Once more unto the breach... Bath v Sale Semi Final
Thomas
By Rokobilly
May 31 2024
I suspect one of the least visited pages on the Offy - rugby historians excepted - is the Honours Board. To say it's been a while since we won any silverware is something of an understatement.
Domestically speaking, it was the 1995-6 Courage League and Pilkington Cup Double. 28 years of hurt, but just maybe rugby is coming home to Bath this summer.
We might not have won the title since the Play Offs were introduced, but we've had two losing finals (Wasps 2004, Saracens 2015) and four losing semis - most recently a Sandy Park drubbing in the Covid disrupted 2020 season.
I suspect that Exeter result surprised few of us. We'd scraped fourth, in no small part due to Sale forfeiting a game amidst a flurry of positive tests, and Exeter were at the peak of their powers.
Go back to 2015 and we finally find some inspiration for Saturday. The Rec in late spring sunshine, the luxury of picking pretty much a 1st XV, opponents on the back of a late surge to unexpectedly make the play offs... it all sounds familiar. The Rec rocked that day. We need to make sure it does so again tomorrow.
Memories have a tendency to fade over time, the positives ones lingering lingering than the others. Many of us will never forget Banners' hat-trick or Watson putting the final touches on a (rub-your-eyes-is-this-real) 47-10 scoreline.
The facts that Leicester spent far longer attacking than we did, that Tigers' Ten Freddie Burns missed several early kicks and we were down to 13 for a period are harder to recall. Put the clinical finishing to one side, defence was hugely important that day.
Dogged, physical, disciplined, scrambled... we needed them all and will need them all this weekend too. Sale aren't coming down the M6 for a game of touch.
George Ford is the only player from that Leicester game who will be there, and, of course, he won't be in Blue, Black and White this time. He's on form and has the skill set to play whatever is in front of him.
Ford's match up against Finn is just one of the head to head contests that should be fantastic viewing. Alfie v Jean-Luc du Preez and super Ted v Ben Curry also jump out from the probable team sheets. Then there is the possibility of the 'Kamikaze Kids' showdown of Sam Underhill v Tom Curry, should the latter play his first game since the RWC last autumn.
Sale have reached this point with a strong run, unbeaten since they lost at The Rec just before Easter. The final margin of victory that day was comfortable but the scores were tied early in the final quarter before Finn pulled us clear.
We may be clear favourites with the Bookies for the semi final, but that will just serve as inspiration to Alex Sanderson and co.
Sale enjoy painting themselves as the Premiership's outsiders, tough northerners overlooked by the London-based media. True or not, they have a strong collective identity and will bring a brand of Afrikaans-accented physicality with them.
The likes of Roebuck, Reed and O'Flaherty are equally dangerous out wide. There may be no Manu in midfield but his likely replacement, Sam James, is bright and quick. We should not forget how close they ran Sarries in last year's final. As a squad that experience of knock out rugby will count in a close game. Dark horses they are not.
Of course, Bath's own changing room now has a South African feel too. Du Toit will be a key man. Coetzee, Schoeman, Roux and du Plessis will all hope to feature too. There is no reason for us to fear being out muscled especially as Charlie Ewels' exceptional form this year also seems to have benefited from his time in the Cape.
With only TDG missing from the first choice backs, we have every reason to walk down Pulteney Bridge before kick off in expectation rather than just in hope.
That online Honours Board has been left unchanged for far too long. Time to change and then to go one better at Twickenham. But let's not get ahead of ourselves... there's a Sale to get across the line first.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:05:19:19:30 by CoochieCoo.
Just one picky point-it was Saracens we lost the final to in 2015. Leicester-as you state- were dispatched 47-10 at the Rec a week earlier!
PG
Luke Pearce finally announced as officiating - let us hope he is back to his normal self.
This is where Finn’s relaxed persona hopefully will come to the fore.
I would go for something similar to:
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Underhill
Barbary
Spencer
Russell
Muir
Redpath
Lawrence
Cokansiga
Gallagher
Annett
Schoeman
Du Toit
Du Plesis
Bayliss
Coetzee
Shcrueder
Bailey
I would add that the last meeting and Sale’s last defeat was very close to 60 mins then our power bench made the difference. Weather looking good 😊 so no excuses, which to be fair is one of the most pleasing aspects of the JvG reign he does not make any.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:31:09:19:31 by Ali1969.
Quote:P G Tips
Nice preview Rokobilly-thanks.
Just one picky point-it was Saracens we lost the final to in 2015. Leicester-as you state- were dispatched 47-10 at the Rec a week earlier!
PG
Thanks PG!
Mods please correct if you can!
There's always at least one typo in my previews : )
I've been in Germany all week and am blaming all the Helles and Currywurst for scrambling my brain.
I'm getting the nervous wobbles already
RAEBURN SHIELD
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
To me this just smacks of lazy journalism, as I'd say that whilst Fin has garnered a lot of headlines, Bath's pack has been the key to our league standings, and I'm struggling to think of a domestic game this season where they've been noticeably 2nd best.
I'm not expecting Bath to be dominant in this area, Sale do have a very tough pack, but with the likes of TdT, Obano, Underhill, Hill (and others) in the side we can certainly bring our own physical edge to the game.
If Sarries don't make the final then the one I'm hoping to see is Saints v Bath.
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, , 10 Finn Russell, , 9 Ben Spencer (c); 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
Replacements:16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Miles Reid.
PG
Happy with that ref line-up.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:P G Tips
Team:
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, , 10 Finn Russell, , 9 Ben Spencer (c); 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
Replacements:16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Miles Reid.
PG
That's our strongest available team in my view. A bit tough on Bayliss given his performance last time out, but he can offer a lot coming off the bench (and given his speed and athleticism, maybe you could classify this as a 5.5/2.5 split)
Interesting that Elliott Stooke is preferred to Jacques du Plessis.
Otherwise - very much as expected.
PG
Sale Sharks team news
Sale Sharks: 15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Rob du Preez, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr, 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Tommy Taylor, 3. James Harper, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. Ben Curry ©, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. JL du Preez.
Replacements: 16. Agustin Creevy, 17. Si McIntyre, 18. WillGriff John, 19. Ben Bamber, 20. Ernst van Rhyn, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Luke James, 23. Tom Curry.
PG
I imagine there is going to be a lot of kicking tomorrow.
Quote:P G Tips
And the Sharks (without Manu, but with T Curry on the bench):
Sale Sharks team news
Sale Sharks: 15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Rob du Preez, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr, 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Tommy Taylor, 3. James Harper, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. Ben Curry ©, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. JL du Preez.
Replacements: 16. Agustin Creevy, 17. Si McIntyre, 18. WillGriff John, 19. Ben Bamber, 20. Ernst van Rhyn, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Luke James, 23. Tom Curry.
PG
A few more interesting changes for Sale.
Taylor in for Cowan-Dickie, which to me feels like a bit of a downgrade, LCD is horrible to play against and is super physical in defence. Creevy on the bench could be a calming influence.
Sam James in for Tuilagi, totally different players but Bath will have to be more wary of Sale's dangerous wingers as they stand a much better chance of getting some attacking opportunities.
Luke James in for Reed, as far as I can tell this will be his first appearance of the season, talk about getting chucked in at the deep end. I'm quite relieved Reed isn't featuring, his lightning speed could have been devastating late on in the game.
Tom Curry onto the bench, undoubtedly a world class operator when fully fit, could be a bit rusty in his first game since the World Cup.
Two reasonably equal teams Creevy on bench is a very calming and knowledgeable guy to have come on.
Imagine this will be tight and will come down to small margins - only worry is with so many big hitters in both sides hope there is not any red cards - I just hope it is a good game and the best side wins not determined by either an official error or card.
I think the media are potentially overplaying Sale’s win at the Stonex - the media in general Chris Jones etc are Sarries mad and believe they were champions before a ball was kicked. Personally I think Sale are a good side - Sarries had a real bad day at the office and perhaps were slightly overconfident given their previous few results.
Time will tell.
Quote:Ali1969
I take it Jaco Coetzee is a tactical omission? Not mentioned as being injured that I can remember.
.
If he is fit I would question having Reid on the bench ahead of him but otherwise it’s a team that should be winning this one. Sale are a good side but being full strength (or as close as you’re going to get) at home and Bath should be putting them away
2 very good sides 3 points either way for me !
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"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
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Quote:Old Bath Tub
Pleased that Elliott Stooke is involved, could be a good sign he is staying ?
2 very good sides 3 points either way for me !
You would think so. Would be strange to select a player for a semi final if you didn't think he was worth keeping
But equally odd no announcement
Quote:gaz59
If we don't get through I so hope Saints win the trophy
Yes, over the season they have definitely deserved it.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:gaz59
If we don't get through I so hope Saints win the trophy
Is their game v Sarries on PRTV? I can't find it on the website so maybe via phone app? Is anyone else watching it via streaming? Really want to see this one, a great game for a neutral, too much skin in tomorrow's game...
Really don’t care who wins to be honest.

Quote:Clarkey3kQuote:gaz59
If we don't get through I so hope Saints win the trophy
Is their game v Sarries on PRTV? I can't find it on the website so maybe via phone app? Is anyone else watching it via streaming? Really want to see this one, a great game for a neutral, too much skin in tomorrow's game...
It's on TNT/Discovery+
Quote:hastaQuote:Clarkey3kQuote:gaz59
If we don't get through I so hope Saints win the trophy
Is their game v Sarries on PRTV? I can't find it on the website so maybe via phone app? Is anyone else watching it via streaming? Really want to see this one, a great game for a neutral, too much skin in tomorrow's game...
It's on TNT/Discovery+
I don't have a TNT sub but do have a PRTV account and can't see a link to the play off games on their website. Big missed opportunity if so and maddening

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
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Quote:gaz59Quote:Old Bath Tub
Pleased that Elliott Stooke is involved, could be a good sign he is staying ?
2 very good sides 3 points either way for me !
You would think so. Would be strange to select a player for a semi final if you didn't think he was worth keeping
But equally odd no announcement
I beginning to feel Stooke has replaced Bailey as the surrogate of 'mistreatment'. You can still pick players who are leaving and you don't have to select players who are here next season and aI don't think JvG is the kind of guy to choose to hamstring himself. Still the club does like a sneaky mid-break announcement...
Either way, like the idea of Stooke off the bench when legs are tired. Like the whole selection, in fact.
I thought they were always subject to the 24 (ish) hour delay
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:31:17:51:03 by Which Tyler.
Quote:Clarkey3kQuote:hastaQuote:Clarkey3kQuote:gaz59
If we don't get through I so hope Saints win the trophy
Is their game v Sarries on PRTV? I can't find it on the website so maybe via phone app? Is anyone else watching it via streaming? Really want to see this one, a great game for a neutral, too much skin in tomorrow's game...
It's on TNT/Discovery+
I don't have a TNT sub but do have a PRTV account and can't see a link to the play off games on their website. Big missed opportunity if so and maddening
TNT payed a lot of money - I think it was always on the cards they'd want the Semis (and the final). PRTV filled the gap but, I guess, won't be around from next season on...
Quote:Which Tyler
Are the TNT matches ever live on PRTV?
I thought they were always subject to the 24 (ish) hour delay
The penny has dropped now thank you. Still maddening tbh. There will be a big latent audience for the play off games...
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
Quote:Which Tyler
Are the TNT matches ever live on PRTV?
I thought they were always subject to the 24 (ish) hour delay
So will the game be available as normal 24-48 hrs after on the prem rugby website?
I may miss it due to travelling back from hols.
Is the final tnt only or have they done a deal to share coverage with terrestrial like the champions cup final?
Quote:9215
The final will be on ITV1 as well
Thanks 9215. May get tnt cancelled in that case til next season!
Quote:excellent knowledge. Thank you9215
The final will be on ITV1 as well
RAEBURN SHIELD
[podcasts.apple.com]
Widcombe Garçon
Best quote from that podcast by Guscott, “…..can Bath live with their nerves?”
Sums it all up for me.

Quote:Saint dolph
Come on bath let's set up the best possible final that everyone wants to see from a saints fan .
Cheers pal but if it isn't to be then i will be at Twickers cheering the Saints tho still wearing my BBW
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
And the boy has just said he bought us tickets a few weeks ago for the final!
Such intensity, and really well played Sale. Carpenter at 15 was superb for 70 minutes.
The result, not my blood pressure.
(Hope we can catch the ball next week).
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Thought Pearce was good but Bath seemed to get every single bounce their way (not meaning dodgy calls just one of those days where it all comes up roses)
Next week we get to see if JVG can match Hooper 2.0 in his second season!!

Quote:Dorset Boy
Looks like the Saints fans bought all the spare tickets last night BTW!
Would appear that's the case which is poor.
Hopefully the club will clarify later this eve.
Quote:Thought Pearce was good but Bath seemed to get every single bounce their way (not meaning dodgy calls just one of those days where it all comes up roses)
I don’t agree.
Quote:byQuote:Thought Pearce was good but Bath seemed to get every single bounce their way (not meaning dodgy calls just one of those days where it all comes up roses)
I don’t agree.
Seemed a bit of a free for all around the rucks at times
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:01:18:11:06 by hasta.
Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
I mean it's obvious ... but he's really all about building an us v then mentality, brick up the walls etc.
A season ago we wouldn't have coped with a Sale team in control of their emotions. They'd have beaten us to a pulp.
We've not just recruited big guys (most of the pack were here last season and before) but the mentality and physicality has seen a real shift and credit to the coaches that we can hang with that and find enough to win.
Think Hill is always a huge part of days like today but thought both hookers and Beno impressed to and am back to feeling reassured by Ewels presence.
Quote:Charlieboa1Quote:Dorset Boy
Looks like the Saints fans bought all the spare tickets last night BTW!
Would appear that's the case which is poor.
Hopefully the club will clarify later this eve.
Might be worth putting a post on our site incase any Sarries supporters don't want their tickets.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:01:18:22:40 by hantssabre.
Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
Being devils advocate I’d list Carpenter, Roebuck, James x2, Curry x2, Warr, Quirke, Reed, Rodd, Taylor, McIntyre, Beaumont, Bamber, Dugdale
Think Alex wins 15 to 9 . I get his point
Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
14 Academy in Sale 23 today v 6 for Bath
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:01:18:47:10 by Chris1850.
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:01:19:29:30 by tigersimon.
Quote:Chris1850Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
14 Academy in Sale 23 today v 6 for Bath
And I'm sure if you picked another game earlier in the season those numbers would be reversed. It's chippy nonsense and Sale have spaffed tonnes on Saffas, Manu and other players. I expect it from Steve Diamond where they have no money and he's just a serial loser. Maybe Sanderson should have focussed on stopping Jonny Hill assaulting a fan.
Quote:hooker 72
Good luck from Bristol, be good to have a West Country presence in the final🤞
Class post 👍
Brilliant day in the sunshine the Sale fans on the Terrace were class
See you at Twickenham 🇪🇪
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:Rowancroft73Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
Being devils advocate I’d list Carpenter, Roebuck, James x2, Curry x2, Warr, Quirke, Reed, Rodd, Taylor, McIntyre, Beaumont, Bamber, Dugdale
Think Alex wins 15 to 9 . I get his point
Joe Carpenter grew up in the Yorkshire academy - went to Woodhouse Grove, Bradford.
But either way, Sales catchment area is immense. I know you still have to bring them through but that catchment area is a huge, competitive advantage - they should have more.
Quote:Rowancroft73Quote:byQuote:Thought Pearce was good but Bath seemed to get every single bounce their way (not meaning dodgy calls just one of those days where it all comes up roses)
I don’t agree.
Seemed a bit of a free for all around the rucks at times
Listening on Ref Link Pearce seemed to want to keep the game going and was ignoring a lot. When Ben challenged him towards the end about Sale being offside at the ruck 3 times, he basically said not to ask him about it as he was being lenient to us too, so don't push your luck.
Pearce was also very frustrated with the scrum, and the front rows were confused and frustrated by him in return.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Home advantage and the crowd won it for us. I was warming to Sanderson and Sale sadly that's been eroded by comments and events.

Quote:tigersimon
Looks like Jonny Hill wasn’t chilling & mixing at the end!
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
Knowing nothing about this and based only on his track record (for idiotic/unpleasant behaviour), I'm going to venture that Hill was in the wrong here.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:01:20:47:35 by TomReagan.
Quote:The BearQuote:Rowancroft73Quote:hasta
Alex Sanderson 'a lot of teams like Bath recruited from the teams who went bust, but we've grown our team'.
Yeah Alex. Like George Ford. And Manu Tuilagi. And Rob du Preez. And Dan du Preez. And Jean-Luc du Preez And Tom O'Flaherty. And Agustin Creevy. And Cobus Wiese. And Telusa Veianu. So homegrown. Much northern. Wow.
Being devils advocate I’d list Carpenter, Roebuck, James x2, Curry x2, Warr, Quirke, Reed, Rodd, Taylor, McIntyre, Beaumont, Bamber, Dugdale
Think Alex wins 15 to 9 . I get his point
Bamber was Bristol Academy
Joe Carpenter grew up in the Yorkshire academy - went to Woodhouse Grove, Bradford.
But either way, Sales catchment area is immense. I know you still have to bring them through but that catchment area is a huge, competitive advantage - they should have more.
Sanderson can’t help but have a dig can he. His sour grapes make the victory that little bit sweeter.
I thought that we’d gone into our shells as the first half wore on, putting ourselves under pressure with daft stuff and errors. All the momentum was with Sale going into the second half. If this had been last year, we wouldn’t have held on and patiently built it back up to finish the stronger team. What a day!
Quote:Have a look at the Sale message board and you might regain the love sw. By far the most objective, balanced posts I've ever read (Or at least up until 6pm), in fact I think they've been a bit kind to us. I like looking at other fans' forums and find Sarries similarly reasonable. The most one-eyed... probably Tigers and Quins based on no scientific analysis whatsoever.shipwrecked
Hill and Muir exceptional but to be so disciplined and tactical kicking goals and Finn's attempt at a drop from the halfway showed they have the freedom to play. This team believes in each other.
Home advantage and the crowd won it for us. I was warming to Sanderson and Sale sadly that's been eroded by comments and events.
Quote:The most savage of what little I could read on the Times website is it said Hill played no part in the game when I’m sure he came one for Weise with about 10 to go. Damning.tigersimon
Looks like Jonny Hill wasn’t chilling & mixing at the end!
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
The man is an incredible humble and deep thinking human along with being a top class rugby brain. We are so lucky to have a man of his talents and philosophy leading our club
Massive thank you to him and his family for making Bath their home for now but also a massive thank you to Bruce for bringing him to our club
Quote:RawceQuote:The most savage of what little I could read on the Times website is it said Hill played no part in the game when I’m sure he came one for Weise with about 10 to go. Damning.tigersimon
Looks like Jonny Hill wasn’t chilling & mixing at the end!
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
Not sure if I'm missing something here but that was Bamber that came on for Wiese.
Quote:TomReagan
With a few more High Court judges with your mindset JK7 we'd soon clear that backlog of court cases!! (Mind you, you're quite possibly right!). The Times let me read as far as saying that it was in an area away from us hoi polloi too, so very surprising. If the fan gets a free ticket or two for next week out of it it'll be some compensation.
The Telegraph quotes the guy in question as saying he's a Worcester fan:
The 28-year-old fan, who did not want to be named and was understood to have engaged in some banter with Hill at the end of the game, said afterwards: “I was sat there, and he came down the stairs, grabbed me around the throat, snapped my sunglasses and cut the top of my eye. He was like saying to me, ‘don’t ever do that again.
To be honest, all I want is a new pair of sunglasses. It is not football. I was sat with my partner and all her family (Bath fans). We were Worcester fans. I don’t want to make a big thing.”
Also says Sale coach Paul Deacon was seen apologising to the fan.
Anyway, really not something to get distracted by today! So many positives to revel in.
Quote:Don't think so. Ben Bamber perhaps, although they look similar judging by a photo from the game on the Beeb website. Apologies if wrong!RawceQuote:The most savage of what little I could read on the Times website is it said Hill played no part in the game when I’m sure he came one for Weise with about 10 to go. Damning.tigersimon
Looks like Jonny Hill wasn’t chilling & mixing at the end!
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
Quote:JK7Quote:RawceQuote:The most savage of what little I could read on the Times website is it said Hill played no part in the game when I’m sure he came one for Weise with about 10 to go. Damning.tigersimon
Looks like Jonny Hill wasn’t chilling & mixing at the end!
[twitter.com]
“Mad scenes at the end of Bath v Sale. Jonny Hill involved in a bust-up with a fan, getting him in a headlock, breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye….”
Times report
[www.thetimes.com]
Not sure if I'm missing something here but that was Bamber that came on for Wiese.
Johnny Hill wasn't in today's 23

" I was on the terrace and there were too many fans who thought they were auditioning for made in Chelsea, seriously up themselves. I could believe some of their numbers were obnoxious enough to say something to Hill."

Northampton have it all to lose next week, but for us I think just being at our first final in 9yrs with the team and coaches we’ve assembled marks this season as a job well done. The future is bright and we can now also believe again rather than just hope.
Quote:There's always one though sw! That post was after 6pm so not read. Can't say I saw any fans as described by this poster and he looks a bit of a plonker as the man who was assaulted was a Worcester fan anyway.shipwrecked
I did as you ask TR but I'm not sure comments like this help. I get the disappointment but to defend Hill assaulting a fan when he is 6'7'' is a bit rich.
" I was on the terrace and there were too many fans who thought they were auditioning for made in Chelsea, seriously up themselves. I could believe some of their numbers were obnoxious enough to say something to Hill."
Quote:Shorty shorty
What was great today was we just didn’t seem to panic at any stage, we had the real belief that opportunities would come our way if we stuck to the script. They did and we won
Plenty of panic from this longstanding Bath supporter I can tell you. Fortunately the team had more belief in themselves than I had in them with 20 mins to go. Cracking performance but we need to get our handling back where it needs to be to give us a chance next week. Expect the M4 to be a sea of BBW next Saturday. Bring it on.
Would love to know what was said by both but really looked mutually positive which is good to see given previous suggestions
Yes, boys!
My MotM - Ted Hill.
I'm too emotionally exhausted to type anything else
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:gaz59
Ted Hill was my MoM. He was awesome and not just in his try which was unbelievable
Agree , thought ted was excellent.
Respect to roux also- not much glamour in fielding kick offs but was a big differentiator between the teams and he hoovered them up.
Didn't feel we were at our best, lots of handling errors. Felt we stopped playing second half but thankfully sale lost the plot a bit. Definitely need to up it again to have a chance against saints who look v good.
Apologies, being harsh but these opps don't roll round all the time and we need to be better to win.
England hat on/ general human compassion.... lovely to see Tom curry back. What a player and made an impact. Interesting to see if he tours bur maybe wise not to.
As others have said it's prob a bit of bunker mentality, us against the world, Northern chip on the shoulder ala diamond.... don't have a major problem with it, people have only started criticising us since we started looking a threat., no one has cared for a while!
Definitely keen to get more players through the system but it was the prem semi final not the ' academy graduates' semi final and the likes of cordwell, stewart, griffin, richards, merigan, green, TCS, harris, mojo, hennessey, butt, tdg have all played in the prem this season.
Apologies, being harsh but these opps don't roll round all the time and we need to be better to win.
[/quote]
I totally agree with all the congratulatory comments. This squad has backbone & an ability to finish the job.
However, I also have concerns about our handling. We spurned a number of attacking opportunities because of it & the backs are looking less penetrative than earlier in the season. To win against Saints we have to do a lot of work during the week. Turning up is great but we also need to play better in certain respects to really have a good day.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:02:07:52:49 by Bath Hammer.
Drops on crash balls in particular will be punished by Saints. I like JC, but his catch success rate is not good enough to be used for it
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:02:07:55:50 by A.M 180.
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
Bath fan has a cut and broken glasses after post match incident with Johnny Hill.
Wondered if anyone witnessed it to give details.
Is this a Cantona moment ?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:aidanb
Have you guys seen the report in the press
Bath fan has a cut and broken glasses after post match incident with Johnny Hill.
Wondered if anyone witnessed it to give details.
Is this a Cantona moment ?
He is a Worcester fan by all accounts. There with Bath mates.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Clarkey3k
Just a wonderful day at the Rec. I haven't heard our support be that noisy before, what a roar at the final whistle. I thought we were going to be denied the win as the 2nd half developed. One of the great days at home. Thank you everyone for that...
+1
Long time since the Rec was buzzing like that, still haven’t got my voice back yet!
Quote:Didn't feel we were at our best, lots of handling errors. Felt we stopped playing second half but thankfully sale lost the plot a bit. Definitely need to up it again to have a chance against saints who look v good.
Didn't really feel as though we got our attacking shape formed throughout the game. Lacked composure and often erratic during the first half, Ben Spencer's kick being charged down following an excellent defensive set to give Sale their first try being a prime example. Thought Spencer and Finn were uncharacteristically trying to force things, and only settled down during the final quarter.
Defensively we were immense, good performances all round. Finn was tenacious around the ruck, and Gallagher very good at the back.
I like Sanderson, clearly emotional in the post match interview. We have benefitted following the the demise of Worcester and Wasps. Ted Hill, Lawrence, Barbeary and Blackett have been pivotal for us, as have the other new signings. Ultimately though, we had the cap to sign them when other clubs didn't.
And we weren't the only club who signed a top player from Wasps, Worcester or London Irish. BJ Van Rensburg has been outstanding for Bristol, González and Willis have been top performers for Saracens. Finn Smith, Pearson and Odendaal are all starting players for Saints.
Not sure what Luke Pearce was seeing against TdT - first scrum he shoved Bevan Rodd back to Manchester and Pearce just told Spencer to play the ball - then on ref mike said yes I thought it was a penalty but you had the ball. Next few scrums Rodd pulled the scrum down to counter Du Toit’s power and got rewarded? Also what was it with Sale being allowed to run around the side of rucks and push Spencer then put their hands in the air and no penalty nothing - not once not twice but numerous times and Pearce did nothing?
Anyway tense nervous match well done boys difficult opponents. Sanderson could not help but have a jibe at the end - Sale have all homegrown talent - such as Wiese and the Du Preez triplets however Bath buy their talent - what a moron he can be.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:aidanb
Have you guys seen the report in the press
Bath fan has a cut and broken glasses after post match incident with Johnny Hill.
Wondered if anyone witnessed it to give details.
Is this a Cantona moment ?
He is a Worcester fan by all accounts. There with Bath mates.
It appears Jonny Hill got into a situation whereby he grabbed a Bath Fan by the neck and broke their sun glasses causing a cut - Sale management in Paul Deacon then apparently apologising like mad to the spectator so their might be some truth in it.
Quote:Playing the ref has always been a thing in rugby. Let's face it, the game was invented by someone cheating at football, and challenging people to let him. Cheating is literally the oldest tradition in rugby.Ali1969
Not sure what Luke Pearce was seeing against TdT - first scrum he shoved Bevan Rodd back to Manchester and Pearce just told Spencer to play the ball - then on ref mike said yes I thought it was a penalty but you had the ball. ... Also what was it with Sale being allowed to run around the side of rucks and push Spencer then put their hands in the air and no penalty nothing - not once not twice but numerous times and Pearce did nothing?
Pearce is a fan of using the ball if it's available. There was a scrum penalty, but Bath had still done enough to get the ball available at the back of it, so he wanted us to play rugby. Yes there was a penalty offence that delayed the ball getting out of a ruck, but the ball was there and available, so he wanted us to play rugby.
Quote:aidanb
Have you guys seen the report in the press
Bath fan has a cut and broken glasses after post match incident with Johnny Hill.
Wondered if anyone witnessed it to give details.
It sounds like a Worcester fan in the stands was giving Hill some verbals (no idea how badly or how disruptively) and Jonny took it into his own hands, literally. Broke the guys sunglasses, which caused a cut.
Now, you've got to be a bit of a tw@ to escalate verbals to physicals* - especially if your a professional rugby player taking on random fan #4, and grabbing them around the throat - but mostly seems like a nothingness. You've also got to be a bit of a tw@ to be giving the verbals to an injured visiting player (obviously, there's good natured banter, but then, there's also bad-natured banter - and that difference matters in the ear of the receiver, not the giver). Also sounds like the fan wasn't too fussed by it (after the moment, I suspect that when Hill had him by the throat, he would have been very bothered - I'd certainly be needing a change of trousers)
* yes, some verbals go beyond the pale, but that's an issue for the stewards / police, and as far as I'm aware, Jonny Hill isn't a member of a protected / traditional punching-bag minority.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:02:09:30:15 by Which Tyler.
My only issue was we had scrum dominance in first few and he could have given pens but chose not to- fine with that and just cos you are going backwards it's not always a pen.
Annoying though when he then gives sale a 50:50 call at next scrum rather than a reset but guess it keeps the game flowing.
Thought generally he had a v good game- good that he actively made everyone aware early that he was closely monitoring offside line and also gave an early pen got blocking off runners. Important when you know there is a lot of box kicking coming from both teams.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Well done all 23 and management to get us over the line. Not pretty but knock out rugby rarely is. Hill was just massive. Ewels and Roux and TDT also. Dunn just SO Bath and I love it.
Thought Pearce reffed as he refs. Lets it flow. Wants the ball played away. Tries not to blow his whistle, which I like, and if he’s consistent for both teams, no problem from me and leads to a better game for the neutral (if not a mildly frustrating one for a fan!).
We’ll have to play better next week- obviously- but the likes of Spencer and Lawrence and Finn and Jcok and Underhill have big, title winning games within them. So so so fun to be at HQ where I predict a sea of BB&W.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:by
And we weren't the only club who signed a top player from Wasps, Worcester or London Irish. BJ Van Rensburg has been outstanding for Bristol, González and Willis have been top performers for Saracens. Finn Smith, Pearson and Odendaal are all starting players for Saints.
Fin Smith was already going to Northampton before Worcester went bust.
On Sanderson not one of his best quotes but you stick a microphone under a blokes face when 10 months of hard work has just gone T*ts up and you are going to get emotionally driven sound bites that on reflection could have been worded better!
Now probably the dust cart after the Lord Mayor’s show if Dickson gets the final!
From memory, in the games against Ulster, Racing, Sale (March), Quins (and possibly some others), the teams were pretty level pegging going into the final quarter of the game, then Bath were able to take control and play their most effective rugby at the point when it matters most.
Hopefully there'll be one more example of this to come this season...
On Luke Pearce I agree with comments above that his style of reffing is positive and I do like it, the only issue being that other refs don't take the same approach so it becomes inconsistent and confusing for the players. I remember the other week Pearce getting frustrated with Spencer because he wanted to take the advantage rather than keep playing - that's fine, but if other refs are typically giving that advantage it muddies the waters. Similar to the scrums yesterday - I think on a couple of occasions we would have been given pens by most refs but Pearce says play on and scrum half/number 8 then have to quickly re-think what they're doing. It's an issue for both sides.
I'm all for it, so hopefully other refs follow his example next season and players get accustomed to it.
Quote:JK7
On Bayliss, it was a bit odd to me that he replaced Barbeary fairly early and then was tasked with doing Barbeary jobs i.e. running into heavy traffic. I thought, seeing the sub happen, that it was a tactical move to have the 8 stretch his legs in open space a bit more as Barbeary wasn't having the biggest impact. As it was, Bayliss got stopped or sent backwards a few times.
Bayliss isn't a ball carrier though is he JK but he is fast, as tiredness set in he was there I suspect to exploit the breakdown.

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:JK7
On Bayliss, it was a bit odd to me that he replaced Barbeary fairly early and then was tasked with doing Barbeary jobs i.e. running into heavy traffic. I thought, seeing the sub happen, that it was a tactical move to have the 8 stretch his legs in open space a bit more as Barbeary wasn't having the biggest impact. As it was, Bayliss got stopped or sent backwards a few times.
Bayliss isn't a ball carrier though is he JK but he is fast, as tiredness set in he was there I suspect to exploit the breakdown.
Yeah, that's what I mean SW - he was doing things he isn't really built for so tactically it was strange. Can't recall now if he did a bit more carrying out wide later in the match but I didn't particularly notice it.
Immediately sending him to truck it up the middle of the field, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the best option.
Quote:by
I thought Bayliss was brought on as a reaction to Tom Curry coming on.
Immediately sending him to truck it up the middle of the field, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the best option.
I think he was on as a reaction for Curry - with his speed (and Hill's and Reid's) basically meant we had someone to contest every ruck and not give Curry the opportunity he desires.
We still needed carriers, and he was willing, but a bit more intelligence about the kind of 'opportunity' to give him wouldn't have been amiss.
Sale are investigating so presumably we won't be hearing any more.
Anyone watching on TV or in the West star, did that thing with the bits of paper at the start actually work? I'm going to sound like a grumpy so and so, but it didn't work for me. Couldn't see the team come on, couldn't really clap and cheer. And that'll have set their zero to landfill target back a bit, all those A2 sheets of paper printed both sides in blue ink...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:02:14:02:07 by Susanne.
Quote:Susanne
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cv228837y7do.amp
Sale are investigating so presumably we won't be hearing any more.
Anyone watching on TV or in the West star, did that thing with the bits of paper at the start actually work? I'm going to sound like a grumpy so and so, but it didn't work for me. Couldn't see the team come on, couldn't really clap and cheer. And that'll have set their zero to landfill target back a bit, all those A2 sheets of paper printed both sides in blue ink...
It looked good on TV Susanne.
Quote:Susanne
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cv228837y7do.amp
Sale are investigating so presumably we won't be hearing any more.
Anyone watching on TV or in the West star, did that thing with the bits of paper at the start actually work? I'm going to sound like a grumpy so and so, but it didn't work for me. Couldn't see the team come on, couldn't really clap and cheer. And that'll have set their zero to landfill target back a bit, all those A2 sheets of paper printed both sides in blue ink...
Looked impressive from the Terrace Susanne
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:02:14:33:54 by Widcombe boy.
Quote:Gaughers
I spoke with Charlie Ewels as he walked, signed and took photos with supports in the East Stand. He had a significant limp. I asked if he was okay and he said nothing that a good nights rest wouldn't fix but it was concerning.
Yes was definitely limping, knackered but very happy
[imgur.com]
Quote:Widcombe boyQuote:Susanne
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cv228837y7do.amp
Sale are investigating so presumably we won't be hearing any more.
Anyone watching on TV or in the West star, did that thing with the bits of paper at the start actually work? I'm going to sound like a grumpy so and so, but it didn't work for me. Couldn't see the team come on, couldn't really clap and cheer. And that'll have set their zero to landfill target back a bit, all those A2 sheets of paper printed both sides in blue ink...
Looked impressive from the Terrace Susanne
Looked great on TV. Loved it and can only guess but must have been brilliant for the players to see as they ran out
Quote:TomReagan
A few trees' worth of paper v it looked good for 1 minute...tricky one! I'm all for what the club's doing to create an atmos, and the entertainment laid on outside the train station was great fun. In the sun, the samba band, dancing stilt walkers... They're getting more things right than wrong, but it's a no vote from me on the paper! I'm sure my mate in that terrace said he'd been emailed in preparation but I might have misheard that; the Couer de Lion quite noisy when full!
We did get an email. I think, on balance, I'm still a bit grumpy about it. Glad it looked good but it still took the edge off the excitement of them running out. Hopefully, they've got some good photos for future use. I'm really pleased how they are building things on match days, but that one's not for me.
Quote:TomReagan
A few trees' worth of paper v it looked good for 1 minute...tricky one! I'm all for what the club's doing to create an atmos, and the entertainment laid on outside the train station was great fun. In the sun, the samba band, dancing stilt walkers... They're getting more things right than wrong, but it's a no vote from me on the paper! I'm sure my mate in that terrace said he'd been emailed in preparation but I might have misheard that; the Couer de Lion quite noisy when full!
Big thumbs up from all of us on the terrace, we held up the card and hoped it looked good from the other side. Didn’t stop us cheering the team on when they came out.
I like what the club is doing with music etc to create an atmosphere and yesterday I think the fans also delivered for a change.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:TomReagan
A few trees' worth of paper v it looked good for 1 minute...tricky one! I'm all for what the club's doing to create an atmos, and the entertainment laid on outside the train station was great fun. In the sun, the samba band, dancing stilt walkers... They're getting more things right than wrong, but it's a no vote from me on the paper! I'm sure my mate in that terrace said he'd been emailed in preparation but I might have misheard that; the Couer de Lion quite noisy when full!
Oh cmon Tom. We all agree to do what we can for the planet and to minimise impact of climate change but there's no way a couple of hundred (if it was that) A3 sheets of card comes remotely close to " a few trees"
Sense of perspective needed here please
In terms of the squad, amazing that the likes of Jacques du Plessis, Max Ojomoh, Jaco Coetzee didn't even make the bench - thats real strength in depth and I suspect one of the reasons why Bath have been looking so good at the end of games (i.e. quality from the bench).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Again- as we’ve said on ere countless times- it all comes down to the medical and S&C team. The story emerging about Finn’s recovery from a ‘groin off the bone’ sounds extraordinary but more so having the entire squad (net of TDG) to pick from is remarkable, especially so when you consider where we were 2 years ago. Of course, smart/big money recruitment has helped, but having long time servants, the likes of Beno, Ewels, Underhill, JCok, Muir, fit pretty much throughout is the reason we’re in the final IMHO. Hope Rory Murray gets a medal.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:gaz59Quote:TomReagan
A few trees' worth of paper v it looked good for 1 minute...tricky one! I'm all for what the club's doing to create an atmos, and the entertainment laid on outside the train station was great fun. In the sun, the samba band, dancing stilt walkers... They're getting more things right than wrong, but it's a no vote from me on the paper! I'm sure my mate in that terrace said he'd been emailed in preparation but I might have misheard that; the Couer de Lion quite noisy when full!
Oh cmon Tom. We all agree to do what we can for the planet and to minimise impact of climate change but there's no way a couple of hundred (if it was that) A3 sheets of card comes remotely close to " a few trees"
Sense of perspective needed here please
Hope that the paper was fire resistant! ;-)
Quote:gaz59
And any lip readers on ere who can interpret the conversation between Finn and Bruce at the end of the TV programme?
Would love to know what was said by both but really looked mutually positive which is good to see given previous suggestions
Something like "I think he's worth my money" about the Finnball Wizard. Flats was fulsome in his praise of FR on the highlights show last night, the signing of the season in his opinion. It's been a pleasure to watch and listen to him this season. He was the reason I renewed my ST, a full one rather than Lite too...
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
Quote:Clarkey3kQuote:gaz59
And any lip readers on ere who can interpret the conversation between Finn and Bruce at the end of the TV programme?
Would love to know what was said by both but really looked mutually positive which is good to see given previous suggestions
Something like "I think he's worth my money" about the Finnball Wizard.
That was when Bruce was chatting to Dyson in his box during the game. I meant the chat between Finn and Bruce together on the pitch after the match
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:03:11:49:38 by TomReagan.


Smith plays the part of a fisherman who wants a pair of pollacks tattooed on his back.......you can guess the outcome.
So yes, it could be worse!
[m.youtube.com]
Quote:Black Ferns in the olympic sevens?TomReagan
Come on then gaz59. Should we lose, a few examples of champions in 2024 beginning with B please?!
In an olympic year, I'm sure he'll get someone beginning with B
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:TomReagan
Come on then gaz59. Should we lose, a few examples of champions in 2024 beginning with B please?! He won't care too much if we lose. It's a decent tale at a party to get a laugh. Better than having your partner/wife's name tattooed on your arm. How often must those get lasered off?
Barnstable obviously
Well OK admit it is their seconds as their firsts narrowly lost their final or Bream? Or Bradford on Avon tho I guess he would have to add oA
Lots of scope. Just needs a bit of imagination and research
Or the boys in BBW simply do the biz on Saturday
Quote:gaz59Quote:TomReagan
Come on then gaz59. Should we lose, a few examples of champions in 2024 beginning with B please?! He won't care too much if we lose. It's a decent tale at a party to get a laugh. Better than having your partner/wife's name tattooed on your arm. How often must those get lasered off?
Barnstable obviously
Well OK admit it is their seconds as their firsts narrowly lost their final or Bream? Or Bradford on Avon tho I guess he would have to add oA
Lots of scope. Just needs a bit of imagination and research
Or the boys in BBW simply do the biz on Saturday
Bath Uni in the Bath Combination Cup final at the Rec.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Jonny Hill gets 10-week ban for the fan incident:
Hill appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Monday regarding a "breach of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game" - specifically an allegation that he "physically abused" a spectator.
He accepted the charge against him.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
