Birmingham hold on for hockey Varsity win over Exeter

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Birmingham University defeated Exeter 2-1 in the BLP Varsity, in front of an impressive crowd of around 500 fans. The visitors scored both their goals early in the second half, and although Ed Matts pulled one back for Exeter with 15 minutes left, they were unable to find an equaliser.

Birmingham came to Exeter with the worst away goal difference in the league, having won just once in their last five games overall. However, poor form went out the window in the heated atmosphere of the varsity, where the Exeter support was raucous. More tellingly, both teams sat in mid table, with Exeter one place above Birmingham, and the sides were very closely matched from the off.

The opening period was fairly scrappy, with both teams taking a while to settle as they struggled to string a series of passes together. Nerves may have got the better of Birmingham right-back Chris Way, who failed to control a simple pass, much to the delight of the Exeter faithful.

The series of aerial-ball testing ended with an inspired moment from Exeter fresher Ed Matts. After winning a free kick from Way, one which earned him a trip to the sin bin, Matts took out five Birmingham players with a single piece of skill. He passed to Ben Upton, but the captain’s delivery was deflected over.

Exeter started to seize control, with Josh Godfrey and Nick Rees linking up well on the left flank. Matt Richards charged into the area to create the first clear-cut chance but Birmingham goalkeeper Tom Pinnegar was alert on the save. Pinnegar was to have a fine evening in goal, making numerous stops to break Exeter hearts.

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Hockey Varsity 2013: Xpression Sport Highlights by Douglas Wilson on Mixcloud

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Birmingham created an opportunity in the 25^th minute when Jonny Gooch won a penalty corner. However, he undid his hard work with a terrible control from the flick, drawing more ironic cheers from the home crowd. Exeter’s league top-goal scorer Nick Cooper started to show his class with a series of driving runs, confidently dribbling into space and working the ball forward.

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

After another strong Pinnegar save from a penalty corner, Birmingham wasted a glorious opportunity to go in front on the stroke of half-time. Sam French dragged Exeter keeper Jack Banister out of position, but with an open goal at his mercy he blazed his shot so high over that it left the ground. They should have taken that chance to score first, but overall Exeter just edged the play in the first half.

Birmingham weren’t fazed by that missed opportunity, and they came storming out the blocks in the second half. Banister had to be alert to save with his legs after one ball went through everyone, and after a spell where the away side camped in the Exeter half, they finally broke the resistance by winning a penalty strike. Will Byas stepped up and comfortably dispatched the strike into the roof of the net.

They doubled their lead a minute later with a very simple goal, French pulling back after a run down the left for Alex Slater to convert from close range. Exeter responded well, forcing Pinnegar into an outstanding double save from Upton and Alex Ross after a penalty corner.

Although Exeter’s main source of threat was coming from penalty corners, they managed to pull one back with a stunning goal out of nothing. The impressive Ed Matts picked up the ball, turned to just inside the scoring area and flicked it into the top right corner to set the game up for a frantic finale.

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Exeter had fifteen minutes to level the match, but first had to scramble clear a Birmingham penalty corner. The Green Army were playing with confidence, but as they poured numbers forward they left themselves exposed at the back, with Banister very quick off his line to deny the threatening French.

The game was end-to-end in the closing stages, and Pinnegar still had a number of fine saves to make. The first was from Ed Fleet, who picked up a long central pass to be denied from point-blank by the man of the match. Pinnegar was impenetrable from penalty corners all night, and saw off the final one from Ross, before finally denying Matts from a tight angle in open play.

Exeter had grown frustrated by their inability to breach the human wall in goal, with Cooper furious after the referee blew against him for no clear reason after a charging run. Birmingham safely saw out the final few moments to silence the crowd and take home the spoils. A draw would perhaps have been a fair result, but on another day the opposing man between the posts wouldn’t have been so heroic.

Matt Bugler, Online Sport Editor

EUMHC ready for Varsity

Take an exclusive listen to Xpression FM Head of Sport Dougie Wilson’s interview with Ben Upton (1st XI captain) and Rory Collett (club vice-captain) and read Thomas Appleby’s preview of the big event below:

Ben Upton & Rory Collett ⁠⁠⁠[⁠⁠⁠Hockey Varsity 2013 Interview⁠⁠⁠]⁠⁠⁠ by Douglas Wilson on Mixcloud

Nick Cooper, the league’s top goal-scorer. Photo: EUMHC

This Saturday, two of the nation’s premier sporting universities, Exeter and Birmingham, will compete in the annual BLP Hockey Varsity. With the floodlights primed for this hugely anticipated evening game – pushing back at 6pm – it is expected that Varsity 2013 will be the most successful yet.

The two sides go into the fixture separated by just two points, with Exeter sitting 5th in the Men’s Conference West, and Birmingham just two points behind them in 6th place. In their most recent fixture, Exeter played out a frantic 3-2 win against local club Isca in front of a crowd well into the hundreds, and they will be hoping for an unprecedented level of support up at the Sports Park on Saturday.

Having won three of their last four games in the league, Exeter will be hoping to string together consecutive victories to help them climb up the table. However, their home form has been disappointingly inconsistent. They recently squandered a two goal lead against Indian Gymkhana, losing 4-3 in a highly controversial game that saw Exeter goalie Jack Banister receive his second yellow card of the season.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have themselves been struggling for consistency, and after two consecutive defeats their most recent win – a comprehensive 6-2 defeat of Cheltenham – will have done much to build their confidence going into this University clash. The visitors, however, have struggled for form on their travels. Picking up just one point from their three away fixtures, and with the worst goal difference when playing away from home, Exeter will be looking to capitalise on this defensive frailty.

Indeed, in Nick Cooper  the home side have the perfect man for the job. The talismanic forward is the current top goal-scorer in the league, netting 9 times in the opening seven games, including a hat-trick against Indian Gym. Under the leadership of captain and midfield enforcer Ben Upton, Exeter will be desperate to secure a valuable win against Birmingham.

A high scoring encounter is all but guaranteed given Exeter’s prolific front line, and Birmingham’s somewhat leaky defensive record. One thing is for certain, the Hockey Varsity will be one of the highest-quality displays of University sport anywhere in the country.

Exeter flicker Andrew ‘Rooster’ Ross. Photo: EUMHC

Exeter and Birmingham finished first and second respectively in BUCS hockey last year, and are both vying for promotion into the top hockey league in the country. With such an impressive level of sport on your doorstep, this Saturday is not one to miss.

Of course, Varsity is about more than just the hockey. Last year the crowd were treated to an array of entertainment, including a cross-bar challenge that pitted spectators against one another in a piece of half-time entertainment that was admittedly low in quality.

This year we’ve got even more lined up to entice a huge crowd. We’re talking: giveaways from YoungOnes and Woodworm; a chance to win a Timepiece Goldcard; goody-bags from Spotify worth up to £80; RedBull giveaways, and a delightful array of food available. Oh, and a premier sporting event.

The Hockey Varsity will be one of the highest-quality displays of University sport anywhere in the country. This Saturday is not one to miss. Proceeds from the day are going to the Devon Air Ambulance, and tickets will be on sale around campus in the build up to the event.

So, 6pm on Saturday, at the Sports Park, bring some noise and cheer on the Green Army in this year’s Hockey Varsity!

‘Ones to Watch:’

Of course, if this Saturday will be your first trip up to the Sports Park to catch the 1st team in action, you may well need a bit of a hint as to who to keep your eye on, so here’s a few ‘Ones to Watch’:

• Nick Cooper: As already mentioned, the forward is the league’s top goal-scorer, and his stick skills are rather impressive. With a handy turn of pace and a clinical finish, Cooper will be looking to build on his impressive goal tally, and out-skill a few Birmingham defenders in the process.

• Ian Haley: Ever fancied watching an Olympian play hockey at Exeter? Well now is your chance! Having represented South Africa at London 2012, Haley is quite good at hockey. A fiery competitor with rapid acceleration, Haley is not one to take your eye off!

• Andrew Ross: The Exeter right-back – commonly referred to as ‘Rooster’ – is an integral part of the Exeter side. Able to launch a huge aerial and sling a dangerous drag-flick, expect Rooster to bomb up and down the right-flank for the full seventy minutes.

Thomas Appleby

Exeter Demons prepare for crucial Varsity clash

Photo: Exeter Demons

The Exeter Demons American football team will commence their season this Sunday (3 November) in an exciting contest against local rivals Plymouth Blitz in the latest installment of the ‘Devon Bowl’.

The two teams last played back in February for the Demons’ Varsity match, which was hosted on the Rubber Crumb at Streatham Campus. In what was a closely fought match, containing some huge plays, the Demons narrowly lost 34-29 in a game that was only decided with seconds left to play.

The Exeter Demons have had a long pre-season which began in September. After two successful taster sessions in freshers’ week the club managed to bring in over fifty new recruits for the upcoming season, many who had never played before. The strong recruitment drive, combined with a solid foundation of returning players has the team extremely optimistic going into the new season.

The team has also added new coaches as well as retain much of the coaching staff from last year, providing the team with expert coaching with years of knowledge and experience of the game. When asked about the team this year Head Coach Damon Kirby said: “The Exeter University American Football team boasts it biggest squad size in its short history, providing a real alternative to more traditional sports”.

After a few weeks of training and teaching the game, the Demons recently played a productive pre-season friendly against Cardiff Cobras at Duckes Meadow last Sunday. The match finished 14-14 though only one half was actually played as a real game situation.

The team now looks forward to its first BUCS game of the season which will be important for setting the standard for the rest of year as well as provide vital experience to its rookies, and a chance for revenge for its returners. Coach Kirby also said: “The Exeter-Plymouth Devon Bowl games are always exciting and closely fought games and I don’t see the opening game of this BUCS season being any different”.

This is the first of eight games for the Exeter Demons as the team enters its fifth season. Unlike most other BUCS fixtures, the team plays all of its games on Sundays and currently has four games planned to be played at Duckes Meadow. However, the Demons are hoping to play one of these fixtures on the Rubber Crumb at some point in the season.

After a tough season last year, in which the team missed out on making the playoffs due to some unlucky losses in extremely close games, the Demons will be attempting to make a return into the playoffs once again this year.In a game with a lot to play for, including a cup, both teams are hoping to make a statement to the rest of the league with a dominant performance.

As the Demons continue to prepare for the game, Club President Ollie Tribe has stated: “We are looking forward to travelling down to Plymouth at the weekend to make amends for our narrow loss against them last season. It’ll be a great opportunity to kick off our season with a big varsity win.”

Will Straughan 

Varsity: Why not bring TP to SJP?

Photo credits: Niklas Rahmel

A record crowd turned out at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night to shout, chant and inevitably leave early at the sixth annual football varsity, raising money for the Cardiomyopathy Association and the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

A chill in the air and the threat of rain didn’t put off over 4,000 eager fans from filling the stands and the streets surrounding the stadium with various socials, an elaborate procession of fancy-dress clad fans leading the charge to support the Gown at SJP.

As always, the shouts, cheers and jeers could be heard from the bar beneath the Flybe stand. EURFC and the Netball club fought for vocal and bolting supremacy in the Centre Spot barm before piling in to the Big Bank to join the rest of the AU contingent, where the white shirts of EUAFC were already caught up in a shouting match with the cops and robbers themed rowers.

As kick-off drew nearer, the cheerleaders got the crowed warmed up for the festivities, the crowd’s excitement not letting up despite warnings on the loud speaker of the consequences of “entering the field of play”, referring to the record breaking seven and a half streakers from last year’s Varsity. It seemed the looser members of the crowd had prepared for this – crowd surfing, instead of pitch invasions, became a regular feature of the Big Bank stand.

The game kicked off with an electric atmosphere. 17 minutes in and City fired one into the back of the net, yet this could not break the unwavering support of the Uni massive.

After 21 minutes the crowd remained resolute despite another goal for the Grecians. However, when a third goal was fired in before the break, the inevitable happened.

In what appears to have become a sad tradition of the Football Varsity, before the first half was even up, the Big Bank was left practically empty, a sombre space that had once been occupied by the most raucous of University fans. The chants of various AU clubs subsided as the race began for the Timepiece queue and the first of many hard earned doubles.

Due to this exile from the more vocal members of the crowd, the atmosphere dropped as the first half limped over the line and the players headed down the tunnel. The second half began with a new found optimism that the University team could stage a dramatic comeback, a win that would go down in the history books and in Exeter folklore.

This was not the case. Nine minutes into the second half City blasted another one in and with it the last remaining fans out of the stands. Those who did leave missed a goal fest;  it was one-sided, but for the neutral fan it would have been a cracker.

One group of rugby boys returned to the stands and staged a comeback of their own, combining with the remaining EUAFC supporters and despite another brace of goals against the University they remained strong. This small group of blue and white shirts cheered on their team, responding to every slip, every call from the officials and every increasingly aggressive tackle with a chorus of jeers, boos and celebrations.

This small group of supporters were a reminder of what the Varsity could be like – despite the score, they remained cheering on and in doing so re-energised both players and fans alike.

I would like to end this piece with a plea to supporters of the Varsity in years to come. Resist the call of Timepiece, party in the stands, re-create the  hot, sweaty crush of top-top in the Big Bank. In doing so, the Football Varsity will become even greater than it already is; a unique, once-a-year party in SJP.

And who knows – with this support for the whole game, maybe one year the Gown will find that edge to finally overcome the Town.

Mike Stanton, Sport Editor

Exeter City a class above University

A familiar sight during the match as the ball hits the back of the net. Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Exeter City inflicted a heavy 6-0 defeat on Exeter University in the sixth annual Football Varsity match at St. James’ Park in front of a record crowd of 4,324. Despite immense commitment and effort from the University, they were undone by the slicker movement and passing of their professional counterparts.

Uni kicked off, and after a patchy opening few minutes, notable only for some imposing defence from uni captain Jesse Wilson, City soon took control of proceedings. A University free kick was cleared after three minutes, and from the resulting breakaway, Uni goalkeeper Nat Slack saved well after a low shot from Wales u-21 forward Elliott Chamberlain.

Uni were strong in the tackle, but were struggling to hold onto the ball in key areas, as City’s relentless pressing pressured the Uni midfield into regularly giving the ball away. Despite this carelessness in possession, Uni defended very well from City’s constant barrage of long balls, with centre backs Jesse Wilson and James Micklem being assertive under the high ball. Goalkeeper Nat Slack also showed good decision-making to punch clear after six minutes.

The record-breaking crowd was in full support despite the scoreline. Photo: Akshay Mittal

The first ten minutes passed by with Uni barely getting out of their half, but tenacious pressing kept City from inflicting too much damage. As a packed Big Bank stand roared on their Uni side, Slack excelled again with a fine point blank save from Tom Nichols after twelve minutes; the ball dropped to Nichols, who has played for City’s senior side, and Slack reacted excellently to deflect the ball after it skimmed through a crowd of bodies.

Uni were nearly undone again after fifteen minutes, when the defence switched off after a throw in and James Micklem had to stoop to clear the resulting cross.

However, City’s pressure inevitably told, and they took the lead after seventeen minutes, when a neat passing move opened up space for Jake Gosling, who made no mistake in placing the ball into the top corner.

Uni nearly immediately found themselves two behind, as loose passing from the kickoff allowed City to break; Ollie Watkins cut in from the left, and it was only a fine diving save from Slack that stopped City’s advantage from doubling.

Despite the heavy pressure from City, Uni forced their first corner after nineteen minutes, but it came to nothing. From the resulting goal kick, City right back Aaron Dawson picked up the ball deep within his own half, and a slaloming run through a non-existent Uni midfield ended with him slamming the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Uni had their first shot of the game after twenty five minutes, as Matt Langley blasted a long range free kick well into the boisterous Big Bank stand. The University had finally found a foothold, and passes started to go on the floor rather than into the stands as both sides settled into a more cohesive rhythm.

Ollie Watkins was still causing problems for the Uni defence, and when he was brought down by Jesse Wilson just outside the Uni area, Nat Slack did well to save Tom Nichol’s skiddy set piece; the ball bounced through the wall and Slack managed to turn the ball over the bar.

The cheerleading squad provided some respite at half-time. Photo: Jack Caufield.

As the game approached the half hour mark, the University’s relentless pressing of the City back four paid dividends, as the Uni forced a few throws deep in opposition territory. These came to nothing, but the Uni midfield had finally found their feet; neat movement between Scott Hobbs and Miles Blenkinsop created a few half chances, but the final ball was unfortunately lacking.

This was probably the University’s best spell of the game; Toby Yeates fired over after 38 minutes, and the University’s first corner came shortly after.

Despite this strong spell for the Uni team, City soaked up the pressure, and in first half stoppage time, effectively ended the game as a contest. Tom Nichols saw his shot parried by the impressive Nat Slack, but Ollie Watkins was on hand to steer home City’s third goal.

The second half kicked off in much the same fashion as the first; scrappy passing was punctuated by full-blooded tackling and an over-reliance on long balls. The University were lucky to escape without further punishment in the 49th minute, when the ball was given away and only a great block from Jesse Wilson prevented City’s fourth goal.

The Uni had reverted to a 4-4-2 formation to start the second half, with Tom Faktor and Scott Hobbs shoring up the central areas of the pitch.

The University’s hardworking start to the half was unfortunately undone though, as neat build up play allowed winger Ollie Watkins into the box; he poked home from nine yards to score his second goal.

Despite Jesse Wilson heading wide from a corner in the 56th minute, City were now well on top, and they added their fifth goal just before the hour. A Uni clearance was closed down, and Tom Nichols reacted fastest, running onto the loose ball before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Gown players worked tirelessly to close down City. Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Far from being disheartened, the Uni side kept harrying and hassling their professional opponents, unfortunately to no avail. Nichols hit the post for City, before Scott Hobbs’ jinking run ended with a long range shot which City keeper James Mitchison saved comfortably.

The game entered a quiet period as sixty minutes came up on the clock, as both sides rotated their squads and settled into the half after a frenetic opening fifteen minutes. A free kick from Rob Fellingham drifted harmlessly wide, and the introduction of Nathan Blackie made the University a more potent attacking threat.

Tom Nichols again showed the class that has earned him first team appearances for Exeter City, as he added his side’s sixth and his second with a classy free kick that beat substitute goalkeeper Tim Salinger from 25 yards.

City continued to press as the Uni side tired, and Salinger did very well to save a deflected shot after 74 minutes, as well as doing well to parry George Rigg’s low drive from outside the box.

Despite this constant pressure, the Uni didn’t give up, and after forcing a corner on 87 minutes, seemed to cause City problems with their movement from the resulting corner, which bounced through the six yard box before being cleared.

As the crowds began to clear, Elliott Chamberlain rattled the Uni posts once more in stoppage time, bringing down the curtain on this year’s Varsity. The record crowd of over 4,000 students couldn’t be disappointed with their side’s effort; the Green Army may have been outclassed, but no-one could have accused them of being outfought.

Owen Keating, News Editor

Town vs. Gown: 2013 Varsity Preview

Last year’s record-breaking Varsity match. Photo credits: Josh Irwandi

On Wednesday 25 September, the annual Football Varsity, otherwise known as ‘Town vs. Gown’, will take place between Exeter University Football Club and an Exeter City XI. This is fantastic chance to sample some football at Exeter City’s home ground St. James Park, and really begin to feel a part of the Exeter University community.

Last year, over 4,000 people attended the match, so this is something to consider adding to your diaries even if you do not have an interest in the beautiful game. Whilst being an extremely entertaining occasion for everyone to enjoy, there is a serious element to the game with funds being raised for The Adam Stansfield Foundation and The Cardiomyopathy Association.

In the Varsity fixture of 2011, Roderick Young scored a hat-trick for Exeter City, and he now plies his trade in the development squad of Premier League side Norwich City. Last year, Exeter City ran out 3-0 victors with the likes of Jacob Jagger-Cane and Jordan Moore-Taylor featuring on the night. Both these players have proceeded to feature in Exeter City’s first team so they will be some exciting players on show.

As well as this, the night was remembered for multiple streakers gracing the turf at SJP, including one brave soul covered completely in green paint (the university colour). Furthermore, this Exeter City side managed to draw 2-2 against Manchester City’s equivalent team – a phenomenal achievement given the vast amount of contrasts between the two footballing outfits. Charlie Madden and Joe Charles were on the scoresheet for Exeter City on that occasion so these will be players the University side has to be wary of.

In EUAFC’s last encounter, they were unfortunately defeated 1-0 by Plymstock, so they will be desperate to bounce back with a strong performance at the Varsity in front of thousands of students cheering them on all the way. The players that are going to really have to stand up and be counted include Myles Blenkinsop, Matt Judge, and John Kelley – all of whom were on target in an impressive 3-2 win over Topsham Town in August. Captain Jesse Wilson will be starting at centre half and will be having to deal with keeping the likes of Tom Nicholls and Matt Jay quiet all evening.

Throughout Freshers’ Week, and right up until the Varsity itself, members of the Football Club will be selling tickets on campus so in order to avoid disappointment purchase your ticket as soon as possible. The atmosphere at the game is particularly electric due to the big bank standing area being dominated by the various AU clubs. These guys are all strikingly visibly wearing the same shirt and chino combos, and if EUAFC manage to notch a goal in front of them, guaranteed pandemonium will break loose.

Finally, if the Football Varsity is something you really enjoy, and would like to be a part of yourself don’t hesitate to join one of the many AU clubs that can really enhance your time at the University. The game is set to be a fantastic occasion, and will be made all the better if you attend!

Click below to hear an exclusive interview with EUAFC captain Jesse Wilson.

Jesse Wilson Varsity Interview by Douglas Wilson on Mixcloud

Joe Alexander

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Sport at Exeter

Exeposé Sport takes you through the top ten ways to get involved in sport at Exeter.

1. Join an AU club

With 49 different Athletic Union clubs to join there are a whole host of options! Go along to the taster sessions throughout Freshers’ Week and sign up at the Sports Park on Sunday. We have everything from Rugby Union to Rifle Shooting, Korfball to Kitesurfing, and Cricket to Clay Pigeon Shooting. Clubs have socials every Wednesday at various locations ending up at Timepiece- don’t be scared they’re fun!

2. Join the new Russell Seal Fitness Centre

If you don’t know already, we’ve had a new 200 station gym installed up at the Sports Park. With a host of brand new Life Fitness equipment it’ll help you keep fit and firing, and it looks great. Most of the running and cycling machines have internet and TV. It really is one of the best University facilities in the country.

3. Take part in Intramural sport

Intramural sport is a fun and friendly recreational sports league open to all students and staff. There are seven different sports to participate in, including 11-a-side football, six-a-side football, badminton, basketball, mixed hockey, mixed netball and rounders (only in summer).

So pick up a registration form around campus to sign up a team. The entry deadline is Wednesday 2 October so be quick!

4. Try a new sport

With so many different options available to you, university is the perfect time to take up a new sport; something that you have always wanted to try or just something that catches your eye. Throw yourself into the deep-end; quite literally with the Scuba club! Every other issue we do a feature called ‘In The Clubhouse’, which gives a platform to the smaller AU clubs. So look out for that!

Rugby varsity
Image credit: Niklas Rahmel, all rights reserved

5. Go to the varsities

Varsities are a great occasion for all students. The Football Varsity, held at St James’ Park against Exeter City is on Wednesday 25 September.

Around 4,000 students attend each year and with a Timepiece after party this is an event not to miss! The Rugby and Hockey Varsities are similar occasions and take place later in the year. Exeposé Sport produces an eight page pull-out for the Rugby match at Sandy Park against Bath so get involved with that in February 2014! See page 29 for details on the pull-out.

6. Do the Red Sock Run

The ‘Red Sock Run’ in an untimed five kilometre run around campus that occurs every Friday at 7.30 am. The run is a fun, sociable event that starts at the Piazza, outside the Forum. It’s free to join and all you need is a your running shoes and a pair of red socks!

7. Do the Sports Volunteering Scheme

SVS gives students the opportunity to coach a sport of their choice in the local area. Ten hours of coaching entitles the student to £100 towards any coaching qualification. If you are interested, register for the SVS training day (3 October) at the Activities Fair on Sunday 22 September.

8. Participate in International Sports Month

International Sport Month promotes all aspects of sport – physical participation (both competitive and recreational), health and wellbeing to all students whilst specifically focusing on International students. This year ISM is going to take place between February and March with a large variety of sports events and taster sessions.

9. Take part in the AU Olympics

The AU Olympics is taking place on 15 November this year and is the opportunity for AU clubs and groups of friends to compete against each other in a number of fun and competitive challenges such as sprints, jumps and throws whilst raising money for the Movember charity and wearing ridiculous fancy dress.

10. Join a fitness or Yoga class

If you’re not the typical sporty type but still want to keep fit and supple, at your leisure, why not sign up to the many classes on offer, ranging from spin classes to pilates. On our back page we will advertise the upcoming classes, so keep an eye out for ‘The Final Whistle’!

#Varsity14

Every year the Rugby Varsity between Exeter and Bath is one of the key events in the University calendar. The annual match at Sandy Park on a winter Wednesday night attracts a partisan crowd of over 3500 and is a must-see for anyone at Exeter.

The men in green have had great success since the match has been played at the home of the Exeter Chiefs, winning three out of three against their South West rivals.

February’s Varsity was special for two reasons. First, the 1^st XV recorded their most emphatic victory in a Sandy Park Varsity match, winning 29-3, scoring four second half tries in the process. Secondly Exeposé Sport upped the ante by producing the inaugural ‘Rugby Varsity pull-out’, an eight-page special complete with match report, comment, the key statistics, player ratings and some superb photographs.

The Rugby Varsity pull-out was the biggest and most ambitious project that the Sport section of the newspaper has ever undertaken. Starting off as a bit of a pipedream, Mike and I turned it into a reality in February. The coverage brought Sport in Exeposé to a whole new, exciting level that is unprecedented in student media nationally.

To produce a quality set of eight pages about one match may seem excessive to some, but we wanted to replicate the ‘Big Match’ feel of our Rugby Varsity and replicate National newspapers. I would say it is the most in depth piece that Exeposé has tackled in my time at the University.

EURFC celebrating a memorable varsity victory in 2013. Photo credits to Chris Mastris

Due to the sheer amount of information required to make it work we needed a team of avid sports writers. We recruited a team of seven, a month before the match. The main difference between the pull-out and any other report on a game is that we embraced statistics.

We were ambitious, striving to document territory, possession, linebreaks and many other important things, but it paid off. We could not have achieved this success without the team of writers/stat gatherers who sat in the stands meticulously timing things and counting others.

Not many other pieces of our student media can claim to have single handed expanded readership by hundreds overnight. Many kept it as a memento of their time at the University.

We have now set a precedent and we’re already looking forward to the producing the next one. The pull-out has immeasurably improved sport coverage not just in the paper but over our whole student media.

Now you know all about it- this is your chance to get involved in the 2014 pull-out! We are so excited about making it bigger and better but we will need the help of a few budding sports writers to make the pull-out great again.

So how do you get on the team? Well, a month or so before the game, which kicks off on 19 February, we will recruit a team of our best and most regular Sport contributors. To be selected for the Varsity team, you must write for the newspaper and online’s sport section as often as possible, preferably reporting on BUCS matches every Wednesday on a variety of sports. If you write regularly, you will be rewarded!

This is a fantastic opportunity for your words to be read by thousands of your peers across the University. Sport is key to life at Exeter and we want our coverage to reflect that. The pull-out will be read by many that don’t usually pick up the paper so it is a chance for you to put your name towards something really special and well received.

There are a whole heap of Exeposé events in Freshers’ Week to get involved in: on the Tuesday and Thursday, you can meet and chat to us in the office; on the Tuesday, you can come to the Exeposé Sport kickabout at the Rubber Crumb; and on Friday, join us for a beer at the first Exeposé Social of the year before signing up to Exeposé at the squash on Sunday!

If you are a budding sports writer, this is the perfect way to get your work read and will look incredible on any CV! If you have any questions about Sports coverage in Exeposé then come along to these sessions in Freshers’ Week, or if you can’t make them, drop us an email at: sport@exepose.com

So come along and help make the Varsity pull-out of 2014 bigger, better and more exciting than the last!

To see last year’s pull-out, click here: http://issuu.com/exepose/docs/week1813

Will Kelleher, Sport Editor

EUMHC prepare for Hockey Varsity

At 2pm on Sunday March 24, over 700 students and local hockey supporters will be on hand to experience the highest level of Hockey university sport can offer, as Exeter take on Cardiff & UWIC in the final match of the England Hockey League West Conference campaign.

Photo credits to EUMHC

Cardiff are currently ahead of Exeter by one point at the top of the table; only a win for Chris Barker’s men will seal a play-off berth, and with it a chance to return to the Premier Division at the first time of asking.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for Children or £15 for a Family, and are available from ticket sellers on campus, the AU Office, Sports Park Reception and the Guild Information Desk.

Following on from the huge success of London 2012, there has never been a better time to get involved with hockey. The standout pink and blue turf of the Riverbank Arena was home to some of the most action packed drama of the summer, with the Great Britain women’s team securing a memorable bronze medal.

The University of Exeter’s very own Ian Haley was in action for South Africa, and with Olympians of the future appearing on 24^th March in the green jersey, the Varsity match will be a showcase of hockey at its very best.

EUMHC have chosen three charities to support us on what will be a landmark occasion. The crew from the Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station will be present on the day, whilst our partnership with Wheels 4 Life is a real eye opener.

Photo credits to EUMHC

Founded by former World Mountain Bike Champion Hans Rey, Wheels 4 Life provides bicycles for people in developing countries in need of transportation to get to work or to school, even for healthcare workers, and can be the difference between seeing a doctor, or not. So far, it has funded over 5000 bikes in more than 200 communities in 22 different countries across the world.

Our third charity is the Unogwaja Challenge, a unique fundraising biathlon in South Africa, where participants cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg in ten days, and run the Comrades Marathon the next day. John McInroy, son of Exeter’s Director of Hockey Chris, will be competing this year.

With the match getting underway at 2pm, it is an occasion not to miss. As well as top level England Hockey League Action taking place on our Olympic Standard Water Based Astro, we have a Red Bull giveaway on the day, live music from the University’s Beats and Bass society, food from the Baked Potato Company and Old English Hot Dogs, hot drinks, the RNLI Fundraising Stall and much more, so help us bring the noise and make Hockey Varsity 2013 a day to remember!

Adam Lax

EURFC can hold their heads high

EURFC celebrating a memorable varsity victory. Photo credits to Chris Mastris

What a way to end the regular season for EURFC. The 1^st XV produced an accomplished performance on Wednesday night to send Bath packing and ruing their luck after their third successive Sandy Park Varsity defeat.

Conditions were always going to play their part and certainly the first half suffered due to the wet, foggy atmosphere and bog-like pitch. The intense pressure of playing in front of an expectant and vociferous crowd coupled with the weather made sure that the first period would become a no holds barred midfield battle. For the initiated, the first 40 minutes were tense and, dare I say, exciting, but could be seen as slow and dull for the newcomer.

Neither side could wrestle control of proceedings in the first half and the only real points scoring was physical rather than numerical. Bath were intent on playing a slow, grinding and narrow game hoping to grind Exeter down until they ran out of ideas. It looked as though this might work as the game neared half time as muddled decision making, opting not to turn their territorial advantage into points, by Exeter made sure Bath went into the break a sole penalty ahead.

Varsity will always have big collisions and players will demonstrate a never-back-down attitude so it was great shame to see Club Captain Bertie Haskins limp off with a foot injury after 32 minutes. His replacement, Sinel, last season’s winning try scorer, however, had an instant impact. His first scrum was superb as EURFC marched Bath back 20 metres and won the penalty.

Support from the AU clubmen and especially the EURFC members was vociferous and unwavering throughout, surely adding wind to the Exeter sails.

If the first half was an attritional battle, the second was an attacking slaughter as Exeter, no doubt buoyed by half-time words, came out with upped intensity and went for the jugular from the outset. Bath were unable to cope with the speed of Exeter’s attacking play after the break and conceded early after a superb piece of two-on-one play by scrum half Rob Coote to feed Bain who finished well in the corner.

Bath constantly tried to slow Exeter’s momentum but the referee was hot on their tail reaching for her yellow card on no less than three occasions. This was very costly as Chisholm’s chip and Gray’s charge down put the men in green in an unassailable lead.

The second period proved that the first was worth it. Exeter capitalised as Bath wilted before their eyes. When Claxton touched down for Exeter’s fourth you felt that the final whistle couldn’t come sooner for the visitors. Full-back Ali Chisholm will take the plaudits for a complete performance but credit must go to the work of the forwards in the first half in grinding Bath down so that the second half onslaught was possible.

Exeter have now won all three of their Sandy Park Varsity fixtures and end the normal BUCS season unbeaten on their own turf, a fantastic achievement. The 1^st XV’s season does not end here however as they have now secured a home draw in the play-offs. If they perform as well as they have done all season Exeter could be making a rare trip to rugby HQ, Twickenham to play in the BUCS final.

All told, it’s been a fantastic season for the club. The 2^nd XV are currently two points clear at the top of the Western 1A league with four fixtures left in the campaign, while Exeter also are dominating the Western 2A league with the 3^rd and 4^th XV BUCS teams first and third respectively as of this week. EURFC’s 5^th XV, otherwise known as the mighty Flair XV, have four matches to secure promotion, with only three points separating them and breaking into the top two. Finally, the 6^th XV, the second fresher XV, have won all five of their BUCS fixtures so far.

With many of the 1^st XV gaining higher honours this season and some top performances throughout the club, EURFC has plenty to shout out, but none more so than the score line of Exeter 29, Bath 6. The three-peat is complete. Well done boys.

Will Kelleher