Sat 13 Dec 2025, 14:00
Exeter University v Hornets 13.12.25
In the final game of the first half of the season in National 2 West, Hornets took the relatively short trip to the University Campus and the artificial pitch without an away win, yet!
You would of thought this was a Home game for Hornets as the pitch was very familiar, albeit in a cage. The Hornets supporters outnumbered the Students and their parent supporters by a ratio of at least 3 to 1 which was well appreciated by the team.
The traveling double decker bus full of effervescent chaps out to help celebrate Director of Rugby Jon Richardson's up coming Nuptial's and were served up a fast, high quality, high scoring, very entertaining game with no less than 13 tries to salivate over as Hornets duly out scored their hosts by 8 tries to 5 and recorded their first away win and more importantly 5 points which move Hornets up to an astonishing 4th spot in the League on the turn.
In brilliant unseasonably warm sunshine this was always going to be a high scoring game as both side are known for their fast flowing rugby and a total of 92 points were scored. It was the Students who got the first try on 5 minutes following a clearance kick which didn't make touch 7-0.
It took just 4 minutes for Hornets to react through a well taken and created try by Joachim Hullah converted by Jack Gapper 7-7.
On the 12th minute it was full back Luke McMullan next on the score sheet and the conversion by Gapper and Hornets had the lead 7-14.
On the stroke of the end of the first quarter Exeter got the 4th try of the game as another kick was returned at pace by their electric back division and in a pulsating first 20 minutes the score stood at 14 all.
While the supporters were still trying to catch their breath 2 more tries were scored in the next 8 minutes and skipper Kieran Ward was on hand for Hornets although the Hornets conversion hit the post. 21-19.
For the next 12 minutes both sides were going hammer and tong at each other and some outstanding defence, but it gave the scoreboard operator the chance to get a cup of tea until just before the end of the half when Exeter got another well taken try to go in for a rest at 28-19.
As the second half started most people would of thought that the superior fitness of the full time Students would of proved crucial in such a fast game but remarkably Hornets have such a young side there wasn't much between the average ages bar a couple of old timers in the Hornets squad.
Hornets stepped up the intensity and the forwards began to take control and dictate proceedings and on the 45th minute Connor Vickery surged over and Gapper was again back on target 28-26.
Then in a flash Adam Francis got another converted by Gapper and Hornets had the lead 28-33.
Probably still patting himself on the back for his try Francis wasn't concentrating and was adjudged to of put in an illegal high tackle and was sent to the bin to reflect and discuss his try with the coaches. The resultant penalty was kicked by Exeter and game on. 31-33
Down a man against such a fast flowing team Hornets should of struggled but the front row had other ideas as the game tightened up deliberately by the visitors and hooker Ward and prop Alex Hawkins both scored in a blistering 10 minutes and Gapper was good with both kicks and amazingly Hornets had critically wounded the hosts 31-47.
When back to a full team Hornets didn't let up and it was Ward who benefitted from a fantastic penalty kick to the corner by Charlie Carter and the hooker delivered the ball into the lineout and the forwards shepherded him to and over the line for his superb hattrick try and again Gapper was spot on and still 17 breathless minutes to play 31-54.
The pace of the game was now effecting both sides but the intensity was still there and more blows were exchanged until right at the death Exeter were rewarded a try and the ref just about had enough breath to blow the final whistle. Final Score Exeter University 38 Hornets 54.
This closes out the first half now and the first away win was crucial for both confidence and league position with 8 wins so far this is proving to be another fantastic season for this team and who knows could match or even beat last years 6th spot.
It doesn't stop there as Hornets make the short trip next week to local rivals Taunton in a mouthwatering fixture as Taunton will be looking to do better than their loss at the Nest in September when Hornets ran out 57- 22 Winners.
We all hope the team and supporters bring our Director of Rugby home in one piece as we will need him this week at training.
