Hartpury took the lead within the first 15 minutes, Angus Southon crashed over from close range following some superb phase play. Chamberlain added the extras to give the hosts a seven-point lead. [7-0]

Hartpury were then rewarded after a lengthy spell of pressure as they were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks, the Hartpury fly-half extended his sides lead to 10 points. [10-0]

University of Bath responded immediately with a penalty of their own, Bath Rugby’s Will Partington was on hand, slotting the penalty to reduce the deficit to seven. [10-3]

Hartpury then went over for their second of the evening, Ervin Muric regathered the ball spectacularly off the back of his own chip and chase. Chamberlain again, adding the extras. [17-3]

On the stroke of half-time, the Blue and Gold were given a shot at goal as the home side were penalised for not rolling away, Partington made no mistake at the tee. [17-6]

Half-time – Hartpury College 17-6 University of Bath

Bath put the hosts under some pressure early into the second half, controlling much of the possession. Lock Angus Hinton dived over to score Bath’s first of the evening off the back of some dominant carries. Partington converted to take his side within four. [17-13].

Hartpury regained a comfortable lead minutes later, Muric making a sniping run through the Bath defence before cleverly offloading to Venner who darted under the sticks to create a simple conversion for Chamberlain. [24-13]

The lead was extended moments later, Muric turned from provider into scorer and crossed over for a try of his own, the conversion was successful as the game began to slip away from the Blue and Gold. [31-13]

A brilliant line from replacement and Bath Rugby player Miles Reid gave his side hope as he darted over to score. Partington quickly slotted the conversion to make the score 31-20. [31-20]

Hartpury extended their sides lead by three with another penalty, however Bath managed to gain some real momentum. After two yellow cards were shown to Hartpury, Hooker James Hadfield powered his way over of the back of a rolling maul, Partington added the extras with just over 10 minutes to play. [34-27]

Hartpury’s defence remained strong in the latter stages as University of Bath went on the hunt for the crucial try, a late penalty secured the result for the hosts. They will not travel to Twickenham to face Leeds Beckett in the BUCS Super Rugby final. [37-27]

Full-time – Hartpury College 37-27 University of Bath

Academy Manager Andy Rock said, "The University partnership has developed significantly over the last two seasons, and this year has seen huge improvements across the whole breadth of the programme. It really has been outstanding to see this partnership develop and to see the number of players who have progressed within the BUCS Super Rugby Competition.

"Results are a hugely important factor when judging the success of the rugby programme and everybody will be disappointed to not progress beyond the semi-final stage, missing out in a chance to play at Twickenham and compete for the title will never be taken lightly, and the ambitions of the partnership do include these sorts of outcomes. As a rugby club and as a partnership however we are in the business of developing people, both with regards to players and staff, and we’re lucky enough to have great people working together, driving that agenda.

"I have no doubt about the ongoing direction of the programme, and no doubt that the semi-final defeat last night can act as inspiration to continue building towards future success. Aaron James as Head of Rugby at the University of Bath has been completely supportive from day one of the partnership and alongside all his staff, with Mark Lilley, Louis Messer and Rowan O’Brien from Bath Rugby, he should be very proud of the way things have developed, there are some very firm foundations in place for the future.

"The opportunities this programme is providing young men to develop both on and off the field is something to be truly pleased with."

University of Bath edged out by Hartpury in semi-final

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