A tough defeat away from home soil
Round 23 of the National League 2 west saw Exeter University travel to Mortimer Park to face Luctonians. Unfortunately, the strong Luctonians came away with the win after a hard fought battle against the Exeter side. The game kicked off in the home side’s favour as after some tough pressure, Luctonians were rewarded with an early try, due to a break from the line on the left wing. The Exeter side knew that this game was going to be a tough one due to Luctonian’s renowned line of impressive defence. However the game continued and an early slip up from Exeter for holding on, gave the home side a penalty 10m from the try line. Exeter retaliated and applied the pressure, forcing the ball to become loose and the possession was back with the visitors. It wasn’t long before Luctonians put the ball back into flow and with an impressive attacking set play the ball was sent out to the familiar right wing and the visitors put another five points on the scoreboard.
Off the restart, Exeter attempted to make ground but were soon stopped in their tracks when they were penalised with a tackle in the air, unfortunate for the visitors as Luctonians had the lineout 6m out from the try line. And successful they were, the home side scored their third try of the match with a driving maul, and Exeter needed to pull the game back around. With the score 17-0 up to the home side, it was time for Exeter to retaliate with some points on the board, and with determination from the visitors, scrum half Chris Ballard kicked the ball long and followed it with a try. Harvey Graham struck the ball well and Exeter had secured the needed seven points. However, it didn’t take long for the opposition to pull it back around and a penalty off the restart against Exeter led the strong Luctonians over the line for a consecutive driving maul try. Exeter were granted with some luck as a yellow card was given to Luctonians after a dangerous high tackle, and the boys in green were awarded with a penalty try. With 1 man down for the home side, the Exeter team knew they had to use it and after a battle against Luctonian’s solid line of defence, the return of Max Bliss was evident as his trademark catch off the high ball led to a try scored by Ed Volley.
HALF TIME SCORE: LUCTONIANS 24-21 EXETER
The second half started with a bang and with the tight score looming, the next set of play was bound to be an intense clash. The pressure overpowered Exeter as they conceded an early penalty after a handling error. Luctonians used the penalty well and were rewarded with a converted try in the first few minutes of the half. It was clear that Exeter were keen to break the home side’s tough defensive line, and to close the score gap. Unfortunately, for the visitors it wasn’t enough and with a tough pursuit Luctonians identified a space in Exeter’s line, and with their favoured driving maul it was another try for the leading home side. Gritty play from both sides ensured play in the midfield but the game went in Luctonian’s favour with a consecutive maul try.
With the score standing at 45-21, the Exeter boys knew they had to do something special to get over the golden try line. Elliot Young made an impressive break and after making metres down the pitch, Conor Manzi received the offload and went straight over for a try. With another successful conversion from Harvey Graham, the 7 points were secured. Retaliation soon occurred from the home side, and after a quick reset their favoured set play of a driving maul ended in another try, with just 10 minutes left on the clock. The game’s rhythm became stop/start due to multiple penalties from each side, nevertheless it was clear that the Exeter side were doing everything they could to keep the Luctonians out their ’22. Although, it unfortunately wasn’t enough and the home side acquired one last final try, before the full-time whistle was blown.
A tough defeat for the Exeter boys away from home soil, and Exeter look ahead to Round 24, where they are facing Dings Crusaders.
FULL-TIME SCORE: LUCTONIANS 59-28 EXETER UNIVERSITY