By Harry Mottram: match reports on Bath’s top teams including a big win for Bath Rugby. Picture from the BBC.
England 15-16 South Africa: For 77 minutes England were in front in a game of fine margins and one for the purists – for those unfamiliar with rugby union it might have been at least a turn off and at worst confusing. With England’s Farrell kicking penalties and a stunning drop goal the low scoring match changed in the second half when Synman scored a well-worked try after the Boks had a line-out near the England line. South Africa sensed they could overhaul the men in white with only a few minutes to go when just two points behind. The scrum which for many unfamiliar with the dark arts of the muscular restart was to be their route. With a flurry of replacements including replacement props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch the Boks were edging the scrums winning penalties and with less than four minutes to go they won a penalty just inside the England half. Pollard stepped up and slotted the kick giving the Boks a one point lead. With seconds to go England threw everyone forward and a brilliant carry by Bath’s Ollie Lawrence looked for a moment England could break through and grab glory but it was not to be. Time was up and the final whistle went signalling some ‘afters’ as the two packs squared up. England out by the narrowest of defeats – and now must concentrate on Argentina and the match to decide third place in the World Cup. But one piece of advice from Bath supporters – play Ollie Lawrence sooner!
Saracens 16-25 Bath: How the mighty have fallen as Bath did a job on Saracens at the StoneX Stadium as the blue black and whites ran in tries from Tom De Glanville, Miles Reid and Ruaridh McConnochie gave Bath a half-time lead. Saracens have now lost twice in a row in Premiership having been hammered 65-10 at Exeter last week. Bath however go marching on with a resurgence that has gladdened the hearts of the club’s supporters. Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan told BBC Radio Bristol: “We came to the home of the champions, a club that I respect so much for what they’ve achieved on the pitch, and it was a tough battle. They started with a charge down the first minute. The two things that stood out for me today was our mental toughness – we came back straight away with two tries – and then just before half-time it started to rain so we adapted our plan at half-time. I feel we played the second half in the right parts of the pitch. Very happy with the away win.”
Tonbridge Angels 3-2 Bath City FC: The Romans literally paid the penalty when they played the Angels at the Longmead Stadium after leading 1-2 by half time with goals from Cooke and Wilson netted. Bath’s keeper Ollie Wright suffered a shoulder injury. Two second half penalties with one in the final minute saw Tonbridge take the points and City returned home empty handed in a game they could well have won.
Hallen AFC 4-1 Odd Down. The club gave this verdict: “It proved an off day for Odd Down who produced an uncharacteristic performance away at Hallen going down 4-1. It looked like normal service resumed on 30 minutes when the Down took the lead with Milo Murgatroyd slotting in a rebound off the post from a Ben Millet shot to go 1 up, but from there on the Down just didn’t get going. Hallen quickly replied on 34 minutes through Attwell and then right on the half time whistle Hallen took the lead from close range after an contentious free kick where the officials awarded the goal despite obvious confusion. Half Time 2-1. The second half started a scrappy affair with the Down unable to create any meaningful chances. On 65 minutes Hallen struck on the counter and got a third through Banfield and then with the Down rattled, Hallen got a fourth on 70 minutes through Kosciolek. The Down made late changes and pressed for the final 20 but were only limited to long range efforts. The final score flattered the host but deserved the victory. Final score 4-1. An off-day for the Down who go again on Tuesday evening in the Les Philips Cup at home versus Longwell Green, followed swiftly on Friday evening where we have an evening under the lights with Keynsham the visitors. So spread the word as we hope for a bumper crowd.”
Larkhall Athletic AFC 1-0 Melksham: Victory for the Larks against the Wiltshire outfit in the Southern League fixture.
Bath Voice does a full round up of all sports most weeks with details of clubs and how to join or go and watch. Match reports to harryfmottram@gmail.com