And as well as helping his side to beat reigning champions Durham 14-13 with a vital late try, Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins also picked up the man of the match award.
Jenkins was one of three Wales U20 caps in the Exeter side, with Dan John appearing at full back and Oli Burrows at hooker. Former Llandovery College and Wales U19 forward Olly White, the 1st XV captain at Exeter, missed the game, as did Welsh international Christ Tshiunza.
John’s running from full back caused problems for the Durham defence and it was from one of his breaks that the position was created for Jenkins, who has played a handful of games for the Exeter Chiefs this season, to power over from close range in the 77th minute.
Durham had led 10-7 at the break in a tight contest, but the Jenkins try, which was converted by Josh Barton, stole victory at the death. It was a fist victory for Exeter, who had beaten Cardiff Met in the semi-finals, since 2016.
Cardiff Met, Cardiff University and Swansea University all reached the quarter-finals at the end of a strenuous league campaign. They will face a new side next season after Nottingham beat bottom of the table Northumbria 28-22 to reach the top-flight for the first time.
The Women’s final was won by Hartpury, who were 36-22 winners over Edinburgh University.
