EUMHC 4th XI edge closer to gold

Last Wednesday saw the EUMHC 4^th XI edge close to reclaiming their Western Conference Cup title, with a victory on penalties over Bath 2^nd XI in the Semi Final.

Travelling away and appearing in front of a hostile Yellow and Blue contingent, Will Clapp’s men had their backs against the wall from the start. However, a mature performance from this young side meant a second BUCS gold is now up for the taking on 13^th March.

After overcoming The EUMHC 5^th XI on a Golden Goal in the Quarter Final, and finally passing this monumental challenge, the stage is set for the 4^th XI to claim their second BUCS gold in as many years.

The semi-final itself was a tentative affair, the 0-0 scoreline at the final whistle only being thanks to heroics from Mark Philpot in the Exeter goal.

Extra time saw Exeter gain the ascendency, but the sound of the final whistle ensured the drama of Penalties would secure progression into the final.

The weight of expectation fell upon the colossal shoulders of Matt Marshall, who in trademark fashion unleashed a rocket into the top corner to open Exeter’s account in the shootout.

Lady luck was smiling upon Clapp and his side; the skipper stepped up, and trickled the ball under the foot of the Bath keeper to take the score to 2-1.

Philpot proved the decisive factor once again; his man of the match award thoroughly deserved as he flung himself to his right and plucked the ball out of thin air.

Cold blooded German efficiency from Tom Grimes and Simon Parr took the score to 4-3, with one flick remaining for each side.

Up stepped Scott Woolley, the Exeter’s leading goal scorer this term with 15 to his name. Calm and collected, Woolley drilled his stroke into the bottom corner, sparking scenes of delirium amongst the travelling contingent, and agony for the men in Blue and Yellow.

The Road to Coombe Dingle is now on the horizon; 13^th March is the date for the diaries, a double BUCS gold is the reward.

Elsewhere, the 1^st XI fell at the Quarter Final stage in the Championship, losing 3-0 to a Nottingham side which featured GB Olympic stars Ben Arnold and Harry Martin, and proved too strong for last year’s champions.

In Exeter this week, the 4^th XI take on the 5^th XI in the club’s most fiercely contested rivalry, whilst  the 4^th XI are able to seal the Western 2A title with all three points. See http://www.facebook.com/events/133912493451001/?notif_t=plan_user_joinedfor more details, and we look forward to hearing your support!

Charlie Brooker In action for Exeter. Credit to TakingPictures-sport.co.uk