Stiles strikes late winner to get the Rec rocking
BATH exacted revenge for last season’s home defeat by Leeds Beckett with a last gasp 29-27 win in The Anniversary Game at a rocking Rec on Wednesday night.
Finn Murphy opened the scoring for Bath with a neat finish in the left corner but Steff James soon hit back with a penalty. Fiery Jacko Davies muscled over next and with Hugo Stiles’ conversion on target, Bath led 12-3.
Will Lewin crossed next for Beckett and they took the lead through an opportunistic tap and go from scrum-half Dan Grant-Adamson. James who was faultless from the tee all night made it 12-17 at half time.
His opposite man Ed Rimmer raced under the sticks from 50m early in the second half before a well worked Jack Kenningham try put the home side in command.
But James added a penalty and conversion to Hayden Thompson-Green’s score to steal the lead 26-27 with moments to go. Stiles, however, was to be the hero slotting a last gasp penalty sparking Bath celebrations.
New boys Cardiff almost sprung an upset against undefeated Durham but eventually fell short 24-26.
Rhodri Wall and Adam Sadbri tries were the tonic to two Durham penalties from Paddy McDuell, plus tries from Henry Paremain and Ben Stevenson, to make it 12-16 at the break.
Durham could muster only another penalty in response to Marcus Ramage’s converted try and when Ramage added another, Durham were on the ropes 24-19. Ben Fowles, however, drove over from close range to build the lead, though Cardiff missed a late drop-goal to steal it.
Nottingham Trent shocked Cardiff Met 2418 with a powerful performance at Lady Bay.
Luke Northmore touched down for Met within three minutes only for JJ Broberg to respond immediately for Trent leveling things up 7-7. A Harry Johnston penalty briefly edged Met ahead but the home side’s dominance was reflected through scores from Harry Graham, man mountain Cecil MacCarthy and some flawless Max Craven kicking.
Replacement Dan Kennett gave Met hope in the second 40 with a try but they would leave with only onee bonus point thanks to Russell Bennett’s boot and stoic Trent defence.
Hartpury bounced back from last week’s disappointing home loss with victory over old rivals Loughborough at Gillman’s Ground 36-26.
Hartpury dominated, taking only 47 minutes to bag the bonus. Alex Gibson, Will Crane, ‘Swervin’ Ervin Muric, Toby Venner and Nathan Chamberlain did the damage with the latter slotting three conversions and a penalty.
Tries from Will Attfield, James Gallagher, Josh Lewis and a mauled effort meant Loughborough left with one bonus point, but it was too little too late.
Exeter sealed an impressive 45-24 victory over title rivals Northumbria with seven tries at Topsham.
The first 40 was tight with Pierre Thompson’s brace and Sam Morley’s boot trumping a Michael Walton try and five points from Josh Hodge’s boot.
The whistle for the second half sounded with the score 14-10 but it also signalled a devastating period for Exeter with tries from Charlie Davies, Josh Pieterse (2) and replacement Sal M’boge (2) blowing Northumbria away. James Elliot and George Bordill touchdowns were in vain as Northumbria left empty handed.