With the scores locked at 28 all, the pressure was on Exeter’s fly half Ben Coen to secure victory away against Newport Salop. Although just 10m out, the posts would have seemed far narrower under the circumstances. However, with the backing of his team, Coen nailed the kick to secure the win.

It was a day that didn’t start well for Exeter Uni as just 5 minutes the hosts had the lead. Knowing they had the strength up front they wasted no time in setting up the maul. The maul defence was incredible, as Salop added the bodies in, leaving just 2 players in the backline. However, this was all that was needed as a crossfield kick was caught by Ricky Bailey for the opening try.

Exeter University like to start quickly though as through 3 quickfire tries found themselves firmly in control.

The first was through Fola Adedeji, who after some impressive performances finally had his first try. It came from a trademark Will Smears snipe after a scrum, and with quick ball available, the winger was first to react to the loose ball. He beat the cover defence to score under the posts using all his pace. With Coen’s extras added Exeter were only behind for 3 minutes.

Adedeji had a part to play in the second as well. His offload to Pugh set up a solid position just 5m out. The work was then handed to captain Ronan Kelly. Despite the on-rushing defence, he slipped between 2 tackles, before fending off a couple on his way to an incredible individual score. The captain leading from the front yet again!

The 3rd try in a very successful 10-minute spell came from Conor Triggs, although it was very much a full team effort. With a lineout 5m out, there was only one place the was heading, under the jumper. The maul was quickly set up and was unstoppable. The boys ran over the line, with Conor Triggs leading the way to score his 2nd of the season.

With plenty of time left in an action-packed first half, the hosts and Kade O’Neill had time to respond. He first scored from a maul, and then a pick and go from close range. This kept the score close and the break, with Exeter having the slight edge.

HALF TIME SCORE: NEWPORT (SALOP) 19 – 21 EXETER UNIVERSITY

After being pushed on the back foot late in the first half, the boys in green made sure they started quickly in the second. That’s exactly what Smears did. The scrum-half took a quick tap, catching the Newport defence off guard and scoring. With Coen again nailing the conversion, Exeter were back in control.

Something that has troubled Exeter Uni all season has been the scrum, and unfortunately, that was no different today. George Arnold saw yellow for accumulative infringements at the set piece before being followed to the sin bin by fellow prop Owain Watts. The latter was carded for a cynical penalty.

Despite the lack of discipline, Exeter continued to hold out the hosts for much of the second half. It was the scrum again, that gave a platform to strike from. Hendry Vaka hit a great line off it, and Newport was right back in it.

With the late comeback on, Exeter had to keep disciplined in their own half. However, the scrum was the undoing again as Connor Adams was given the chance to put Newport into the lead. Not an easy kick, but with just 5 minutes to go he slotted what may have been the winning points.

With no time left, the boys in green had to throw everything had the hosts. Working their way up to the try line, they had to keep their heads in the red zone. And that is exactly what they did. Newport giving away a penalty for side entry at the ruck and handing Coen the chance to win it.

Under pressure, the fly-half stepped up and won Exeter the game. It wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby to watch but the full 5 points were secured on a day where it seemed they would not come.

FULL TIME SCORE: NEWPORT (SALOP) 29 – 31 EXETER UNIVERSITY