-51IN SEVERN STARS EURFC NATIONAL WEST CELTIC DRAGONS 53-71 2 LONDON PULSE SURREY STORM 46-64 LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING LEEDS RHINOS 59-55 TEAM BATH 9

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GAMES LIKE VARSITY DON’T NEED ME TO HELP GET THE BOYS FIRED UP.

THE BIG CHAT

A BUCS Super Rugby national title and a second-place finish in the league. These were tough boots to fill as Lucas Dorrell took over as captain from Ollie Leatherbarrow following his graduation this summer.

However, just only games into the season and already Dorrell and his team look to be showing that they are up for matching those achievements, with a strong ambition to be the best..

With an unbeaten start, including a record victory over arch-rivals Loughborough, the young Australian is already proving his worth as captain. It perhaps isn’t his loud voice or motivational speeches that have warranted this praise but his attention to detail.

Knowing the quality he is blessed with throughout the squad, the boys can beat any team. Therefore, pre-match the flanker reminds them to “just focus on what we can control” and “keep it simple”. If the boys follow this, they know they have the ability to take on any side that comes up against them.

In line with his captaincy style, he keeps things very chilled on matchday; “I take it pretty easy on a matchday, right up until the game”. Even in the changing room, he says he likes to “really try and soak it in with all the boys and just enjoy it”. However, the last and most important thing before heading out to warm up is to “grab a couple of sweets”. The perfect nutrition for an elite athlete.

The most recent of our now 11-game unbeaten run came against Swansea which was a “tough win that to be really grinded out” in what were horrible conditions for the boys to play in.”

Heading into the week, Dorrell feels that his side have been able to really work on their cohesion across the park, with ball in hand and in defence.

“It’s been a good week of training with plenty work on both sides of the ball. We’re ready for tonight.”

When pressed on what those things to work on had been, Dorrell explained that accuracy had been the key buzz words in training.

“We’ve looked a lot at tightening up around our defensive principles. On attack, just fixing up little bits of inaccuracy and bringing the intensity when carrying the ball to the line”.

As Dorrell prepares to lead the boys out onto the hallowed turf of Sandy Park, he knows that in “games like varsity, the boys don’t need much firing up”, but with the crowd getting behind them it will give them that extra inch.

For the backrow, this will be his first time leading the side out onto the hallowed turf and he admits that it’s an honour to do so.

“These games are massive for everyone. For me to be able to lead the boys out with the whole stand singing and chanting means a lot. We need to make sure we put in a performance that their support deserves.”

These fixtures at Sandy Park are now a staple of the Exeter University sporting calendar and, if Dorell keeps going the way he is, there could be plenty more of these experiences coming his way in the coming years.

Tonight though, it’s all about one thing and one thing only… the win.

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QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

WITH CHARLIE MCCAIG

SCENE SETTER CENTRE CHARLIE MCCAIG IS IN THE HOTSEAT, AS HE TAKES ON QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS… Weirdest member of the squad Jared Williams Who wouldn’t you trust with your final £5 Zack Wimbush If you weren’t a rugby player you would be…

Unemployed Best Varsity Memory Loughborough 2022 – A defensive set for the ages Which forward would you trust to score a touchline conversion?

AST Josh Most likely to have a TP gold card?

Joe Vajner Worst roommate and why Owlett – The man has literal sleep apnea Top 3 holiday destinations Lloret de mar, Zante, Croyde Worst rig in the club Chris Freeman Title of your autobiography Chicken Runs

NATIONAL 2 WEST

LEAGUE TABLE

ROUND EIGHTEEN RESULTS ROUND TWO FIXTURES CAMBORNE VS CHESTER NEWPORT (SALOP) VS HINCKLEY BOURNVILLE VS LUCTONIANS CLIFTON VS REDRUTH DINGS CRUSADERS VS HORNETS LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS VS OLD REDCLIFFIANS

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THANK YOU, KEITH

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From 2005-2023, Keith Fleming built an empire and turned Exeter University into the powerhouse that it is today.

After he announced his retirement in the summer, it is only right to stop and acknowledge the work that the great man has done for the sport as a whole, especially in Exeter and the Southwest.

A stalwart of the game, Fleming turned EURFC into the most formidable university side in the country and was responsible for the development of a large number of players who have gone on to have distinguished careers at all levels of the game.

The likes of Sam Skinner, Tom Lawday, Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins have all thrived having been nurtured by Fleming and his coaching staff at Exeter, whilst many others have gone on to have successful careers in the world of work having been supported by him.

Fleming has also helped strengthen and develop the ties with Exeter Chiefs, allowing players to experience a fully professional rugby environment whilst at university.

Under Fleming’s tutelage Exeter University have become and sustained themselves as a powerhouse of university rugby, rising through the English league pyramid too, to National 2 West, the highest level the side has ever competed at.

In BUCS university rugby, Fleming’s turned Exeter University into a titan of the game.

They reached five semi-finals between 2009 and 2015, before going on to win their second ever BUCS Gold in 2016 at Twickenham, as the narrowly edged rivals Loughborough under Keith’s stewardship, with the women’s side also securing back-toback titles in 2018 and 2019.

As the BUCS Super Rugby era kicked off, Exeter continued to be a presence at the top of the league, twice finishing top of the pile and securing second place in every other season. The club remains the only university in the country to have reached the semifinals of every BUCS Super Rugby season since its inception.

Despite the league success, it took until 2022 to secure another victory in the final, as a pulsating match against Durham came down to a matter of centimetres.

A year later at StoneX, EURFC went back-toback, securing an extra-time victory against Loughborough in what was dubbed ‘the greatest university rugby match of all-time.’

Last season wasn’t quite the same for EURFC, with the familiar trainers and green raincoat missing from the sideline. However, Keith’s presence throughout the club and on matchdays was still keenly felt. It is testament to the man that the programme continued to thrive and achieve, despite him not being able to regularly be there in person.

Although Keith was unable to attend the BUCS Super Rugby final last season, his presence was there at full-time. It is a credit to the relationships he helped foster throughout the club, that the first thoughts of the squad and the staff were to thank him for helping them achieve their goal of BUCS Gold.

You would be hard-pressed to find a professional or semi-professional rugby club that doesn’t have someone in their ranks that has been guided by Keith.

Keith’s influence has helped guide and develop those who play and coach rugby, but also those behind the scenes, in the world of analysis, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and media.

It isn’t just the on-field successes and the list of alumni that have made Fleming a revered character within rugby circles. Any player who has spent time in the Exeter University programme will attest to the way in which Keith helped shape them as people, as well as rugby players. For all the successes and glory on the pitch, it is that care for the person, their studies and their own personal development that has made him such a titan of rugby in the Southwest.

Today’s match will see both teams play for the Keith Fleming Cup, which is a fitting tribute to the man who helped put EURFC on the map.

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EURFC TURN THE SCREW AT HINCKLEY

EURFC PUT IN A COMMANDING DISPLAY ON THE ROAD, TO MAKE IT THREE FROM THREE AT THE START OF THE NATIONAL 2 WEST CAMPAIGN. With 2 bonus point wins and top of the table secured coming into this week, expectations were high coming into week 3. However, a tough opposition lay in wait, as we made the long trip up to Hinkley, also unbeaten.

A piece of magic from Orson James as he broke from a maul 20m out, using his pace and agility to weave his way past 5 defenders for the score. His first try of the year, and Exeter’s first of the game.

An 11-try thriller is what we got, with nothing side wanting to give an inch in attack. Now with over 150 points scored in just the opening 3 rounds, these are exciting times for EURFC.

Didn’t take long for us to edge ahead either as a mistake from Hinckley in the midfield left some space for Chester Ribbons to run into. An excellent use of space and a wonderful offload found the tall frame of Zack Wimbush on the wing who finished in the corner. 2 quick-fire scores to poke us ahead.

However, the match didn’t start how we had hoped. Some initial good maul defence from the boys wasn’t quite enough to stop the hosts. It was dragged down a couple of meters short, but a pick-and-go from second-row Oli Bee was enough to break the deadlock.

With the Hinckley defence holding strong something special was going to be needed for EURFC to get on the board, and that’s just what was served up.

With the first half coming to a close, the hosts had to respond to keep things interesting after the break. So once again they turned to their pack. A strong maul was all that was required this time as they made it over from 10m. Hooker Dale Bowyer inching Hinckley ahead.

After bits of domination throughout the half though, the boys in green deserved to be in front at the break and soon found their joy through Charlie McCaig. Strong carries from Cunningham, Wimbush, and Owlett drove the boys close to the line before the centre got hands on ball. Stepping back against the grain, selling 4 players on his way to try on the eve of the halftime whistle.

A beautiful counter-attacking move starting in the Exe 22, included a glorious out-of-theback offload from Ribbons, followed by great work from Forsythe and Beckerleg got Cunningham up to the line. Exeter seemed destined to score but was denied by a clinical offside from Sam Greening, the Hinckley prop. Sent to the bin for 10 minutes but the hosts were on the back foot even further.

With a strong forward in the bin, Exeter lost no time in making the man-advantage count.

After a couple of tight carries were denied, James fired it to captain Lucas Dorrell running a belter of a line, crashing over for the try. Ben Coen added the extras as he continues to be the top point scorer in Nat 2 West this season.

However, even with Greening back on the pitch, the strength of the uni pack was too much for Hinckley.

A couple of carries sucked in the entire defence, with Coen noticing this and calling for the ball. James obliged before the fly-half floated the ball wide for Benjy Joseland to score his 5th try already this season.

This is a club that prides itself more having more than just a strong forwards game, as shown through McCaig’s second. A beautiful line from Forsythe got him from his own to the Hinkley 22 before finding Ribbons. A genius little grubber kick-through found his centre partner who just had to dot down over the line for the 6th.

The scoreline began to look unpretty for the hosts, who had an unbeaten record of their own to protect. They went back to their forwards’ game and drove over from 10m out once again. This time it was Tom Hughes who breathed some life into this game.

With 5 minutes to go, Hinckley struck again.

A loose part from McCaig was picked off by the winger Sam Everett, who ran it in from 60m out. Seemed like we were in for a tense finish.

That’s not how we finish games though. A solid scrum for the boys 5m set a good platform for Driscoll to pop up to Will Smears. The scrumhalf, sharp as ever, dummied and stepped his way to the line to secure victory in the final 5.

Report by Erica Rosa Tapp

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EURFC TURN THE SCREW AT HINCKLEY

EURFC PUT IN A COMMANDING DISPLAY ON THE ROAD, TO MAKE IT THREE FROM THREE AT THE START OF THE NATIONAL 2 WEST CAMPAIGN. With 2 bonus point wins and top of the table secured coming into this week, expectations were high coming into week 3. However, a tough opposition lay in wait, as we made the long trip up to Hinkley, also unbeaten.

A piece of magic from Orson James as he broke from a maul 20m out, using his pace and agility to weave his way past 5 defenders for the score. His first try of the year, and Exeter’s first of the game.

An 11-try thriller is what we got, with nothing side wanting to give an inch in attack. Now with over 150 points scored in just the opening 3 rounds, these are exciting times for EURFC.

Didn’t take long for us to edge ahead either as a mistake from Hinckley in the midfield left some space for Chester Ribbons to run into. An excellent use of space and a wonderful offload found the tall frame of Zack Wimbush on the wing who finished in the corner. 2 quick-fire scores to poke us ahead.

However, the match didn’t start how we had hoped. Some initial good maul defence from the boys wasn’t quite enough to stop the hosts. It was dragged down a couple of meters short, but a pick-and-go from second-row Oli Bee was enough to break the deadlock.

With the Hinckley defence holding strong something special was going to be needed for EURFC to get on the board, and that’s just what was served up.

With the first half coming to a close, the hosts had to respond to keep things interesting after the break. So once again they turned to their pack. A strong maul was all that was required this time as they made it over from 10m. Hooker Dale Bowyer inching Hinckley ahead.

After bits of domination throughout the half 14

AU PRESIDENT’S WELCOME PLAYER PROFILES

A couple of carries sucked in the entire defence, with Coen noticing this and calling for the ball. James obliged before the fly-half floated the ball wide for Benjy Joseland to score his 5th try already this season.

though, the boys in green deserved to be in front at the break and soon found their joy through Charlie McCaig. Strong carries from Cunningham, Wimbush, and Owlett drove the boys close to the line before the centre got hands on ball. Stepping back against the grain, selling 4 players on his way to try on the eve of the halftime whistle.

This is a club that prides itself more having more than just a strong forwards game, as shown through McCaig’s second. A beautiful line from Forsythe got him from his own to the Hinkley 22 before finding Ribbons. A genius little grubber kick-through found his centre partner who just had to dot down with 4000 students packed into Sandy over the line for the 6th.

Park cheering on the side against Loughborough and how much that roar The scoreline began to look unpretty spurred on the players on the pitch. for the hosts, who had an unbeaten record of their own to protect. They went back to their We’ve run these Sandy Park events for a forwards’ game and drove over from 10m long time, but the noise around the WA/ Cit was Tom Hughes out once again. This time stadium back in February is something who life into this game. nonebreathed of us willsome ever forget.

With 5 minutes to go, Hinckley struck again.

A loose part from McCaig was picked off by This season has been an interesting one the winger Sam Everett, who ran it in from to say the least. After two disappointing 60m out. Seemed like we were in for a tense matches to start the season for the finish. men’s team, we have been delighted with

2022/23

A beautiful counter-attacking move starting in the Exe 22, included a glorious out-of-theback offload from and Ribbons, followed by great ood evening welcome to Sandy work from Forsythe and Beckerleg got Park for what sure to Exeter be twoseemed fantastic Cunningham up are to the line. games of rugby this afternoon. destined to score but was denied by a clinical offside from Sam Greening, the Sandy Park always a special to Hinckley prop.isSent to the bin forplace 10 minutes play and we’re delighted to welcome but the hosts were on the back foot even Durham and Cardiff to Exeter today for GS TRAINING WD/ GD/ C further.

PARTNER what are sure to be two high-octane matches.

With a strong forward in the bin, Exeter lost

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no time in making the man-advantage count.

It would be remiss me to not mention After a couple of tightofcarries were denied, the tireless effort and hours of work James fired it to captain Lucas Dorrellthat go into putting on an event like this. Our running a belter of a line, crashing over for thanks go to Tony Rowethe OBE and all the try. Ben Coen added extras as at he Exeter Chiefs for making this event continues to be the top point scorer in Nat 2 possible.

I would also like to take this West this season. chance to thank Alison Davison, Charlotte Raymont & the AU team for supporting us However, even with Greening back on the in hosting this event. pitch, the strength of the uni pack was too

ELIZA

BRITNEY

BARCLAY

CLARKE

much for Hinckley.

The team behind the scenes at EURFC are another crucial part of what we do here and this club, both across the men’s and women’s programmes. EURFC would TRAINING C/ WA/ WD GA/ GS simply not functionPARTNER without their dedication and effort. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for everything they do. I know that the players are incredibly appreciative of everything that they all do as well.

SASHA

CORBIN

For the players on the field, this is their event. We can’t wait for kick-off.

James Coffin AU President

I think back to last time we were here

TI,

how they have responded in the last few That’s not how we finish games though. A weeks. solid scrum for the boys 5m set a good platform for Driscoll to pop up to Will For the women’s team as well, it’s been a Smears.

The scrumhalf, sharp ever,in the hugely encouraging start to lifeasback dummied and stepped his way to the BUCS National League. A bonus-pointline to secure victory in the final 5. away at Cardiff Met was followed by a fantastic victory away against Loughborough, setting the side up well for a first hit out at home today against Durham.

WD/ GD/ GK

OFFICIAL TAPE SUPPLIER Report

by Erica Rosa Tapp DIXON ECUYER-DALE GIBSON OF EURFC PIPPA ELIZA

BETH

JODIE

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BUCS SUPER RUGBY – THE STORY SO FAR AS STARTS TO THE LEAGUE SEASON GO, STATISTICALLY, IT HAS NEVER GONE BETTER FOR EURFC IN BUCS SUPER RUGBY. The challenge after winning back-to-back cup finals, is going again. Last season, EURFC found it hard on the way to retaining the title at StoneX Stadium, as they suffered two defeats to start the campaign.

There has been no such cup hangover this season though, as the side have won four from four at the start of the campaign for the first time since 2017.

It may be a new start for the club this season, but there are still plenty of familiar faces in and around the first team squad, who have all tasted BUCS Super Rugby victory before.

After three straight seasons of finishing second in the regular season, this year, the league and cup double is something that the squad are determined to secure.

The season started at a windy Topsham against Hartpury. Last season, EURFC raced out of the blocks but were clawed back, as the visitors abruptly ended a two-year unbeaten run at Topsham.

With the score at 31-7 at half-time, there seemed to be no suggestion that history would repeat itself back in September. But the Exeter wind and opening day nerves do funny things to people. Hartpury roared back into the match and there was a real case of déjà vu, until Exeter held out for a 36-33 victory, in what was a clear case of ‘a game of two halves.’

The following week, the side travelled to Nottingham. This was a high-scoring thriller last season, that saw Exeter have to fight their way back into proceedings from a hefty deficit.

There was no such trouble this time though, as the Exeter pack put in one of the most dominant displays BUCS Super Rugby has seen from a starting 8, to blow the hosts away at Highfields.

Seb Driscoll continued his superb start to the season from number 8, with new fly-half Luca Mignot notching 13 points on the day, in a powerhouse display from Exeter that

also saw hooker Joe Vajner score two tries.

Last time out at home, Loughborough made the trip to Topsham.

This was the first time the two sides had met since that match at StoneX Stadium.

Loughborough and Exeter is a rivalry that goes far beyond the rugby pitch. However, it is one that has grown into something quite exceptional in the last few seasons of BUCS Super Rugby.

In the end though, this one was always only going to go one way, as Exeter cruised to a nine-try 57-26 victory over last season’s league champions.

This was a statement performance from the side, with Benjy Joseland scoring another two tries to take his tally to five for the season, and both scrum-halves, Jake Murray and Orson James, also bagging themselves a brace.

Loughborough may have scored four tries of their own in an entertaining encounter at Topsham, but this was a real statement of intent from Exeter and one that put a marker down to the rest of the league.

As always though, there will be matches that are about simply toughing it out and that’s what last Wednesday in Swansea surely was.

In torrential rain and terrible conditions, Exeter fell behind early, before hitting back to level the match at 7-apiece going into the break.

These sorts of games are the ones where you arguably learn the most about your side, when the weather acts as the great leveller between two sides.

Swansea to their credit but in one of their performances of the season in front of their home faithful, as they pulled Exeter back to 14-all with 15 minutes to go.

When Archie Owlett burst through with ten minutes left on the clock, Exeter thought that that was that, but Swansea refused to give in, as they scored out wide with the final play of the game.

For Exeter, it was relief and celebration though, as the conversion drifted just wide.

On a difficult evening, the immaculate kicking off the tee of Charlie McCaig proved vital for his side.

And so, to this evening. Exeter and Durham tend to have a habit of playing out matches that go down to the wire. Last season, the Palatinate secured a victory by 5 points at Hollow Drift, whilst Exeter edged to an 8-7 victory at a drenched Topsham.

The year before, was a similar story, with Durham winning by 3 up north, Exeter by 2 at Topsham and then again but 1 in the BUCS Super Rugby final. All the indications are that this will be another tight test for both sides this evening.

With Durham sat in fourth and Exeter currently top as the only unbeaten side left in the league, this one has all the makings of a titanic tussle this evening.

Report by Erica Rosa Tapp

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SCENE SETTER THERE’S JUST SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT SANDY PARK. The home of Exeter Chiefs, but also home to some of EURFC’s finest moments!

Cast your mind back to 2019 and you may just about still remember Arthur Relton racing clear from 50m, before Harry Bazalgette slotted a touchline conversion, to steal a 23-21 victory over Leeds Beckett.

Think back to 2021 against Cardiff Met and a young Kofi Barton—Byfield, still a fresher at this point, carving apart the Met defence not once, but twice.

In more recent times, think back to Loughborough in 2022 and the defensive set at the end of the match to secure a 26-21 victory in one of the most ferocious games seen on this hallowed turf.

There have been days of disappointment against tonight’s opponents back in 2018 and Cardiff last season, but they are tempered by the support of the loyal EURRC fanbase and the amazing moments games here have produced.

Varsity against Nottingham last season was a match filled with tension and drama, with breakaway tries from Will de Boehmler and Arthur Thomas setting EURFC up for success, before a screamer from Benjy Joseland settled the nerves.

There’s nothing quite like playing in an arena like this, with 4000+ students cheering the side on from the main stand.

These events are big, they are special, and they are memorable, not only for the rugby on the field, but also the atmosphere off of it.

Playing on this pitch is incredible, but it’s the memories that come from a game like this, in a setting like this, that mean those moments will forever be etched in our memories. Will tonight produce another one of those?

PUT A PICTURE OVER THIS

, sharp as ever, dummied and stepped his way to the line to secure victory in the final 5.

Report by Erica Rosa Tapp

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EURFC TURN THE SCREW AT HINCKLEY

EURFC PUT IN A COMMANDING DISPLAY ON THE ROAD, TO MAKE IT THREE FROM THREE AT THE START OF THE NATIONAL 2 WEST CAMPAIGN. With 2 bonus point wins and top of the table secured coming into this week, expectations were high coming into week 3. However, a tough opposition lay in wait, as we made the long trip up to Hinkley, also unbeaten.

A piece of magic from Orson James as he broke from a maul 20m out, using his pace and agility to weave his way past 5 defenders for the score. His first try of the year, and Exeter’s first of the game.

An 11-try thriller is what we got, with nothing side wanting to give an inch in attack. Now with over 150 points scored in just the opening 3 rounds, these are exciting times for EURFC.

Didn’t take long for us to edge ahead either as a mistake from Hinckley in the midfield left some space for Chester Ribbons to run into. An excellent use of space and a wonderful offload found the tall frame of Zack Wimbush on the wing who finished in the corner. 2 quick-fire scores to poke us ahead.

However, the match didn’t start how we had hoped. Some initial good maul defence from the boys wasn’t quite enough to stop the hosts. It was dragged down a couple of meters short, but a pick-and-go from second-row Oli Bee was enough to break the deadlock.

With the Hinckley defence holding strong something special was going to be needed for EURFC to get on the board, and that’s just what was served up.

With the first half coming to a close, the hosts had to respond to keep things interesting after the break. So once again they turned to their pack. A strong maul was all that was required this time as they made it over from 10m. Hooker Dale Bowyer inching Hinckley ahead.

After bits of domination throughout the half 12

though, the boys in green deserved to be in front at the break and soon found their joy through Charlie McCaig. Strong carries from Cunningham, Wimbush, and Owlett “I still can’t believe that this willdrove be my last the boys close to the line before the centre home match I ever play for Saracens got hands on ball. Stepping back against the It’s hard imagine it will feel grain, Mavericks. selling 4 players ontohis way tohow try on know it will bewhistle. an emotional one.” the evebut ofIthe halftime A beautiful counter-attacking move starting The love and outpouring of gratitude for what in the Exe 22, included a glorious out-of-theCorbin from has done for thefollowed game has back offload Ribbons, bybeen great work from Forsythe Beckerleg got immense sinceand Friday’s announcement and, for Cunningham up to the line.

Exeter seemed former teammate and now Head Coach Camilla destined to score but was denied by a Buchanan, she feels that it has been an honour clinical offside from Sam Greening, the to have Corbin.

Hinckley prop.known Sent to the bin for 10 minutes but the hosts were on the back foot even further.

“For as long as I’ve known Sasha, netball has her forward driving force. usExeter at Mavericks With abeen strong in theFor bin, lost and forinthe sport,the it’s man-advantage a sad time to be saying no time making count.

After agoodbye couple to of someone tight carries denied, whowere has been the face of James fired it to captain Lucas Dorrell the game for as long as I can remember. running a belter of a line, crashing over for alongside now the try.Playing Ben Coen addedeach theother, extrastoas he having the continues privilege to beofthe coaching top point Sasha; scorer it hasin been Nat 2an West absolute this season. honour. She’s been a fantastic leader and her amazing energy is always able to lift However, even with Greening back on the the group.

Sheofisthe an incredible human pitch, the strength uni pack was tooon and much off for the Hinckley. court and I wish her all the best.”

A couple of carries sucked in the entire defence, with Coen noticing this and calling for the ball. James obliged before the fly-half floated the ball wide for Benjy Joseland to score 5th try already Ever the his professional, Corbinthis stillseason. has her eyes

firmly fixed on the final three matches of the This is a club that prides itself more having season, as Mavericks look toforwards try and secure more than just a strong game,aas fifth-place finish. She is though, also excited to shown through McCaig’s second.

A beautiful line from got him from own to see what theForsythe future looks like for thehisclub. the Hinkley 22 before finding Ribbons. A genius little grubber kick-through found his “We still have threewho games finish centre partner just left hadtototry dotand down the line for the 6th. I know my career is ourover season strongly.

Whilst

coming to an end I’m still very focused on The scoreline began to look unpretty for the performing well in these games alongside my hosts, who had an unbeaten record of their team. team hasThey beenwent building growing own This to protect. backand to their forwards’ game drove from 10m each game and I’m and excited for over Saracens’ out once again. This time it was Tom Hughes future.” who breathed some life into this game.

With 5 minutes to go, Hinckley struck again.

AsAfor whatpart is next Corbin, was that picked is loose fromforMcCaig off by the winger Everett, whoreally ran itisinher from completely upSam to her.

The world 60m out. Seemed like we were in for a tense oyster and knowing her as a person, one would finish.

suspect that whatever she turns her hand to, That’s not how she will thrive in. we finish games though. A

solid scrum for the boys 5m set a good platform for Driscoll to pop up to Will Smears. The scrumhalf, sharp as ever, dummied and stepped his way to the line to secure victory in the final 5.

The thoughts of Buchanan have been echoed

by Saracens Group CEO Lucy Wray too, who praised Corbin’s infectious attitude.

“Where do you start summing up the career of Sasha Corbin! What an electric player to watch but also an electric personality. The beaming smile and infectious positive energy that she exudes. It has been an unbelievable pleasure to get to know her and watch her play over the past few seasons since Saracens got involved with the Mavericks team. I know Sasha has an Reportincredible

by Erica Rosa bondTapp with the club that goes back many years.”

One of those roles will no doubt be chief cheerleader for her club on the side line.

Corbin laughed and paused, as she made the point that she will always keep a keen eye on how her soon to be former club are doing.

“I’m Saracens Mavericks through and through. I might not be on the court moving forward, but I’ll definitely still be their biggest fan.”

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TODAY’S TEAMS

TODAY’S TEAMS

PATHWAY NEWS

WE’RE CONCLUDING OUR PATHWAY ROUNDUPS WITH OUR FANTASTIC U17S AND U19S. BENJY JOSELAND 15 ED VOLLEY 14 CHARLIE MCCAIG 13 The leagues for our U17s this season were split CHESTER 12 into north and south. RIBBONS ZACK WIMBUSH 11 LUCA MIGNOT Saracens Mavericks London Pulse, Team Bath, 10 Severn StarsORSON and SurreyJAMES Storm all formed the 9 JARED WILLIAMS 1 southern league.

JOE VAJNER 2 OWLETT 3 The side beatARCHIE Seven Stars and Surrey Storm and narrowlyJOE lost to the league winners Pulse 4 BAILEY by one goal.ALFIE Overall the squad finished BELL 5 third havingLUCAS been on the same points as Bath DORRELL (C) 6 who came second.

JACK FORESYTHE 7 SEB DRISCOLL 8 The team have been led by Head Coach, Katy SUBS Costin, with Assistant Coach - Liam Ferns and ELLIOT YOUNG 16 Team Manager Jennine Loader, who have been CHRIS FREEMAN 17 fantastic with the whole group.

TOM GULLEY 18 JOSH CUNNINGHAM 19 TIRION BOWEN 20 JAKE MURRAY 21 KIAN GENTRY 22 KOFI BARTON-BYFIELD 23

CAL GRIEVE PAUL BROWN Many of the teamWILL were inPARRY the U15 School Games TOBY THAME squad in 2022 and have made the step up into CHARLIE COE Under 17 Academy netball.

PAT BISHOP Congratulations MAX as well to Cara Conway-Baker PEPPER and Kiera Straker who represented OSCAR STOTT Republic of Ireland at NetballCHRIS Europe U17 Championships in POOLE February.HAMISH MURRAY FINN BARKER OSIAN THOMAS ARTHUR GREEN BRAYDEN BARRETT (C) MARCUS RHODES JOSH NAFTALIN MARK DORMER Our U19s finished eighth this season, with JAMES BOLTON standout victories against North East Phoenix and SurreyBILLY Storm. HIPPERSON JONNY SMITH MIKE FORD This was a challenging season for the side, captained by Lucy Kay, butBOYLE they are looking AIDAN forward to theOLLY NPL tournament where they will WALKER be aiming to fulfil their potential.

We’re grateful to Performance Herts for supporting our athletes with their strength and conditioning programme too.

OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER

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Website: eurfc.co.uk Twitter: @exeterunirfc Instagram: eurfc