BATH PLUG HOLES BUT ARE STILL LISTING BADLY
HE BLAZING van behind a stand at the Rec was not the only thing going up in smoke. Shortly before half-time on Saturday, there were emergencies on and off the field.
A derby against Gloucester, at home, is not an occasion for meek surrender. Trailing 21-0 to their rivals — after defeat at Bristol eight days earlier — Bath’s campaign was being reduced to ashes, or so it seemed. The subsequent fightback for a draw merely added to the confusion surrounding the club.
Off the pitch, firefighters doused the flames and restored order. Close by, the home team managed to do the same. But for how long? Despite a long casualty list, Todd Blackadder has a powerful squad
at his disposal but no one is sure what to expect from Bath at present. Is a 31-31 draw against Gloucester a decent result? What is the realistic ambition? Is there enough hunger to regain the lost status of title contenders? Answers on a postcard, please…
Bath train in the grounds of a
majestic stately home but the setting is not matched by success. For some time there have been rumours of unrest behind the scenes. Leading players are understood to be unsettled and seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Many have been allowed to move on, from fans’ favourite Matt Banahan to George Ford and Kyle Eastmond, Carl Fearns and Ollie Devoto. On Saturday, there were just two starting survivors from the side who lined up for the Premiership final in 2015. One of them, Dave Attwood, was allowed to join Toulon on loan last season.
His clout was missed — and it has been prominent in the first two games of the new season. The lock is one of those who can help Bath re- establish themselves in the upper reaches of the table. He was very good on Saturday, as was hooker Tom Dunn. Sam Underhill
was outstanding at openside. There are other reasons for optimism. Rookies such as Zach Mercer, Charlie Ewels, Joe Cokanasiga and Beno Obano, plus the consistent pedigree of Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau — a fine recruit.
But Bath’s owner, Bruce Craig, should put on hold his attempts to revolutionise the sport and focus all attentions on putting his club’s affairs in order. Redevelopment of the ground must be pushed through, to make it fit for modern purpose. Alongside that must be redevelopment of the team. From the outside, there appears to be a lack of identity and culture, which is why Blackadder could be vulnerable.
There has already been regime change at one big club this season. That hiring-and-firing blaze was lit in the East Midlands but it could spread to the West Country soon.