Uni side unable to halt leaders’ charge

The University of Bath men’s 1st XV were unable to prevent table-topping Exeter extending their 100 per cent record as they were beaten 31-17 in the BUCS Super Rugby South West derby last week.

The Bath Building Society-sponsored visitors went into the match off four successive victories and gave Exeter a real test in the first half, responding to two home tries with touchdowns of their own from winger Oli Sedgwick and hooker Jasper Spandler.

Only two successful conversions from Exeter separated the teams at this stage but a third try on the stroke of half-time, again converted, meant the hosts were able to take a 21-10 lead into the interval.

That was how it remained for the opening 23 minutes of the second half, with both sides probing for what was likely to be a defining score, and it eventually went to Exeter as an interception allowed them to extend their advantage to 18 points.

The visitors kept battling and, moments after being held up on the line, they managed to force their way over through replacement Ieuan Davies for a try converted by Raff Weston. However, Exeter had the last word with a 78th-minute penalty to seal their victory.

Bath, who are also supported by Team Bath sponsors Rengen, hosted Cardiff last night and are also at home to Durham on December 6 and Loughborough on December 13. The latter two kickoff at 6.30pm and entry is free.

■ BATH LADIES returned to winning ways in the Championship South on Sunday.

In what has been their toughest season in recent years, Bath bounced back from the back-touniversity defeats with a narrow 17-11 success at home to Sutton & Epsom. Lucy Mcgrath enjoyed a brace of tries, alongside a score for Chloe Williams and one conversion by Chloe Sopp.

Bath are now up to fifth after their fourth win from eight games, but are still 20 points off unbeaten leaders Thurrock.

It proved a good day for the club as the Bath United team secured a 47-0 whitewash at Chipping Sodbury in NC1 South West (East). Ellie Ratcliffe managed to score four tries to all but secure the bonus point for Bath by herself.

Catherine Davidson notched a hat-trick, alongside tries for Emily Marshall and Jasmin Swift while Bethan Dombkowski kicked one conversion. It’s a second consecutive win over Chipping Sodbury for Bath, who now sit four points off leaders Portsmouth Valkyries with a game in hand.