Anew campaign is about to start, and new students are inheriting a legacy of University sporting successes that brought Exeter a record BUCS points total last year. The following Varsity highlights demonstrate the sort of brilliance that defined the Green Army last season.
Exeter Ladies Hockey Club 4-1 Nottingham Ladies
Exeter progressed to the semi-finals of the BUCS hockey competition with an easy victory over Nottingham in March. The home side took control early on, setting up a few half-chances. Soon enough, the opening goal was scored by Hannah Griffiths after rounding the keeper. The lead then looked likely to increase when Exeter continued to press high. However, the second goal came when a rebounded shot fell into the path of Ness Sharman, who was afforded a simple tap-in.
After the break, Exeter pushed early and Lane saw a close effort go wide. Other missed opportunities fell for Clare Poole and Meg Crowson, but the latter was soon rewarded with a fine finish. Griffiths calmly rounded the keeper to make it four, but Nottingham eventually bundled the ball in from a penalty corner for a consolation goal. The visitors did not manage to capitalise on their momentum. The whistle blew with Exeter on a high, with Griffiths named as Woman of the Match.
EURFC 41-0 Bath University
Exeter knew that a win was needed in this February match in order to win the BUCS Rugby Premier South title. Bath had only been defeated narrowly by the Green Army in the past, but it was a completely different story here as Exeter charged through with no points conceded.
The game started slowly, but Exeter took control to score via Aaron Struminski. Sam Waltier then won the ball superbly in the air before sprinting under the posts for another try. This was converted and Exeter led 12-0 at half time. The third try followed in the second half when hooker Paul Davis raced in under the posts.
Exeter secured the bonus point fourth try when Oliver Rammage offloaded out of the tackle to Gavin Parker, who went over in the corner. The home side kept punching holes in the defence and eventually drove over for a fifth try, scored by Sam Skinner.
Exeter finished off with some vintage rugby. Alex Wilcockson showcased some scintillating pace to break from his 22 and split the Bath defence. James Doe was in support to canter over for the try of the evening. He converted to make it a resounding 41-0 win and a memorable evening for the home side.
Exeter win Athletics Varsity
The Green Army defeated the likes of Plymouth, Bristol, UWE and Gloucestershire in a strong performance at Exeter Arena in November. The events included the 60m sprint, the 800m, the Long Jump and the three kilometre distance race.
The points tally was decided based upon the top-scoring runner from each university, with ten awarded to the winner. If two runners from Exeter finished first and second in a track event, ten points were awarded to Exeter and six to the runner from another university who finished third. This added an incentive for athletes not expected to win, because they could reduce the other universities’ tally.
In the 60m heats, Exeter’s Kelly McMahon accelerated well beyond the other participants, and did the same in the real thing. Plymouth’s quick male runner kept the Exeter men quiet. A standout in the 3km race was Steph McCall, who thrashed the other women in the competition. Chris Churcher also excelled in the 200m races and Exeter also tasted success in the field events, including the high jump and long jump.
The day finished with Exeter proclaimed winners.