Exeter University v Withycombe

University Pull Away In Final Quarter

Exeter University 39
Withycombe 5

Table-topping Exeter University had too much in the tank for Withycombe, who slip to fifth at the Christmas break.

Having lost at basement dwellers Penzance the previous week, Withycombe travelled with trepidation to the opposite end of the table this weekend to face high-flying Exeter University.

There was little in the way of festive cheer for Withycombe though as the students' Scrooge-like defence proved the difference. The hosts raced into an 8-0 lead after six minutes, with another try after 20 minutes putting them 15-0 in front. Withycombe had plenty of possession, but the patient University defence held firm until 32 minutes, when a workmanlike 30-yard rolling maul was brought down with the Exeter University line begging. After a sin bin which brought the teams back on level terms following Ben Mardle's earlier yellow card, Dave Richards crashed over in the corner from the resulting maul only to be adjudged to have had his foot in touch.

Withycombe scored with their second bite of the cherry though. Gunboat Glenn Channing busted a big hole in midfield, brought down with the line almost in touching distance. The ball was spread wide and Santa gifted Fridge Gibbons an early Christmas present with five of the easiest points the prop will ever score. Kevin Rodwell almost turned the tie on its head with an intercept attempt with nothing but 75 metres of grass between him and the opposition tryline, sadly the ball was dropped on to the tune of the half-time whistle.

Withycombe started the second half much as they had finished the first; full of perspiration but lacking any real inspiration. At times the University defence strained under the weight of possession exerted by the visitors; Jon Axon was a boon for hooker Dave Richards' lineout stats by catching everything at the front in gale-force winds, and providing a solid foundation for mauls to boot. It all lacked a finishing touch though, and when the University scored again to go 20-5 up, the jig was up. The students would score three more tries off the back of Withycombe's desperation to get back into the game, but both sides will know that the score was a poor reflection on an exhilarating fixture.

Withycombe's next league action is on the 4th of January when they host Falmouth at Raleigh Park. Boxing Day sees the annual fixture between the first XV and the President's Invitational XV. Those wishing to participate should contact Nigel Symons. Details of more festive fun at the club are available at withycomberugby.co.uk