Redruth will look back on this game and wonder how they allowed Exeter University to dominate in the first quarter, running in three tries without reply. While the Reds did manage to get back on terms, the students had the final say to leave the Reds with just two bonus points to take home.

The ground at Topsham was firm and dry, ideally suited to the home sides running capabilities and they made quick use of it taking just seven minutes to cross for their first try through Conor Byrne.

The students proved they had both good handling abilities and the speed to arrive quickly at the breakdown and while they lacked Redruth’s weight and power up front, their half backs were quick and nimble. Another scrum 7m from the Red’s line saw the the hosts spin the ball out wide for a second try from Toby Ferguson 16 minutes in.

Four minutes later they did it again with another piece off deft handling that saw Jack Randell cross to go 15 points clear. On all three occasions they missed the conversion.

Redruth finally got on the board five minutes later. A drive towards the student’s line saw a maul on the Exeter line. The students conceded a penalty but the Reds carried on and pushed over to allow Tyler Gendall to touch down for their first try of the game, Dean Wills adding the extras.

Any hopes this was the beginning of a Redruth comeback were dashed when Exeter’s backs clicked into action again. Some fine handling saw the ball pass out to Jack Randell who went in for his second try in the corner. This time Finlay Usher managed to convert and the hosts were 22-7 up on the half hour.

Redruth began to keep the ball tighter and make better use of their forwards and two minutes from the break there was a pile up on the student’s line and Sam Stevens merged with the ball with Dean Wills converting

Half time: Exeter U 22-14 Redruth

Whatever was said in the dressing room, Redruth came out of the blocks at some speed at the beginning of the second half. A kick ahead stretched the Exeter defence and despite their best efforts Rhys Bowery went over for Redruth’s third try. Wills converted to bring the Reds back into the game and just one point adrift.

The hopes of the Redruth travelling faithful did not stay raised for long. Six minutes later, from a maul on the Redruth line, Exeter’s backs ducked and dived to send Usher over for his second try which he converted himself putting Redruth back to eight points adrift.

It took the Reds just three minutes to get back on terms and they attacked strongly. The ball went out wide and Rhys Bowery went over for Redruth’s third try, converted by Dean Wills leaving Redruth just one point adrift again. A minute later Exeter were down to 14 men after Toby Ferguson was yellow carded for a high tackle.

The last 20 minutes saw end to end stuff. A Redruth attack saw Gabe Mead score on the 60th minute to give the Reds the lead for the first time at 29-33. But, as they had done before, the Exeter backs found plenty of space and Arde scored a converted try just four minutes later. 36-33.

It took Redruth six minutes to reply with a push-over try from Dan Rutter on the 65th minute to regain the lead 36-40. With just seven minutes to go, the travelling supporters began to hope but a try by Arde converted by Conor Byrne saw the students go ahead again. 43-40

As the clock ticked down Redruth made a final effort to get back ahead but it was not to be. They conceded a penalty in front of the posts and Finlay Usher had no trouble converting it to end Redruth hopes.

Full time: Exeter U 46-40 Redruth

The large number of Reds supporters who had made the trip were not even allowed a consolation beer in the bar. There isn't one.