Bath Slay the Dragons
By A Guest Writer
October 16 2011
Rather understandably I waited until I knew the RWC semi finalists before booking the trip to Rodney Parade, the prospect of a trip to Wales after a RWC semi between the two nations was, well you work it out!
Newport must have a terrible crime rate as I had to negotiate around several groups of unsteady males in blood red shirts all complaining they had been robbed that morning!!
For those of you who remember Rodney Parade as a working mans Recreation Ground, the news is that ground improvements have delivered a fantastic new stand; unfortunately the RWC had left the stand rather empty. A small group of Bath supporters sat around us and I thought such a pity more had not made the effort
(Train fare from West Wilts plus tickets = £80 was a bargain)
I had no idea how strong the NGD team selection was however after-match research suggests the backs were mostly first team and the forwards were a mixture of bench and development players.
Bath was dominant throughout the game. First try - controlled possession through a number of phases led to the first try early in the game, excellent handling skills from the backs engineered an Ollie Woodburn try in the corner, which marked an impressive display from the young man.
Banners next up - breaks the line and the steps/swerves two defenders for a try under the posts, Banners at his best. He was playing at 12 and I thought he played really well, always looked dangerous and his physicality brings so much to the game, especially at the breakdown, where his previous life as a second row shows.
Lucky breakaway try to NGD, Bath nearly charge down a clearance kick and superfast Chavhanga gathers for a try under the posts.
Try number three for Bath, scrum on their 22, Biggs clearly shouts the play, a “training ground move” with Cuthbert joining the line creates the overlap and Biggs in at the left hand corner.
Score is Bath 17 (3T 1C) to NGD 13 (1T 1C 2P). Despite the score line Bath are by far the team in ascendance, they look capable of scoring tries at every visit to the NGD half.
30 minutes into the first half and a promising attack by Bath on the NGD 22 ends with an injury to Mark McMillan. We now know Mark is fine, however it is one of those injuries that always leaves one reflective on the dangers of the game. Cook on for McMillan, who had had an excellent game so far. Get well soon Mark.
Understandably the game became a little stunted until half time, which came 60 minutes after it started.
Second half was Bath, Bath, Bath (without the Allez Allez Allez out of respect).
Second half tries for Carraro, Spencer, Cuthbert, Perenise sealed a job well done.
Spencer did well for his try, superb backing up after some fast recycling , he broke though to sprint from the 22m line for a try to cap a very impressive display. Good hands, physical presence, mobile and looking a really good prospect.
Cuthbert’s and Carraro’s try I will not comment on as I cannot remember the build up etc. However both had a good game and Cuthbert was impressive at full back. Carried well and made some good counter attacks.
Both sides made a host of changes and the most expectant from Bath was when Mr A Perenise came on. A really disappointing 20 minutes from Mr P, I know he scored a try and, yes, he did some serious damage to their scrum, but honestly is that all he has to offer!!
Please do not blame the opposition; this was a very good performance from Bath.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:23:08:48:44 by Glen The Ed.
Thanks for the report mate.
Slightly dissapointing to say the least!
think thered be a case of trade discriptions in any other walk of life ?
COME ON YOU BATH
!!!!!!!
BATH, BATH, WHEREVER WE MAY BE WE ARE THE BOYS FROM THE WEST COUNTRY , AND WE'LL BEAT YOU ALL WHOEVER YOU MAY BE , BEAT YOU ALL FOR THE WEST COUNTRY !
Mike-s, in exile in Bridgwater
Shame about the 'highlights' too anyway back to the Rec now for Worcester.
![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
A fellow Poole person yay!Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.
Fortunately there are plenty of really good clubs in Dorset, Wilts and Somerset.
Being a simple and GULLible creature, fear my irony detector may be on the blink. So did Anthony the Samoan look good to you?
best wishes,
Sid.
PECK
Well I agree I have Bournemouth and also Swanage & Wareham to watch but nothing can beat the atmosphere of the REC!! My wife incidentally was really keen to watch some 'proper' Rugby so we booked tickets for the Saracens game and we now have the bug and can't leave!!
Besides we often came to Bath for trip's out during the year and we always wanted to watch Rugby at the ground and now we have we aren't leaving!! We use the train for each game and make a day out of it. We are that keen that we are staying the weekend of the Montpellier game in a very nice hotel as it is our 10 year wedding Anniversary!!
Cheers
* Loyal 'Bath Rugby' season
ticket holder from Darzet
* Ollie Woodburn - Adopted Player: 2012/13
* Carl Ferns - Adopted Player: 2014/15
* Jonathan Evans - Adopted Player: 2015/16
Quote:Dear Sidsid the seagull
Dear Guest Writer,
Being a simple and GULLible creature, fear my irony detector may be on the blink. So did Anthony the Samoan look good to you?
best wishes,
Sid.
PECK
I think "Anton" will turn out to be the most dynamic signing so far and is on fast track to "legend" status. I can see our props as Wilson and “Anton” backed up by Catt and KPN.
thanks eggy.
HOP FLUTTER PREEN
Quote:Go on my sonner
Did anyone else watch the highlights programme on ITV4 to see no highlights of this match at all, merely a read out result!
Slightly dissapointing to say the least!
The Offy has just posted some grainy clips on the news section - most of the tries.