HEY MR DREAMSELLER WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN….
By Devonport Boy
May 7 2024
….Can you spare one dream for me? With a vital game in Newcastle this weekend, I hope I can be forgiven for referencing Lindisfarne and one of the seminal albums of my youth!
In his recent interview following the brilliant news about his new six-year contract with us, JvG talked about dreams and how big dreams stir the blood. For the BB&W faithful it doesn’t come much bigger than a strong shot at a top four finish and maybe more. I know we’ve been here before in 2020 but there was always a nagging feeling that we were punching above our weight. Not so this year. We’re in this position because of the way we’ve played throughout the season and we absolutely deserve to be there.
Of course, the trouble with dreams is that everybody has different ones. The Falcons supporters will be looking to register a win in what for them has been a torrid season and you can bet anything you like that Steve Diamond will be plotting to turn our dream into a nightmare.
There might be fog on the Tyne on Friday night but we can’t afford fog on the brain! We will need absolute clarity of tactics going into this game and clinical precision in execution. We very much need five points from this game, but make no bones about it, this is a potential banana skin. And we’ve “got previous” at slipping up against struggling sides; the loss to London Welsh at the Kassam in November 2012 courtesy of an 80th minute interception of a “Hail Mary” pass thrown by one Stephen Donald is a case in point. But the current Bath squad is a different animal; I think we can trust the coaching staff to get the preparation right and the team to be disciplined and if necessary ruthless on the night.
I don’t have a “second favourite” team, but I’ve got a great deal of regard for the Falcons. They’re a proper rugby club with proper supporters who have stuck by them and turned up in some very difficult times. Does that sound familiar? You could also argue that we owe the current existence of Bath Rugby in part to the Falcons. Many of us will remember the last game of the 2002/2003 season when we were staring down the barrel of relegation and also the prospect of a hostile takeover. We beat Newcastle (Jonny Wilkinson and all) 24-12 that day, Bristol got relegated instead of us and the rest, as they say, is history!
Good luck to all the Bath supporters making the trip to the North East. The Met Office’s crystal weather ball is predicting it to be dry with a light breeze, but it can change in a heartbeat up there. At least one Bath team member should be well supported; no doubt Will Muir’s stablemates from Guisborough will be there to cheer on The Horse. We should have more than enough to win this game and get what we need from it. Certainly, our strength in depth ought to be a decisive factor, but Newcastle have some talented players who can pose threats, as the Sharks found out in their last game. And you can never write off a team who are playing with the freedom of nothing to lose.
With that in mind, I think JvG will go strong. We don’t know how close to fit Finn is yet so I’ve left him out of the equation for now. It might look something like:
Obano, Dunn, Du Toit, Du Plessis, Ewels, Hill, Underhill, Barbeary, Spencer, Bailey, Muir, Redpath, Lawrence, Cokanasiga, Gallagher
Bench: Annett, Stuart, Griffin, Roux, Bayliss, Schreuder, Ojomoh, Coetzee
Come on boys, get it done!
COYB
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:16:07:55:23 by CoochieCoo.
Go preview Devonport Boy.
Not sure I would risk Finn even if fit maybe a bench spot just in case things not going to plan.
Sorry couldn't resist.
Quote:Devonport Boy
Apologies all - of course it’s Lindisfarne! That’s what I meant but another all too frequent “senior moment” struck! Hasta - can you edit please?
Done.
Good preview DB.
PG
More likely Schoeman, or Du Toit to bench with Stuart starting.
PG
Do you start with Stuart and bring on the impactful Du Toit around 50-60mins or vice versa - needless to say we are so fortunate to have three International TH props - one of whom can also cover LH.
Do the coaches rest Stuart and go with Du Toit and Griffin with Obano and Schoeman covering the LH? I am not sure - what we do need to get is dominance early over the Falcons who will be seriously up for this last home game.
Tom Foley officiating - could have been much worse.
Quote:Murty7
I am hoping that it will be 'All Right on The Night' we wont get 'caught in the act' and all fall down' and we will leave with a 'warm feeling'. Hopefully we wont need to 'run for home'
Sorry couldn't resist.
Exactly Murty.
Hopefully "We can swing together" and produce "Nothing but the marvellous" -that way we'll be "Winning the Game."!
PG
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's

If Finn’s not fit, fine, then I’d hope we kick a bit more and go for them up front, with TDT and Roux/JDP, and score 4 x tries from a combined total of 8m out asap.
If they’re still in the game in the final quarter, we could be in trouble. Gonna be a nervy evening but will be fun going into Saturday IF we have 5 points in the bag. Big IF, mind….
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Finn is to be held back till the Semi and Final if we get there that is.

The forecast is favourable which is a relief.
Five points is a must. Hopefully, they are not in it at 60/65 minutes as they were with Sale.
Quote:shipwrecked
What's the betting that Guy Pepper has an absolute stormer!
JvG would expect that to show his prospective team mates and supporters exactly why we went after him.
But there’s always this discussion about key players “not being rushed back too soon” etc. Coaches and S&C know this better than all of us. It’s more important to them that someone like Finn doesn’t do his groin again after 15 minutes- they’ve reputations to uphold, and not just reputations on rugby fan message boards!
So, if they consider him fit enough for the XXIII, I’d start him, as we desperately need 5 points from a tough away fixture. We essentially have 4 x knock out games coming up and we have a much better chance of winning 4/4 of them with our world class 10 in the team.
(I’ve zero intel if he’s anywhere near fit enough or not!)
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:dr.bath1865
If Finn’s fit enough to be on the bench, he’s fit enough to play 50 minutes from the get go, so I’d start him, 5-3 bench including Landy, and go all out for a fast start.
If Finn’s not fit, fine, then I’d hope we kick a bit more and go for them up front, with TDT and Roux/JDP, and score 4 x tries from a combined total of 8m out asap.
If they’re still in the game in the final quarter, we could be in trouble. Gonna be a nervy evening but will be fun going into Saturday IF we have 5 points in the bag. Big IF, mind….
Don’t think there’s any need at all for Finn to start - also do think there’s a very big difference between being able to get some minutes off the bench and starting. Even if he’s fit and raring to go the more conservative option is to have him off the bench and give him 30 then move Bailey to 15.
No disrespect to falcons but as said we don’t need Finn to beat them so not really worried if he starts. I’m still looking at this game as an opportunity for some guys with less minutes rather than resting big players as such - Would love to see Griffin/Richards/Grace all start
If Finn plays he will be 100% fit.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:08:08:09:16 by Ali1969.
Tbh if Bath don't nail second place with your remaining fixtures it would be very surprising.
Quote:Out of our hands.OldMarovian
Tbh if Bath don't nail second place with your remaining fixtures it would be very surprising.
We can score 10 from 10, but if Sarries score even 9 from 10, you'll finish above us. If Saints win with 4 tries this weekend, they'll put themselves out of our reach, regardless of the last day.
RAEBURN SHIELD
I can never remember how the table is decided re draws? I feel like its wins/trys/points difference? but as you say that could be a factor and again getting a big score against Falcons will likely help you with the last of those.
Obviously as I am meant to be working came late to it so the first few posts don't make much sense now.
As we have all said else where the low level of injuries has been a real compliment to the S & C team.
Equally I saw a table the other week with the number of minutes played by the Top 10 players this season and not one Bath was there meaning the rotation policy has kept more people fir, but also ready to play.
I see us playing Saracens in the semi-finals the next two games decide home or away.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:08:11:59:19 by Devonport Boy.
Quote:OldMarovian
Agreed that it is in the sense of pure numbers (as you say) but I'd suggest most people would look at our respective run-ins and say Baths were favourites for second spot given the fixtures. You have one gimme, almost certainly 5 points and a highly like second one against Saints resting their main players. We have two games against teams fighting for an outside shot at top4.
I can never remember how the table is decided re draws? I feel like its wins/trys/points difference? but as you say that could be a factor and again getting a big score against Falcons will likely help you with the last of those.
Wins then pd - so Saints (wins), you, Bristol (pd) all have a leg up on us for any likely decider and we are up (pd) on Quins.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My daughter went, and Oldfield managed to win! Somehow Corsham failed to score when Oldfield had two in the bin......

Any idea of the Chippenham v Bath Uni game result?

Quote:Just checked, and it is apparently on PRTV from 19.45 on FridayKidney Stone
Is this on PRTV?
Bath Rugby team news
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Matt Gallagher
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Jacques du Plessis, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Josh Bayliss
PG
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Great to have Finn and well done the S&C team… again.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
V v strong 23.
Only him and tdg missing from my personal cup final 23.
Ref: Tom Foley
TJs: Sara Cox and Hamish Smales
TMO: Dean Richards
Newcastle:
1 Adam Brocklebank
2 Jamie Blamire
3 Eduardo Bello
4 Tim Cardall
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Sam Cross
7 Guy Pepper
8 Callum Chick [C]
09 Sam Stuart
10 Brett Connon
11 Ben Redshaw
12 Cameron Hutchison
13 Matias Moroni
14 Adam Radwan
15 Louis Brown
16 Bryan Byrne, 17 Mark Dormer, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 John Hawkins, 20 Freddie Lockwood
21 James Elliott, 22 Rory Jennings, 23 Oli Spencer
RAEBURN SHIELD
Got to respect Newcastle, they've run a few teams close at home and I remember numerous occasions where we've been humbled after thinking we'd win just for turning up.
Also Foley as ref is a recipe for disaster for Bath, one of the worst English official.
Also Foley as ref is a recipe for disaster for Bath, one of the worst English official.
Agree with your first point, totally disagree with your second.
Quote:hemington
Dimes is having a go. Dimes Aims At Bath
Just noise isn't it. Love this bit, after he wiped the spittle from his chin:
"and that’s not me complaining. I’ve come up here with full knowledge about what the situation is, and I’m fine with it.”
Totally agree that it must be frustrating to develop so many good players and then watch them leave. If its true Pepper came to Bath for a pay cut then that isn't good for Newcastle. Assume if he hadn't come to us he would have gone elsewhere.
Looking forward to a good game, I think that it will be close personally (closer than the 24 point difference that the bookies are predicting at least).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Again I am surprised he is officiating this fixture as he lives in Bath I believe and often has trained and assisted the club with interpretations - one would have thought they would have learnt from Karl Dickson and others who have officiated in games where they have an affiliation to one of the clubs.
It's fine to ignore it- but nobody else in the league gets away with it. Imagine JVG in his pre match comments throwing 'shade' on Diamond or Newcastle's inability to, say, hold on to their talent. As Diamond says, yes, it's better to 'nurture' than 'vulture', but it can't be a very nurturing environment if youngsters, given the choice, prefer to be snapped up by a vulture. I'd also argue that the only way to be successful is to combine the two ends of the spectrum, and I think we're doing that pretty well, with Obano, Dunn, Ewels, Reid, Bayliss etc etc all getting nurtured pretty well, I think.
Anyway, ignore it and just hope that our performance does our talking.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
I do agree that referees should be allocated well away from their homes if at all possible, but I can see that it wouldn't be easy to do....
Best team talk possible.
PG
JvG & Co too experienced to allow his comments to affect the squad.
Quote:and that’s not me complaining
...he complained.
Quote:markismith50
Full article for proper context: [www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk]
Quote:That’s not a criticism
...he criticised.
You've got to admire Diamond's balance, not only does he have a chip on both shoulders, but on his head, knees and toes as well.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Quote:BucksBBandW
Was Diamond at Sale when Redpath made the move to us? Maybe he's still bitter about that. His vulture comment seems to suggest it was a bad thing for Bath to give work to Lawrence and Hill after the collapse of Worcester made them unemployed. Seems a bit of a budget Eddie Jones comment.
Yes he was and was scathing about Cams decision akin to his reaction to Guy Pepper.
Quote:markismith50
He says ‘fair play to them, it’s good business’.
In between saying:
Quote:There’s only two letters difference between ‘nurture’ and ‘vulture’
and
Quote:For Bath, with the money they spend, the training facility they’ve got and the vast coaching resource at their disposal – they should be winning leagues and cups year in, year out, or at the very least be hitting semi-finals. That should be par for them every single time, but as recently as a couple of years ago they were bumbling around the wrong end of the league and finishing bottom
Which, I'm not saying there's not some truth in it, but it's... definitely criticism.
Coaches get criticised for offering up platitudes and showing no character… then when they do, also get criticised.
He’s also on good form in the ‘i’ newspaper.
[inews.co.uk]
Like, Mourinho was good at this stuff until he became tiresome and tedious. But at least Mourinho actually won something back in the day.
Once when Pepper signed (because he was directly asked about it) and then this week (because we’re playing Bath, and he was asked about it).
If we want bland interviews and coaches not engaging with questions, then fine. But they’ll get criticised for that, too.
Over my 20-odd years in the job I’ve worked with coaches at pretty much all points on that spectrum.
Dimes is a bit of a showman but the things he says in the media are the things he believes and says in private, so that’s fine by me.
Quote:markismith50
I’m in every press conference he does, and he’s only mentioned Bath twice.
Once when Pepper signed (because he was directly asked about it) and then this week (because we’re playing Bath, and he was asked about it).
If we want bland interviews and coaches not engaging with questions, then fine. But they’ll get criticised for that, too.
Good lord. I'm not criticising him for having a personality and engaging with questions, but because he said 'I'm not criticising' while very clearly criticising. Like I get he's your guy and you support him, but there's a difference between being a journalist and a stenographer.
Quote:markismith50
One might argue he was stating a series of facts rather than criticising, but we’re splitting hairs here so perhaps respectfully agree to disagree on that one.
Quote:There’s only two letters difference between ‘nurture’ and ‘vulture’
Mmmmhmmm.
Quote:markismith50
Is two letters not correct?
Is 'vulture' not criticism?
And don’t forget, Dimes was involved in sorting some of those lads out with their moves from Worcester to Bath. So he’s obviously not critical of them going there.
Feels like a good place to leave it. Thanks for chatting and for keeping it polite.
Here’s to a good game 🤝
At the end of the day clubs don’t own players be they Redpath or Pepper the player has a day in their careers which is limited to about a decade anyway.
Watching your best players leave from whatever club you are at Sale, Worcester or Newcastle must be agonising when you are trying to build something but are doing it on a shoestring.
It’s not hard to understand his stance on this but it is an inevitable consequence if a club has greater financial resources.

Oh wait.
(Bath's team talk written for them I suspect)
I have no problem with a straight answer to a question even if we do not like the reply- like they say if you don’t want an honest response don’t ask the question.
‘The quartet have exited with the blessing of Diamond, the Worcester director of rugby. “The first four players, Ted, Oli, Val and Ferg, go to Bath with our best wishes,” he commented on social media. “Four tough lads. Thank you, Bath for helping. Players are free-spirited. They need to play. I will deal with the mess. Hopefully, the boys will come home. Night.”’
It looks like it is going to be a perfect evening for rugby, little wind and 20 degC - I'm really looking forward to a cracking game of running rugby from both sides.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:markismith50
dcsh, he isn’t criticising the club for employing players. He says fair play to them, and that it’s good business.
He also called Bath vultures, suggested they don't nurture talent and then poked fun at their lack of success and how they were bottom of the league recently.
But yes he throws a random 'fair play to them' so people like you have something to grasp onto and use to defend him.
It just means it negates one of the advantages some teams possess and allows you to pick a lighter more athletic pack which filters into the other aspect which is plastic pitches support a much faster game - which might explain some of Falcons hammerings away from the plastic pitches compared to at home.
Finn of course is used to artificial pitches having played at Racing for 5 years.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:10:09:11:22 by Ali1969.
We’ve just signed one of best prospects, he really isn’t going to be over the moon with that.
Hoping for a good game tonight 🇪🇪
Widcombe Garçon
‘Vulture’ was in reference to picking over the remains of the three clubs who went bust, so seems entirely apt.
And the reference to recent league finishes was merely factual, emphasising that money doesn’t always breed success.
FYI I have always really liked the work you do, Mark, and respect you for coming onto fan message boards to try to explain your DoR's musings! It's nice to be busy!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
He did use the phrase ‘tongue in cheek’ so was clearly not an allegation.
If anything, he was saying you’ve done a great job of getting all those players under the cap. It was a compliment!
He may have been attempting to get his players fired up. Neither side should need gimmicks to motivate at this point in the season- for different reasons each will have a burning desire to win.
PG
No, he was just giving honest answers to honest questions. All good fodder and gets folk talking.
I think I’m more interested in Underhill v Pepper to be honest!

If it is based on bringing on young talent like Guy Pepper then I’m all for it.
I watched Sam Pepper play out of position on the wing instead of at 9 for England u20 v France s week ago. A player with a 7s background quick and elusive. Yet he doesn’t seem to have been picked up yet. One to nurture?
Diamond also brought on Olly Lawrence at Worcester so the fact that SD hasn’t won anything is irrelevant if he can spot and develop youth.
It’s true Bath have failed to exploit their
resources however, the fact is that currently we have signed nurture a DoR with a long term vision and identity that our club has yearned for. It’s one bit of recruitment we should be proud of. If SD does something similar for Newcastle nurturing youth then good luck to him.
Without meaning to be callous I hope we win tonight with a bonus point and that launches us into contention for the Premiership. Equally I hope that Newcastle regain the status you had when a young Mr Wilkinson played at 10!

Quote:TomReagan
For their media manager to engage with us on two threads is pretty decent I think.
I agree, it's brilliant. Wasn't Flats signed up for a similar gig with us before his TV career took off, or did I imagine that? Either way, more of this please.
Not saying one’s right and one’s wrong. They’re just very different. We don’t have the luxury of spending our way out of trouble.
As for your comment on Max Pepper, he made his Prem debut for us a couple of weeks ago, played for us in the cup and has trained with us most of the season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:10:10:44:32 by markismith50.
Quote:hemington
Dimes is having a go. Dimes Aims At Bath
Considering the "rumours" of why Dimes was kicked out of Sale, he should probably not mention "creative accounting"
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:10:16:33:09 by Rampant.
Quote:markismith50
Hi Shipwrecked, I think Dimes’ reference to his “very different” squad building refers to the much smaller budget, which means more of an emphasis on homegrown players and battling spirit, as opposed to picking off star players from other clubs.
Not saying one’s right and one’s wrong. They’re just very different. We don’t have the luxury of spending our way out of trouble.
Good luck, hope it goes well, just make Sam Pepper's development a priority as we need a talented scrum half to complement our talented academy backs.


Quote:shipwrecked
just make Sam Pepper's development a priority
Isn't the scrum half Max (and the one we signed Guy)? Is there a Sam?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Not in that family, anyway.
Quote:markismith50
Hi Shipwrecked, Max is also a talented winger. If he’s good enough and there’s enough money in the pot we will of course consider him.
Apologies for getting his name wrong its Max not Sam isn't it.

Quote:markismith50
What exactly are you alleging, Rampant?
To clarify, the behind the scene reason he was booted from Sale
Im sure he's learnt his lesson..
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:markismith50
Hi Shipwrecked, Max is also a talented winger. If he’s good enough and there’s enough money in the pot we will of course consider him.
Apologies for getting his name wrong its Max not Sam isn't it.
Gone "cuckoo" for a moment there sw? (Sorry, could not resist!)
PG
Quote:P G TipsQuote:shipwreckedQuote:markismith50
Hi Shipwrecked, Max is also a talented winger. If he’s good enough and there’s enough money in the pot we will of course consider him.
Apologies for getting his name wrong its Max not Sam isn't it.
Gone "cuckoo" for a moment there sw? (Sorry, could not resist!)
PG
"cuckoo" was a software autocorrect of Cuckson PG, 'Sam' was just a fuse blown in my brain somewhere (hippocampus I suspect) No apology needed.

Quote:markismith50
Northshark.
‘Vulture’ was in reference to picking over the remains of the three clubs who went bust, so seems entirely apt.
And the reference to recent league finishes was merely factual, emphasising that money doesn’t always breed success.
Perhaps he'd prefer out of work rugby players remained out of work.
And he's perfectly allowed to be factual, no one can argue with his words. He just sounds like a d**k with a chip on his shoulder.
Quote:markismith50
What was the reason, Rampant?
I'll tell you over a pint Mark, but it was a non-rugby matter
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
The Sale owners can't be too upset with him - he's still good friends with them and they met for drinks a week or two ago.
Its all "tongue in cheek" of course Mark.....just like Steve's comments 😉
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:10:15:36:47 by Rampant.
I think you either tell us exactly what you mean, or delete the comment.
As it stands, you're in a potentially actionable position.
And that's setting aside the fact I've told you he's on very good terms with the Sale owners, and there is no issue between them.

Dodgy bloke was an opinion and I started a new paragraph, so not specifically related to the first comment. However in the "spirit" of rugby, I'll delete that specific line
Enjoy the game
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
If this needs to be discussed further please do so by PM.
PG
Encouraging start and scoreboard where we want it
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
4 Falcons do - but cannot stop him!
PG
Quote:To be fair to the director, it's the cameramen! They've no idea where the ball isBarnoid
Is the work experience kid directing the tv coverage? It’s rubbish so far.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Gallagher's try the pick of the bunch for me.
Looks like Finn invented a training ground move on the fly, deep in co versation with Cam, Matt and Will for couple of phases before sending them to take their places. He then gets the ball on the pull back, with Muir charging up on his.left shoulder, and Gallagher threatening to do the same on his right, but changes his line the moment the ball leaves Cam's hands, and his defender's eyes are on Finn. Keeps that defender reacting glare, and trying to change direction. Coka keeping his width keeps the Falcons winger out of things until it's too late to make a difference (and if he goes earlier, it's a walk in for Coka)
Loved Coka's try, but Matt's was just so clever, and you could watch it being planned.
RAEBURN SHIELD
RAEBURN SHIELD
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:Funny how the best rugby commentators tend to be Scottishhasta
So tough to commentate on your own, respect to this commentator.
Was about to say, time for a new front row, but JvG beat me to it
* I generally assume that everyone in the front row is cheating
RAEBURN SHIELD
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Completely unnecessary by Spencer, especially when red is already annoyed with us
RAEBURN SHIELD
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:Not enjoying the flashes of rugby that interrupt the student union night?dr.bath1865
Anyone else really not enjoying this???
Quote:hasta
Foley isn't giving us anything. Reid was completely fair there.
What do you expect, it’s Foley.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Foley isn't giving us anything. Reid was completely fair there.
What do you expect, it’s Foley.
What are you on about? Foley's been absolutely fine?
At least he apologised
Get on the plane and go again on Monday.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Still 5 points though, job done.
Come on Bath
Quote:OutsideBath
Shows you how much we’ve improved when there’s disappointment with a low scoring 5pt win at Falcons.
+1
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Ironically, it’s wins like this that make top teams. When you find a way to get the job done when the team is misfiring and not clicking.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
But 5 points, job done, good stuff.
Quote:BarnoidQuote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Foley isn't giving us anything. Reid was completely fair there.
What do you expect, it’s Foley.
What are you on about? Foley's been absolutely fine?
Agree, Foley was good tonight (better than us by a distance in the 2nd half). IMHO he got most calls, including scrum penalties, right and communicated well with everyone.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Foley isn't giving us anything. Reid was completely fair there.
What do you expect, it’s Foley.
May not have been a favourite several years ago, but now IMO one of the best.
The last time he reffed us - at the Rec was, I thought, an excellent performance.
Some decisions seemed harsh, but Bath kept compounding problems by finding new ways to infringe.
PG
he wouldn't say so in so many words, but I cannot remember him being so tight-lipped in post-match interview before in two seasons.
Whether that is Bath performance, ref interpretation or a combination does not matter. The squad will know they must perform more strongly and clinically next weekend.
PG
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Quote:Agree with this, my only real bugbear were 2 odd calls at the end. Reid’s turnover being pinged and then the yellow that looked like a straight red.P G TipsQuote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Foley isn't giving us anything. Reid was completely fair there.
What do you expect, it’s Foley.
May not have been a favourite several years ago, but now IMO one of the best.
The last time he reffed us - at the Rec was, I thought, an excellent performance.
Some decisions seemed harsh, but Bath kept compounding problems by finding new ways to infringe.
PG
But we were our own worse enemies tonight, just kept giving Newcastle easy penalties
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Want some salt for those chips on both shoulders?
Table seems to suggest we’re doing something right, so maybe focus on your own teams shortcomings.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Defence of the line out was clearly a bit of a shambles.
We have seen on a few occasions this season teams achieving a decent lead then dropping of (champions cup).
Complacency?

Quote:NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Maybe we’re not title contenders, but we’re a lot closer than you lot.
You might want to show a bit of class and learn how to be a gratuitous loser.
Quote:NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Yeah, imagine us being that bad and you still never looking like being in the game. Stick to singing Robbie Williams.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Maybe we’re not title contenders, but we’re a lot closer than you lot.
You might want to show a bit of class and learn how to be a gratuitous loser.
I assume OB means 'gracious' loser, Falcons have been gratuitous losers all season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:11:02:40:41 by miller8.
Quote:NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
Lol, so bad we got a 5 pointer and Falcons remain without a win (or any bonus point)?
Quote:miller8
Probably the worst 5 points we’ve ever one…?
I can believe it!
Quote:I agree that over the last 4 games we've not looked anything like as fluent as in earlier games. We had a couple of very entertaining losses, v Briz and Quins, and perhaps we've tightened up after that. An away win v Exe is a big monkey off our backs, but otherwise I'd say we've been quite underwhelming of late and need a good performance as well as a win next weekend.NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
I'm happy to trust that it was a circumstance of the match and the opposition and that when the pressure is on and the stakes are high then we wouldn't appear so lax.
Certainly that 2nd half doesnt leave much to build on.
Second half was dire, by both teams.
Quote:First half scoreline didn't flatter us at all.NorthShark
I was at the game. I don't think a scoreline has ever flattered a team more.
You guys really play virtually no rugby do you. How is that possible with the quality of players at your disposal??
The last 50 minutes you couldn't make two passes without screwing up. Over and over and over and over and over. It was almost comical. Wow. No wonder your coach is annoyed. Miles away from Prem contenders on that evidence.
You must have missed the first half.
Luckily, a rugby match is longer than 50 minutes, I wish we hadn't, but many teams look to close things down if they've already secured the TBP in the first half.
As for how far away we are from being a contender, I'd suggest that spending virtually the whole season in the top 4 puts us reasonably close to contention - certainly closer than anyone expected us to be this season. Fortunately, there's more to a rugby season than one match.
The real disappointment for me was that we let Newcastle drag us down to their level in the 2nd half, and matched them for ill discipline.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:11:03:21:38 by Which Tyler.
We’ve bagged the 5, now wake up and play like champions.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:11:06:54:39 by CoochieCoo.
As far as I can work out, the most likely outcome for us now is 4th and Saints away in the semi. I think that's where our season finishes.
My MotM - Callum Chick. Never stopped trying even with a nasty finger injury. Its a shame he's leaving cos Dimes could build a real team around his leadership and Adam Radwan's feet.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:11:04:45:02 by joethefanatic.
There won't be any complacency in the squad either. Top 2 still possible. Top 4 probable. Think back 12 months, I think we'd all have taken that if offered.
Quote:Rokobilly
Also, Guy Pepper played very well
He was excellent, A real pain at the breakdown which bodes well.
Agree that we got the job done in 30 mins and then started thinking of the pub crawl home!
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Looks a serious player now. Has bulked up with a bit more muscle but still has speed and footwork. His targeting of defensive breakdowns and then his speed over the ball is lethal.
Add Pepper, our back row options next year are mad.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
PG
Quote:What went wrong?!NorthShark
Quins would have put 50+ on tonight. Different, winning mindset.
The players got the job done and got what we required out of the game - move on to the big target next Saturday.
Interesting Sarries view on us compared to Bristol - highlighted by a few comments yesterday - inferences suggesting they saw us a much bigger threat than Bristol and had to shut our game down whereas Bristol they came to play. Read into that what you want.
Whatever happens next weekend as long as we get a point and into top 4 I don’t think we will be scared if it turns out we have to go to Sarries or Saints - the squad and management honestly believe they can win and do not fear either in a one off match - obviously we want a home semi final but it is actually out of our hands.
Personally I would prefer anyone other than Bristol - we just seem to really struggle with our neighbours more than any other team.
Quote:Ali1969
Interesting Sarries view on us compared to Bristol - highlighted by a few comments yesterday - inferences suggesting they saw us a much bigger threat than Bristol and had to shut our game down whereas Bristol they came to play. Read into that what you wan
I don't think it's to do with threat but risk/reward. Sarries played a very similar defensive game but knew that the space and pace that Bristol like to play with leaves them much more vulnerable to counter attack than Bath.
Tbh I wouldn't be surprised if that changed if we play you again. We had a fair bit of decent turn-over that we simply kicked away with opportunities there. That said you will almost certainly have Russell back with will ofc change the calculation again.
Quote:I don’t think it’s Newcastle fans, it Guisborough Rugby Club that he played for as a youngster, they make the trip to the nearest place that their old boy plays to them.hasta
It is amusing that year-after-year Will Muir is more popular with fans at Newcastle than any of their own players.
Quote:There’s no chance of us playing Bristol in the semisAli1969
Personally I would prefer anyone other than Bristol - we just seem to really struggle with our neighbours more than any other team.
Read on here that people felt Bath switched off after the TBP but Falcons were well in it in the first half. Wonderful break from their 12 and all he had to do was pass to Pepper but he tried to do too much. Some decent attack breaking down due to basic errors but also good Bath defence. Quite a large number of penalties (not normally a Bath weakness, quite the opposite) with no yellow seemed very fortunate.
It felt like one of those games a team expects to win and so maybe don't put in the effort they would if it was properly in the balance? Sarries have had several of those too this season.
Can definitely see Diamond having an impact there. Shame for them to be losing some of their best to Sarries, yourselves and others.
Quote:OldMarovian
Blimey. Watched this game last night. Far from convincing. What happened?
Read on here that people felt Bath switched off after the TBP but Falcons were well in it in the first half. Wonderful break from their 12 and all he had to do was pass to Pepper but he tried to do too much. Some decent attack breaking down due to basic errors but also good Bath defence. Quite a large number of penalties (not normally a Bath weakness, quite the opposite) with no yellow seemed very fortunate.
It felt like one of those games a team expects to win and so maybe don't put in the effort they would if it was properly in the balance? Sarries have had several of those too this season.
Can definitely see Diamond having an impact there. Shame for them to be losing some of their best to Sarries, yourselves and others.
If Newcastle can get Sam James and a top class 9, that could really change the team. The forwards are competitive, if not dominant, but the backs with better distribution and experience could be stellar.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:OldMarovian
It felt like one of those games a team expects to win and so maybe don't put in the effort they would if it was properly in the balance? Sarries have had several of those too this season.
Can definitely see Diamond having an impact there. Shame for them to be losing some of their best to Sarries, yourselves and others.
I think we always had enough and, even if Newcastle had led, I'd have expected us to squeak it. It certainly wasn't dominant, like many of us hoped, but it was 'mission accomplished'. Worst outcome would have been being drawn into a tight game and not getting the TBP or worse.
Biggest positive is that Finn got a relatively easy run out.
I certainly hope it's not reflective of our form (and I don't think it will be) but the jobs still to be done and we need to rightly step up or game next week.
Fair points The Bear. I guess whether consciously or not there's probably a degree of just trying to get through a the game with no knocks or upsets. As you say both things achieved.
That said, occasionally this season we've really turned it on. The optimist in me says we're building.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Quote:BucksBBandW
I wonder if Ollie's just exhausted after a long and disjointed season playing in 2 positions. Worcester folding, World Cup, not the most relaxing couple of years for him.
For me he changed after playing 12 for England better at 13 by a mile.

Quote:joethefanatic
If Newcastle can get Sam James and a top class 9, that could really change the team.
Sam James going abroad I thought.
I love Radwan, the thought of him playing outside the Bath backs is mouth watering, but think he is in contract for a while yet.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
