Double Devon Cup Rugby success

Never before has Exeter School played rugby in April but after the appalling winter the U16 and U15 Devon Cup Finals were played on Wednesday (2 April) at Topsham Rugby Club.

Although it was Exeter School's hockey term, the teams trained for a fortnight leading up to the final and soon honed their rugby skills and fitness.

On the night, the U15 faced a formidable Coombeshead team to whom they had lost in the semi-finals last year. The game started at high tempo and it was clear to see it would be an extremely physical encounter.

Despite being camped in the Coombeshead 22 for much of the opening half, the Exeter team could not break the defensive line to score. As the teams approached half time, Zac MacLellan slotted a penalty kick and Exeter went into half time 3-0.

It was clear that Coombeshead would come out fighting and mid way through the second half they scored out wide but failed to convert, taking the lead 5 - 3. The Exeter response epitomised the team effort throughout the final and they found themselves immediately putting pressure back onto the Coombeshead line.

After a series of scrums and balls held up over the line, the defensive line was broken and Oscar Martin crossed the line to score the crucial try.

The final minutes was a tense affair but when the whistle blew, Exeter had secured a memorable win 8-5.

Kicking off minutes after the U15 on the adjacent pitch, the U16 team took on Trinity School. Right from the off, the Exeter side hit their stride, executing a well-worked game plan to dominate the loose play and secure a solid platform for the backs to work from.

It was extremely pleasing to see the forwards running the ball through the centre to suck in the opposition's defence before the ball was distributed swiftly out wide for the backs to score.

As has been the case throughout the season, the side was extremely well led by Captain Glen Davison at fly half and Ed Gill in the pack. One of the team's strengths has been the use of a full squad approach throughout the season and it was rewarding to see all 22 players play a part in the final.

Several players scored on the night but it was particularly satisfying to see both Hart brothers cross the line to score tries.

The team were crowned Devon Champions winning 47-0 and making it their fourth county cup in a row.

Director of Sport and Head of Rugby Mr Andy Mason said: "In my ten years at the school, this is the best season rugby has had.

"The 1st XI narrowly missed out on winning the cup final against a strong Exeter College team. The U15 have shown a real determination and passion that will stand them in excellent stead for next season. The U16 continue to move from strength to strength; they have not lost a cup match since they were 13. The challenge that now faces them is to try to win an U18 cup final to complete the full set."