JUNIOR MATCH REPORT

Exeter Chiefs 35 v 6 Bath Rugby

By Bath Rugby

October 10^th, 2020

It just wasn't to be in this afternoon's semi-final against Exeter Chiefs. A tough day at Sandy Park, but a lot to be immesily proud of this season!

It’s all over for the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership season. We can be proud of our efforts throughout this campaign and especially since the restart, but it was not meant to be. We must start by congratulating Rob Baxter and his Exeter Chiefs side for today’s victory and everybody at Bath Rugby wishes them good luck for the final against Wasps.

A great contest between two powerful sides in the first-half ended with Exeter leading 14-6 at the break

It remained scoreless until the 17th minute, with the Blue, Black and White starting well and Ruaridh McConnochie even thought he had scored in the corner in the 10th (which was later ruled out by TMO).

The first try of the match was scored in the 17th minute with Jonny Hill crashing over from close range for Chiefs following five minutes of continued pressure inside the our own 22. Bath Rugby responded with two converted penalties by number 10 Rhys Priestland, to take us within a point in the 26th minute.

Rob Baxter’s men then responded almost immediately with Luke Cowan Dickie crossing the line for Exeter right under the sticks. Following a great spell of possession for Bath Rugby, Jonny Hill was given a yellow card for a horrific and dangerous 'clear-out' at the ruck.

A challenging second-half for the Blue, Black and White, with the home side securing a impressive performance and result

Both teams came out knowing the next score in this contest would be crucial and it fell to Stuart Hogg, scoring the Chief’s third try in the 50th minute. Bath Rugby knew they had to respond with a try of their own and came close a couple of times with some great work from Ruaridh McConnochie and Cameron Redpath. However, it was Exeter again who punished Bath Rugby in the 60th and 69th minute with tries from Jonny Hill and Ollie Devoto - putting the game to bed and Exeter through to the Gallagher Premiership Final.

We look forward to 2020-21 Gallagher Premiership with anticipation and excitement!

We leave Sandy Park this evening immensely proud of this team and their performances and resilience throughout this unique season. There have been some hugely impressive performances and a togetherness from this squad, that should fill all fans with pride and excitement for what is to come. Not long until the start of the 2020-21 Gallagher Premiership and we can’t wait to get going again!