Late tries cost win in thrilling clash
Two last-gasp tries denied Team Bath victory over Exeter in a pulsating BUCS Super Rugby South West derby at the University of Bath last Wednesday.
The Rengen-sponsored men’s 1st XV were leading 26-17 going into the final three minutes thanks to a hat-trick of tries from man of the match George Worboys, one from Duncan Hood and outstanding performances right across the pitch.
However, they weren’t quite able to see out the win as the visitors touched down twice, the second try coming from the last move of the match, to snatch a 29-26 victory and go top of the table.
Team Bath had two bonus points to show for their efforts and head of rugby Aaron James said: “I can’t be more pleased with a loss, if that makes sense. The boys were outstanding in defence and the way we attacked and scored our tries. That’s made the result even harder to take but we’ve shown what we can do. When you have that belief, effort and work-rate, there is plenty to build on as a coach and a group.”
Bath Rugby Academy player Worboys added: “The boys were on fire and it was a hell of a game. Our scramble on the line was unreal but it just came down to those little things that can catch you out.”
That came after a late penalty from Luca Mignot gave Bath their first home win of the season the week prior against Swansea in front of a 600-strong crowd. Team Bath lead 24-15 at half-time, then find themselves 32-24 behind with ten minutes to go before taking the spoils.
Team Bath return to action at Cardiff Met on Wednesday. They then have three successive home games at the Sports Training Village against Northumbria (November 24), Leeds Beckett (December 1) and Loughborough (December 8) – all kick-off at 6.30pm and entry is free to spectators.
■ AVONVALE played their first ever game at senior level against Salisbury and were not overawed by their big town opponents. They were however given a lesson in how to play the game in the right areas and at pace.
Salisbury cruised into a two try lead within ten minutes and the writing looked to be on the wall for a 50-point hiding, but Vale dug in and took the game to their illustrious opponents and turned around at half-time only 10-3 down.
The Salisbury backs were the difference between the sides and quickly scored another try at the start of the second half. Vale however would not give up and were pressing for a try when they knocked the ball on in the Salisbury 22 and Salisbury swept onto the attack and scored a length of the field try.
Salisbury scored once more to give them a 27-3 victory, but great credit must go to Vale who had three teenagers making their 1st XV debuts and would not let their heads go down and kept battling to the very end.
■ AVON followed up their impressive local derby win last week against Oldfield with what was by far their worst performance of the season against second from bottom St Bernadettes. Several unavailabilities and two unavoidable late withdrawals did not help matters, but they cannot really be to blame for the lack of urgency shown during the visit to Bristol.
Avon conceded the first of the seven tries during this poor display after just five minutes and, although they responded with a converted try from debutant Jake Coates immediately, that was the last time they troubled the scoreboard in the first half.
Meanwhile, St Bernadettes were far hungrier for the ball and made the most of a strong wind down the slope, aided by some indifferent defence by a surprisingly lacklustre Avon team. This allowed them to add four more tries at regular intervals for a 34-7 half-time lead.
With a mountain to climb, the visitors took the game to Bernadettes early in the second half and Jonny Batchelor set up Iain Parris for his eighth try of the season before he added a superb individual effort himself from 50 metres out.
At this point, it looked like Avon could make a game of it but Bernadettes kept the ball tight against the wind and took advantage of far too many Avon penalties to work their way back up the pitch and added another two tries.
As a small consolation in a dismal display, Avon did manage to secure a try bonus point when flyhalf Rob Fitch broke the Saints defensive line shortly before the end to touch down their fourth try. With no game this week, Avon will be hoping for the return of a number of players from the injury list for the local Derby with Stotherts on November 20.
■ BATH SARACENS visited neighbours Combe Down 2nd for their latest Dorset & Wilts fixture. Sarries opened the scoring when centre Ben Johns crossed for the first of his two tries. The home side then opened their own account with a penalty, before taking the lead with an unconverted try.
Sarries continued to press and were rewarded when fly-half and man of the match Alex Johnson touched down for the first of his brace, giving the visitors a 14-8 lead at half-time. The second half saw Combe Down close the gap with another converted try, however Sarries were quick to reply with three further touch downs from wing Paddy Thomas, Johns, and Johnson.
Combe Down continued to battle hard to stay in the game and were rewarded late on with their third try, however this was not enough to change the outcome. Sarries’ five tries along with four conversions shared between Johnson and Dave Clark were enough to secure the win and the bonus point.
Sarries were cheered on from the touch-line by large contingent of Vice Presidents and former players from the 1970s and 80s, who met in Bath at the weekend to remember Ray Waters and Rich Blower who both played for the club throughout the 1980s.
Ray and Rich both sadly passed away in recent weeks.
Sarries have a week off before their next league encounter on November 20, when Melksham visit the Sulis club.
■ The next meeting of the Bath & District Rugby Combination will take place on Wednesday, November 24 at 7.30pm in the Stothert & Pitt clubhouse.