Hartpury produced one of the biggest comebacks in recent memory after Nottingham scored four tries in the opening 25 minutes.
Nottingham fired out the blocks, scoring after just two minutes. A fast-paced kick return eventually led to Harry Graham getting over the line in the corner for the opening score.
Sam Hollingsworth missed the conversion but soon had Nottingham back on the Hartpury line after a series of penalties led to a lineout drive in the corner. The referee deemed an illegal sack by Sam Lewis and awarded a penalty try and a subsequent yellow card for Lewis.
It wasn’t long before Nottingham were again on the offensive. Another penalty against the home side led to Liam Chessum taking the lineout well, and the pack rumbled over for a Jack Dickinson try. The conversion was missed but the visitors had a 17-0 lead.
The Archers’ attack just kept coming, as five minutes later Liam Slatem finished off a try-of-the-season contender, having been set up by some slick hands from Javaih Pohe and Dickinson.
Hartpury finally got some possession and worked their way towards the Nottingham line. With Matthew McNab breaking through and being held up just short a series of drives led to a penalty under the sticks which Mitch Eadie quick tapped and darted over.
There were two further tries as the half came to an end, with David Williams going over for Nottingham and then Ellis Shipp gave Hartpury something to smile about.
After the break. Hartpury looked sharper, keener and more efficient, with George Barton at 10 getting control of the game.
Hartpury’s first comeback score came from replacement No.9 Matty Jones, supporting a Eadie break and chasing his delicate grubber. Eadie was next to score with his second of the game and the score was now 22-31.
Hartpury’s set piece dominance then led to another attacking lineout. They were able to take full advantage of it and Shipp was able to get his second try of the game.
With just 10 minutes to go, Hartpury took the lead for the first time. They dominated in the scrum again and won a penalty which Jimmy Williams knocked over.
Hartpury weren’t done, only a couple of minutes later, McNab broke down the touchline and offloaded to the supporting Barton who dove over the line to put Nottingham eight points down, and denying them the losing bonus point.
The Green and Whites will hope to get back to winning ways in their next game, where they will welcome Richmond to The Bay.