In awful conditions Exeter University were undone by a strong Old Redcliffians pack who handled the mud the better.

Old Reds started the stronger, with ill-discipline costing Exeter early field position. The hosts capitalized through Ethan Doyle, with the second row too powerful to stop from short range.

Exeter responded almost immediately. After some stead phases in and around the 22, which was easier said than done in the horizontal rain, the Old Reds defence gave way. Good hands from Findlay found Sam Erskine on the wing, who slid early and scored in the corner.

Despite the pressure from the uni boys, the hosts’ lead was reinstated before the break. Using their pack to full advantage they drew the penalty try off a 5m scrum.

It would get worse for the boys in green before half time as Sam Taylor crossed for Old Reds 3rd try of the game. Similar to the first, the power of the flanker was too much and after having to make so many tackles, the Exeter defense couldn’t hold on any longer.

HALF TIME SCORE: OLD REDCLIFFIANS 19 – 5 EXETER UNIVERSITY

With the rain and wind both only getting heavier it felt like Exeter had to score to keep themselves in the game, however, the hosts continued their momentum from before the break into the second half.

Another pick and go score this time through substitute Ollie Stratton.

Going 3 tries down seemed to make the boys wake up and they began playing smartly, basing themselves inside the 22 for much of the remainder of the half.

However, time after time after time they continued to be repelled. The slippery ball wasn’t helping things, but even with Old Reds down to 14 men briefly the try just would not come.

Suddenly a life line. A mistake off the back of yet another Old Reds scrum, and Ben Potter pounced. He scooped up the loose ball and dived over in the corner with just 5 to go. Lewis O’Grady added a brilliant touchline conversion to give the visitors a chance of a losing bonus point.

However, it was not to be as the game fizzled out and Old Reds came home with the win.

FULL TIME SCORE: OLD REDCLIFFIANS 26 – 12 EXETER UNIVERSITY