It’s a hateful eight after Bath’s late heartbreak
BATH’S losing run was extended last night in the cruellest fashion. This was the West Country club’s eighth defeat in eight Premiership games this season. They didn’t deserve it — not this time.
A review conducted by former Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths had recommended that Bath hire a defence coach, but their response at The Rec was a performance of stirring defiance.
After too many abject surrenders of late, Stuart Hooper’s team played with spirit, tenacity and intensity, until Sam Simmonds’ late, late try earned Exeter a win which had seemed beyond them for so long as they struggled for continuity and cohesion.
A losing bonus point won’t ease the pressure on the Bath hierarchy, but there was hope amid the despair. From the off, there was aggressive intent from the hosts — Orlando Bailey putting his side 3-0 up early. Henry Slade responded in kind at the other end, but Bath continued to hold the edge in most areas, especially in the set-piece battle.
Eventually, the Chiefs buckled. In the 20th minute, Bath struck from an attacking lineout on the left. Captain Charlie Ewels claimed the throw, the drive was strong and flanker Miles Reid touched down. Bailey converted.
When the backlash came, Bath met it head-on. Exeter came hunting for a try and were turned back. One defensive set from Hooper’s men just before the half-hour, which led to a turnover and a clearance, was surely their greatest sustained act of resistance for many months.
However, Slade landed a penalty before half-time and, just after the break, Exeter somehow went ahead. From a quick tap-penalty by Jack Nowell, the visitors pounded at the line until prop Josh Iosefa-Scott crashed over.
The conversion by Slade put Exeter three ahead, but Bath rallied again and two more Bailey penalties gave them a 16-13 lead.
They clung on valiantly, with Chiefs No 8 Sam Simmonds held up twice over the line, before the Lion burst over from a scrum three minutes from time. His brother, Joe, added the conversion and a penalty at the death.