JUNIOR MATCH REPORT (Copy)

Bristol Bears 48 - 3 Bath Rugby

By Bath Rugby

February 7^th, 2021

BATH RUGBY FALL SHORT AT THE REC

A young Bath Rugby side produced an improved second-half performance but fell short against an experienced Harlequins.

Bath got off to a good start with Bayliss winning a penalty in-front of the posts and Rhys Priestland slotting the penalty.

Quins responded immediately from the kick-off, with Marcus Smith adding three points.

Two minutes later Louis Lynagh found space out-wide and following some close inter-passing, Alex Dombrandt dived over for the first try of the game. Smith added the extra two points.

The next ten minutes was played in-between the 10 metre lines but indiscipline allowed Quins to extend their lead to 16-3, through two penalties from Smith and his replacement James Lang.

On the half an hour mark Danny Care increased the tempo and set-up Aaron Morris for a second Quins try.

There were no more scores, leaving the half-time score 21-3 to Quins.

BATH RUGBY SHOW PROMISE IN THE SECOND HALF

Straight from the restart Bath looked dangerous. A break from Semesa Rokoduguni resulted in a penalty which Priestland nudged into the corner. After the resulting line-out, Tom Dunn peeled off the ruck and powered over. Priestland added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 11 points.

Quins then enjoyed a period of pressure, but Bath's defence held firm. However, the TMO judged Rokoduguni deliberately knocked the ball on in the tackle and the winger was sent to the sin bin.

From the resulting line-out, Danny Care took advantage of their numerical advantage and sneaked over. Josh Matavesi was then also sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle to reduce Bath to 13. James Lang added the conversion to stretch Quins lead to 28-10 with just under half an hour left on the clock.

On 76 minutes, a slick move, orchestrated by Will Chudley, created space out wide for Tom de Glanville to score.

With Muir looking dangerous at every opportunity, Bath created space and de Glanville was denied a second try with the line in his sights.

Bath were inches away from a losing bonus point but can be encouraged by a positive second half from a young side and some exciting debuts.

THREE NEW FACES FOR BATH RUGBY

The day was not all doom and gloom for three Bath Rugby players who came on to make their debut. Ethan Staddon joined the starting 15 to make his starting debut after last minute change in selection. Also Will Muir and newly signed Tian Schoeman were then awarded their debuts after coming off the bench.

Hooper’s side that faced Quins had seven starting homegrown players and nine in the matchday 23. The highest representation yet in the Gallagher Premiership; made up of Josh Bayliss, Mac Clark, Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Zach Mercer, Ewen Richards, Miles Reid, Ethan Staddon, and Kieren Verden,