By Nicola Curtis
October 24 2009

Boos rang around The Rec this afternoon as the final whistle signalled the end of the worst performance from Bath this season as they lost 16-27 to Newcastle. The scene was set to forget the pain of last week's loss as the clouds moved away to let in sunlight and the Rec looked idyllic as ever. But after 20 minutes with no score from either team, it was clear this was not going to be a match to remember for the right things. Both teams started well enough, with a lot of to and fro kicking and exchanges of throw in's at the many lineout's. Bath were first on the score card with a penalty from Little following on Newcastle's inability to convert their own penalty. This was given away by Matt Banahan, who I'm afraid to say, had a shocker today.

There was some slightly more intelligent kicks from Bath compared to last week's display, and Nick Abendanon, while not playing as well as he can, used his head a bit more today. His chip to the 22 line pinned Newcastle in a danger area until they were able to kick the ball downfield. Once three points were on the board, Bath fairly swiftly scored more, with a well worked try up the wing. A kick from Abendanon was chased by Banahan, who found himself at the start of an overlap. Matt Carraro, probably the only player I thought was half decent today, stretched his arm over the line, and after the Ref checked with his touch judge, the try was awarded. Little missed the conversion.

From here, it all went a bit wrong. A missed penalty from Little spelled the start of his downfall, and he missed an essential tackle which meant the Falcons powered through from the 22 over the try line. With one minute or so left, Bath tried to get things going, but a promising break fell apart when Banahan couldn't take the ball.

Bath scored a try to open the second half, with another break up the wing to hustle Michael Claassens over the line. Newcastle smashed any thoughts of Bath keeping hold of the lead, and Bath old boy James Hudson slid over the line after a build up which included what I thought was a huge forward pass.

Bath tried at least to come back; Abendanon benefited from Jack Cuthbert storming up the wing as he cut a nice line to head towards the try line. What looked to be a deliberate knock on from Newcastle was ignored by the referee and any chance of Bath taking control had gone.

A break from Pieter Dixon raised a few cheers; until Newcastle intercepted the ball and ran two thirds of the pitch to score their third try. Bath's subsequent attack was going no-where, so Ryan Davis, who had replaced Nicky Little, dropped a goal. Little missed another tackle before the Falcons second try, and looked tired and out of sorts today. A Newcastle penalty cancelled this out and then the team from the North East exploited Baths frailties by scoring a fourth and match winning, bonus point procuring, try.

At this point, the areas Bath had looked weak on earlier in the match (tackles, passing, kicking; all sort of essential, lads) looked totally disastrous. The team's body language was atrocious and the rugby was weak. It was frustrating and distressing to watch. Newcastle ended their game by taking three points from the penalty given away by Peter Short. As the whistle blew, Bath hands went on their heads, and boos drifted across the ground.

This game was truly poor. It was a wonderful opportunity to move on from the last few games, but Bath's basic rugby skills were totally lacking. I always try to be fair in these reports, and not heap too much vitriol on Bath just because we have lost or because I am annoyed. But today, I think I have every right to say that Bath played very badly. A friend offered me a ticket to London Irish vs Leicester for this afternoon. I now rather wish I had taken it.

 

Bath Rugby: 15. Nick Abendanon   14. Jack Cuthbert   13. Matt Carraro   12. Shontayne Hape   11. Matt Banahan   10. Nicky Little   9. Michael Claassens   1. David Flatman   2. Pieter Dixon   3. Duncan Bell   4. Stuart Hooper   5. Danny Grewcock   6. Jonny Fa'amatuainu   7. Julian Salvi   8. Ben Skirving   Replacements: 16. Rob Hawkins   17. David Barnes   18. David Wilson   19. Peter Short   20. Chris Cracknell   21. Scott Bemand   22. Ryan Davis   23. Michael Stephenson

Newcastle Falcons: 15. Charlie Amesbury   14. Danny Williams   13. Rob Vickerman   12. Tane Tu'ipulotu   11. Tom Biggs   10. Jimmy Gopperth   9. Micky Young   1. Jon Golding   2. Rob Vickers   3. Carl Hayman   4. James Hudson   5. Mark Sorenson   6. Brent Wilson   7. Will Welch   8. Adam Balding   Replacements: 16. Alex Walker   17. Micky Ward   18. Laurence Ovens   19. Tim Swinson   20. Josh Afu   21. Hall Charlton   22. Rob Miller   23. Gcobani Bobo