Pepper’s late show clinches thriller for Durham
BUCS RUGBY
Scrum-half Max Pepper scored two late tries, one in overtime, to give Durham a famous win over the seemingly indomitable Exeter.
The lead changed hands nine times throughout, but ultimately Durham kicker Cal Grieve proved the difference, nailing seven out of eight kicks, while Exeter kicked at 50 per cent.
Exeter initially scored five tries through Benjy Joseland, Milo Hallam, and a Louie Gulley hat-trick, as opposed to Durham's three from Arthur Green, Chris Poole and Mike Ford.
Exeter's Joe Vajner's try seemed to seal the game at 36-25 to the league leaders but Pepper, the brother of Newcastle flanker Guy, touched down to seal the shock 42-36 win.
Hartpury men are the only other side to beat Exeter this year, and have won their six games since, including a 53-36 victory over Bath this week. They're now eight points behind Exeter, but crucially just three points ahead of Durham.
Cardiff have had a tough season since last year's sixth placed but they won their first game since round eight – and just their third this season – with a 45-14 victory at Swansea.
Nottingham also came home empty handed from their 35-7 loss away to Cardiff Met, while Loughborough's 38-21 win against Leeds Beckett keeps them level on points with fourth.
In the Women's National League, reigning champions Hartpury, lost just their second game of the season, 29-17-29 at home to mid-table Loughborough. This was their first loss since Exeter beat them way back in round two in October.
