Gladiators beaten but thrilled to play again
With both teams having waited over a year since their last rugby match, it was not unexpected to see the giddiness among both teams as Bath Gladiators and Devon Sharks warmed up for their first match post lockdown.
However, off the field, the game had a strange feel to it as Covid restrictions required the teams to follow strict protocols and for Gladiators to restrict spectators from cheering them on from the sidelines.
Referee Kristoff Young was officiating the game and as the teams kicked off it was Sharks who started on the front foot with Charlie Dore going over early, followed by Jon Ross missing the conversion.
Gladiators were showing flashes of what can be expected from Matt Bodeys’ men this season as they more than held their own and fired back with a try from Michael Salter before Josh Frost added the extras. Gladiators were looking bright and thought that they had added to their lead when Josh Frost went over the line, only for referee to disallow it.
The first half continued fairly even before Sharks added two tries, the first scored by Josh Dore and then by Ben Spear with a new kicker, Wes Keywood failing with both conversions, making it 12-6 at half-time.
The second half continued as an even contest with the momentum switching from team to team. Once again the Gladiators were left frustrated as they had another try disallowed, this time scored by Cieran Chester. In the final quarter, both teams’ lack of matches showed with Devon scoring two more tries through Arron Graham and Wes Keywood, who failed to convert the two kicks, as Sharks won 20-6
As Kristoff blew his final whistle both teams knew they had been in a game and the joy of a return to normality could be seen on the faces of both sets of players as they left the field.
After the game, Bath Gladiators try-scorer Michael Salter said: “It was a euphoric feeling to be back playing rugby league.
“Considering that it’s the first match back, I’m proud of both teams but especially our lads for giving 100 per cent for the full 80 minutes.
“It was a close game and on another day I think we’d have had a couple more tries, but fair play to Devon, they are a good side and we wish them well for the season ahead.”
Bath Gladiators kick off their West of England league campaign this weekend away to Swindon St George A.
You can keep up-to date with all Gladiators news and fixtures at bathgladiators.com.