JUNIOR MATCH REPORT

Bath Rugby 16 - 14 Gloucester Rugby

By Bath Rugby

February 21^st, 2021

BATH RUGBY SECURE AN EMOTIONAL VICTORY AT THE REC

Bath Rugby secured a late win against local rivals Gloucester as Rhys Priestland slotted a 48-metre penalty in the 78th minute.

There was drama within the first ten minutes as Gloucester's Val Rapava-Ruskin was shown a red card after making direct contact to Josh Bayliss' head.

However, it was 14-man Gloucester who took control of the game as Billy Twelvetrees kicked two straight-forward penalties to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.

It looked like that's how the first half would end but a flowing move put Joseph, on for the injured Rokoduguni, into space. A lovely reverse pass put Tom de Glanville through the defensive cover, he drew the final defender and put Taulupe Faletau over for the first try of the game. Priestland converted from out wide to give Bath a narrow 7-6 half-time lead.

The physicality of the first half took it's toll on Bath as Tian Schoeman and Will Cudley, on for his 50th appearance, replaced Tom de Glanville and Ben Spencer.

PRECISION FROM PRIESTLAND SECURES WIN

Straight from the kick-off Bath looked to up the intensity. Firstly Juan Schoeman was held up over the line but an earlier infringement allowed Priestland to extend the lead with another three points.

Bath were then reduced to 14-men as Mike Williams was sent off by Wayne Barnes for a high tackle.

This didn't deter the home-side as the pressure continued. Firstly Christian Judge was held up over the line and a few minutes later Priestland added another penalty to stretch the lead out to 13-9.

The TMO denied Bath again as Will Muir was tackled into touch as he grounded the ball.

Gloucester responded with a period of repeated pressure. Firstly, Twelvetrees reduced the lead with another penalty after a high-tackle.

With five minutes left Gloucester thought they had snatched the win. A sweeping move put captain Lewis Ludlow in for the try. Crucially Twelvetrees missed the conversion to leave them only one point ahead.

There was still some drama left in this West Country derby. Bath won the restart and following some phases in play Chris Harris was penalised for tackling Henry Thomas off the ball.

The ever-dependable Priestland, who announced earlier in the week he would be returning to Wales at the end of the season, kick the penalty to give Bath their second win in a row.

A TRIBUTE TO CLUB LEGEND DAVE EGERTON

It was an evening full of emotion as Bath Rugby remembered and paid tribute to club legend Dave Egertron who recently passed away. Our deep heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

If you would like to celebrate the life of Dave Egerton, please follow the link below.

Click to Celebrate

"Three or four weeks ago we had a tough couple of performances and conversations. We had a really good reaction last week, hopefully we take another step forward"

WHATS NEXT FOR BATH RUGBY?

Bath Rugby travel to Franklin's Gardens on Sunday the 28th of February to face Northampton Saints where they will hope to continue this positive run of form.