Fearnley was hurried to Addenbrookes Hospital following a head clash that left his lip split from mouth to nose in what was "one of the worst rugby injuries I've seen", commented Coach Rob Ashton.

The injury early in the first half left the Green lions short of depth and rotation in the forwards which wasn't ideal against a very good Exeter side.

Cambridge opened the scoring with two tries from centre, Owen Hanford before the travelling side started to get a grip on the game.

Exeter managed a two try response before half time, heading in to the sheds with a slender 8-10 advantage. Cambridge still felt like there was more to come their way in the second half and the game didn't disappoint.

The second half was a defensive effort from both sides with Exeter finally managing to break down the home defence following a second facial injury left the Green Lions a man short on the right edge.

A tough game and while losing a close game like that is painful, and realistically any hopes of retaining the BUCS title slipped away with it, its the kind of challenge we have craved for a while and will certainly set us in good stead for the Varsity match on Feb 24th.