Exeter and L’borough face off in final showdown

LOUGHBOROUGH and Exeter will square off in the BUCS Super Rugby final at StoneX Stadium after both recorded thrilling comeback wins in the semi-finals.

League winners Loughborough set up the chance for a historic double after Tobias Munday’s try in the 78th minute completed a 30-27 comeback to beat Bath in the driving rain.

Against a Bath side with 11 squad members who had featured in the Premiership or Premiership Cup, it was a positive start for the African Violets as man of the match Bryn Davies’ pick-and-go score helped them to a 13-6 lead inside 30 minutes.

Two tries for Bath through fly-half Luca Mignot and prop Ollie Tack then gave the visitors the lead before a rolling maul score for Loughborough on the stroke of half-time left it 20-20.

Bath retook the lead five minutes into the second period as flanker Ethan Staddon crashed over.

Trailing by four going into the final quarter, the momentum began to swing Loughborough’s way. As they hammered away at the Bath line, two yellow cards were brandished for the visitors.

Eventually, the pressure proved too much as Munday crashed over from short range to book Loughborough’s spot in the final for the first time.

They’ll face reigning champions Exeter who fought off a spirited Cardiff outfit, winning 32-22 behind an outstanding performance from fly-half Josh Barton.

Barton’s smart offload found Kofi Barton-Byfield who raced away for the opener. Dan Jones’s score for Cardiff along with both sides trading penalties left Exeter with an 11-8 half-time lead.

Hooker Ben Chapman’s try put Cardiff in front but Milo Hallam’s try, which was expertly converted by Barton, restored Exeter’s three-point lead and a try from Harvey Dunn extended the lead before Barton’s beautiful chip and chase sealed the deal.

The final will take place on April 19, with Hartpury and Exeter also competing for the women’s title.