Newcastle Falcons' Zach Kibirige is congratulated

Premiership Rugby Cup: Newcastle in 22-22 draw with Exeter

By Press Association

Rugby Union

Sun October 28, 2018 · 7y ago

Zach Kibirige scored a hat-trick of tries on his 24th birthday but it was not enough to earn Newcastle a shock Premiership Rugby Cup victory as Exeter battled back to salvage a 22-22 draw.

Gallagher Premiership leaders Exeter won this competition last season when it was the Anglo-Welsh Cup and looked set to make a winning start to this year's version when Max Bodilly's try put them 7-0 ahead.

However, Newcastle, who prop up the Premiership standings, turned the match on its head with Kibirige's treble helping the Falcons into a 22-10 lead with 18 minutes left at Kingston Park.

The hosts could not hold on, though, and James Short's try got Exeter back into it and Bodilly's interception score ensured the spoils were shared.

Premiership Rugby Cup: Newcastle in 22-22 draw with Exeter

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