by Bath 41 Exeter 24
With the Christmas markets in full swing in the heart of the City of Rome, on the field Bath Rugby themselves are in full swing at Gallagher Prison.
Johann van Graan’s side clawed their way back into the top two, putting in a powerful performance to put West Country rivals Exeter Chiefs aside.
On a thrilling evening at the famous Rec, the Blue, Black & Whites resurrected a form of glory from the past to show that they are likely to have something to say in the title shake-up of the new year.
Young forward Alfie Barbeary claimed two of the home side’s six tries on the day, but it was his full-back colleague Sam Underhill who stole the show with a dominant display in the loose.
The England international – a late call-up to Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup plans – was seemingly everywhere, in attack and defence, and his work at the breakdown was vital throughout.
After the game, Van Graan was quick to praise his ‘Magnificent Seven’, saying: “I thought Sam was very good and had some big moments, not only defensively, but also attacking. I thought some of his current lines, his unloading, his decision-making, it was all very good. I thought it was great out there today.”
Having made a number of changes to his starting line-up ahead of kick-off, Van Graan would have been delighted with how his team went into action. They dominated the opening exchanges, breaking the deadlock on seven minutes when Barbeary was able to tap home a close-range header.
It was their lead that they would double not long after, when a slick attack down the right released Cameron Redpath in space. Although the Scot was checked by the Chiefs defense in cover, the hosts recycled the ball back inside through a couple of steps and the young center was at it again, taking possession with gusto before heading to the try line. .
The Chiefs had barely threatened at that point, an increasing penalty count hampering their best. On the other hand, Bath were getting squeaky clean in the eyes of referee Tom Foley. However, when they finally broke through, Rob Baxter’s side made them pay immediately.
Elliott Stooke’s indiscretion kept the visitors in possession deep into Bath territory, resulting in the Chiefs going over the line and Henry Slade in a flash to slide in under the posts for a much-needed score.
Like Underhill, Slade – a notable omission in England’s World Cup plans – appears to have taken it upon himself to remind head coach Borthwick of his undoubted talents. He has certainly had a great start to the season and once again in this game he was one of Exeter’s brightest stars.
He converted his own score, before slotting home a penalty just before the turn, to leave little between the two as they headed for the sheds at half-time.
Slade’s experience in this youthful Exeter outfit is essential moving forward, but the rookies in the visiting ranks were mercilessly exposed by Bath’s more experienced foes after the break.
Home skipper Ben Spencer raced into Bath’s third straight after the restart, getting past Exeter’s cover as he snuck down the blindside, before half-back partner Finn Russell extended the lead further with a routine penalty.
Exeter countered at the other end, Stu Townsend – on his first start of the season – sneaking in under the posts. However, the investigator would tear out his copybook moments later, picking up a yellow card with which Bath would make hay.
With the side watching on the back foot, tries from Joe Cokanasiga, Barbeary and substitute Will Butt ended the contest as a meaningful game.
The Chiefs battled bravely to the death, even picking up a late conversion score for replacement Ehren Painter, but it was little consolation for them and their traveling tribe of supporters.
For Bath, the feel good factor is back in place and with Europe next on the agenda for them, who knows what the New Year will bring in terms of rich rewards.
Data matching
Bath Gallagher; Cokanasiga, Ojomoh (Butt 70), Redpath, Muir; Russell (Harris 72), Spencer (Carr-Smith 75); Obano (Shoeman 70), Dunn (Annett 70), Stuart (Griffin 70); Stoke, Ewels; Reid (van Velze 70), Underhill, Barbeary (Coetzee 75).
Heads of Exeter Wyatt; Woodburn (Armstrong 64), Slade, Hawkins (Devoto 72), Hammersley; Skinner, Townsend (O’Loughlin 72); Abuladze (Hepburn 40), Yeandle (Norey 52), Iosefa-Scott (Painter 40); Jenkins (Tuam 70), Pearson; Roots, Vermeulen, Fisilau (Davis 72).
Sin bin Townsend.
Referee T Foley. Attendance 14,509.
Scoring sequence Barber try 5-0, Redpath try 10-0, Russell con 12-0, Slade 12-5, Slade con 12-7, Slade con 12-10, Spencer 17-10, Russell pen 20-10, Townsend try 20 -15, Slade con 20-17, Cokanasiga try 25-17, Russell con 27-17, Barbeary try 32-17, Russell con 34-17, Butt try 39-17, Russell con 41-17, Painter try 41-22 , Slade con 41-24.
