Women’s National League Final (Exeter vs Hartpury)

The day had finally come. Where Exeter University were set to make history with both their women’s and men’s team reaching the final, where the girls were looking to secure the cup for the Women’s National League. Exeter women faced Hartpury at the home of Saracens- StoneX Stadium. The side were lucky with the weather with glorious sunshine on the pitch, however there was a bitter gust of wind that was guaranteed to cause some mayhem during the clash. 

The game set off Hartpury’s way as after an offload to fullback Lucia Scott, who drove it over the try line, putting the first points on the scoreboard. A missed conversion due to nasty weather conditions gave Exeter an opportunity to retaliate. Hartpury conceded an early penalty in their own ‘22 and Exeter had the scrum 10m from the line. Exeter applied great pressure, but a handling error in a prime position for a try gave Hartpury the ball. Hartpury’s attack was dominant in the midfield, as they worked through their phases, but Exeter’s defensive skills caused Hartpury’s ball to be held up over the try line twice in a row. After a sigh of relief, the girls in green were focused on the game, but a dominant Hartpury side presented a strong maul and after a quick break it was Number 7 Hannah Kibble who scored the try. Charlie Maymans secured the conversion for the opposition and the score stood at 12-0, 20 minutes into the first half.

As the game continued, it was evident that the pace had slowed, with static play in the midfield. Hartpury dominated the possession and soon enough, hooker Amy Dale scored the consecutive try off the maul. The windy conditions didn’t secure the conversion, and with three tries scored in 25 minutes of the first half, the Exeter girls knew they had to step up. Off the restart, Exeter were making good ground in their ’22 and a penalty conceded by Hartpury for a high tackle gave the girls in green an opportunity to putt points on the board. And that they did- Exeter formed a maul after the lineout and it was the impressive try scorer of the season, Maddy Boocock who drove the ball over. Ellie Cunningham secured the needed 2 points and Exeter were back in the game. 

HALF TIME SCORE: HARTPURY UNIVERSITY 17-7 EXETER UNIVERSITY WOMEN 

The second half got off to a rapid start, with both teams looking to secure the title. Exeter were carrying the ball well and making metres into Hartpury’s defense, but the girls in green were soon penalised for being in at the side. Hartpury were determined to have the front foot of the game and their pressure caused Exeter to make some discipline errors, nevertheless Exeter weren’t phased and continued to power on. Hartpury pace and agility led them to the first converted try of the second half, and with the score sitting at 24-7 the Exeter women needed to pull something out the bag. Unfortunately it wasn’t long before hartpury scored the second try of the half with their favourite maul try scored by Hannah Kibble. With the conversion successfully struck by Charlie Maymans the score stood at 31-7 to the strong side of Hartpury. The opposition’s strength just kept showing as not long after the previous try, forward Steph Else dived over from close range, and with the successful conversion it was evident that Hartpury were proving to be the stronger side. Handling errors from both sides largely summed up proceedings but Exeter’s defence was quick to react and play in response. Although, Hartpury weren’t done yet and secured one last try as they identified a gap on the wing. Hartpury had the final say and it was a well deserved win for the opposition after dominating the attack and possession throughout the game. A tough loss for Exeter but an enduring and hard fought performance from the girls in green. 

FULL TIME SCORE: HARTPURY UNIVERSITY WOMEN 45-12 EXETER UNIVERSITY WOMEN