EXETER University Sixth extended their 100% winning start to the season with a relatively comfortable performance which condemned Bude to a third straight defeat since promotion.

The beautiful sunny weather meant it was ideal spectating weather but the pitch was dry and slow which hampered both sides.

But it was the visiting students that made the most of the conditions as their superior fitness and strength in-depth made sure they were constantly on the front foot whilst rarely being troubled at the back.

It was not long before Exeter started getting through in on goal, but home keeper Andy Davis got his eye in early and made a string of solid saves to keep the visitors at bay.

However, quick free hit on the left was hopefully hit into the circle and with the home defence still organising their ranks, the striker reacted first and got a deft touch on the ball which then sailed past a number of defenders and the keeper into the near post corner.

Exeter University then pushed on, trying to extend their lead and were helped by some poor tackles by the home side which saw them temporarily get reduced to 10 men twice in quick succession.

But Bude dug deep in this tough period to stay in the fight with every member of the squad playing their part against a side who applied constant pressure.

Once back up to a full complement, the pressure eased slightly but Bude rarely got out of their own half for any significant amount of time which meant the chances of scoring themselves were very few and fair between.

But they did get through to half-time just a goal down.

That said, the second half began where the first half left off with Exeter dominating both possession and territory.

The Seasiders made it as difficult as possible for the visitors with dogged defending and when they did get through, man of the match Davis was on hand to snub out every chance they made with countless saves to keep the game in the balance.

Bude tried their best to carve out a decent chance of their own but failed to produce the opportunity they needed to level the game despite all the effort and work-rate which deserved more.

The game was settled late on when after a number of well-defended penalty corners, Exeter went back to route one with their next one and fired a drag flick into the net from the top of the D to make it 2-0.

Bude kept battling to the end but it was to no avail and frustratingly three more points drifted away. The main positive was a much more solid defensive performance akin to last season which kept the scoreline down and meant they were in the game for long periods.

But they will have to find their attacking mojo pretty quickly as Saturday’s game sees Bude travel away to the also winless Duchy who sit just above them in the table on just goal difference.

A win for either side will be huge in the bigger picture and potential relegation battle even at this early stage of the season.