Matt Stevens' Hat-Trick Leads Bath to Victory

L'Aquila Logo
By Glen Leat
December 7 2003

Bath Rugby recorded the highest score of the English clubs so far this week-end, romping to a 75-11 victory over Italian club L'Aquila at Stadio Tommaso Fattori, a ground situated in the mountains of northern Rome. 

On a lovely sunny Saturday day young South African-born (but England qualified) prop Matt Stevens was the star of the show, scoring three of his side's 11 tries, 10 of which were converted by Olly Barkley, who scored one of his own for a haul of 25 points. Stevens has been threatening this type of performance for some time and it was a great way to show his older, more experienced colleagues that they have to keep on their toes if they are to prevent him stealing a starting spot later in the season. Forwards coach Michael Foley will have enjoyed this performance knowing that he has three top class props at his disposal having spent last season struggling in this area.
 
Bath led 56-3 at half-time, and needed only one of the four replacements they named on the bench. Flanker James Scaysbrook and Scotland winger Simon Danielli both picked up two tries in this one-sided match. After leading 56-3 at the break Bath let up slightly after the break before scoring another 19 points in the final quarter.

So what is the possibility of a three figure win next week at the Rec?