The 1st team travelled down to Exeter University on Wednesday to play last year's finalists for the second time this season, after hosting Exeter in the first game of the year where Hartpury unfortunately lost 24-31. This time around, where Exeter hosted, the league leaders came away with the win with a score of 22-47.

Exeter kicks us off deep into Hartpury's 22', where Charlie-Mai Manns sends it downfield and gets her team back possession. Exeter start the first half off well and get a well-timed interception try just 4 minutes into the first half, with an easy conversion to go with it.

Hartpury keep their heads in the game and fight back, getting a try through Anouk Veerkamp after strong carries from the forwards. Manns converts with ease. Hartpury gain great confidence from this and show dominance against a strong Exeter side.

It is not long before Hartpury get another try through Lola Whitley through a clean line out ball and dominant forward carries once again, the forwards are running riot on the field now.

Hartpury put pressure on Exeter all half by pinning them in with huge kicks sent by Charlie-Mai Manns, Nel Metcalfe & Lucia Scott. Within minutes of the last, Hartpury score another try off a great team play. Lineout ball off the top, leads to Manns chipping the ball over the top of Exeter's defensive line, where Pyrs regains possession and gives it back to her team allowing Hartpury's back line to shift into fifth gear and score a try through the left winger, Nel Metcalfe, with outstanding pace. Manns converts, an impressive effort from the touchline.

Exeter try their best, but Hartpury are on cloud nine scoring brilliant tries this half, as quickly after Lucia Scott gathers the ball from a loose kick and uses her sharp footwork and pace to break through Exeter defense, giving the ball off to Ryall who then gifts the try to Kelsie Webster who was quick on her shoulder. Another dazzling team try! Manns converts in front of the posts.

Hartpury are still sending the ball down to Exeter's backfield, where they struggle to regather and award Hartpury's attacking efforts. Exeter respond well and continue to battle for another score after their first try, however it is Hartpury that come away with another try before the end of the half, making it their fifth try. Exeter attempt to clear, however Lucia Scott gathers well, linking up well with Metcalfe, where skilful hands are shown by Priestnall, getting the ball to Manns who executes a perfect two-on-one with outside centre Webster, who shows good pace and footwork to finish under the sticks. A perfect way to end the first half for Hartpury who have shown to be the better side of the half.

HALF TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 7-35 HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

Exeter come bursting into the second half, with missed opportunities to finish tries after line breaks from their second row and inside centre. However, the hosts finally get another score on the board, through their right winger. Exeter's inside centre breaks through the defensive line, but is brought down exceptionally by Daisy Aspinall. After a penalty awarded to the hosts, their winger takes a quick tap and is an easy finish for her. Conversion was unsuccessful.

Exeter find their stride now as they get their third try through a beautiful team play, finding the gaps in Hartpury's defensive line. Their winger finishes the try, making it a second for her in a few minutes. Conversion is yet again unsuccessful.

Exeter are finding front foot ball and are showing more dominance over Hartpury in this half, however Hartpury do well to defend immense attacking pressure from the hosts that have found their confidence in attack. Hartpury didn't give up and showed why they were still in the lead with a huge statement try through replacement winger, Clara Grizzle-Johnson. The flying winger gathered a loose ball inside Hartpury's 22' and used her rapid pace to get her straight through the hosts' defense and over the whitewash. Manns is converting successfully left, right and centre, showing off her kicking talent.

Exeter responded well from this, with a scrum awarded to the hosts, where they delivered an impressive backs try from Hartpury's 22', with their winger finishing in the corner. The conversion is unsuccessful from the touchline.

Hartpury, wanting to end the game on a high, scored another absolutely classy team try before the final whistle. They showed their talented offloading game, working their way to the try line, drawing in Exeter's defence and not giving them an inch. The outstanding attack from the whole of Hartpury's team allowed them to shift the ball wide, opening up the space for Daisy Aspinall to finish off an impressive game from Hartpury. Manns just misses the conversion from out in the corner, finishing the game at 22-47.

FULL TIME SCORE: EXETER UNIVERSITY 22 - 47 HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

Hartpury Women's Rugby