JUNIOR MATCH REPORT

Northampton Saints 22 - 23 Bath Rugby

By Bath Rugby

March 1^st, 2021

BATH RUGBY SECURE ANOTHER HARD FOUGHT VICTORY AWAY FROM HOME

Bath Rugby delivered a resilient display to record their third win in a row against an in-form Northampton Saints.

Saints started strong with two tries from their number nine, Tom James, who gave them a 12-0 lead after 23 minutes.

Rhys Priestland earned three points with a penalty; however, soon after Saints extended their lead with Tommy Freeman's try.

Bath's attitude did not falter, and like last week's victory over Gloucester Rugby, the men in Blue, Black and White refused to panic. As a result, they scored with the last play of the half, seeing Zach Mercer burrow over and at the same time providing Rhys Priestland with the opportunity to create history on the stroke of half time.

Bath went in trailing at half-time with the scores standing at 19 points to 10.

AN INSPIRING COMEBACK FROM THE BLUE, BLACK AND WHITE!

Five minutes into the second half, it looked like Saints had grabbed the bonus point, but the TMO overturned the referees' decision as Tom Wood lost the ball over the line.

Ruaridh McConnochie then returned after injury, and he ignited the Bath attack alongside Will Muir.

The England 7s duo continually caused Saints defence problems out wide, resulting in two more Priestland penalties.

In trademark fashion, Saints looked like they had scored when Taqele Naiyaravoro burst down the flank only to be stopped by an incredible last-ditch tackle from Ben Spencer.

Bath attacked again, and Zach Mercer went in for his second of the game after an intelligent kick over Saints blitz defence.

Priestland's added the extras to put Bath in front for the first time in the match with just over 10 minutes left.

The action kept on flowing; firstly Bath were denied a third try by the TMO following a knock-on, then another last-ditch tackle from Spencer held Saints up over the line.

Finally, Bath won a penalty at the resulting Saints scrum to earn the incredibly important win.

The 80 minutes saw a resolute display from the Blue, Black, and White with every single player putting their body on the line to secure their fifth Gallagher Premiership win of the season.