Bath
DERBY DILEMMA. BRISTOL BEARS v BATH. PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP
Doughty: deserves start
By PG Tips
March 14 2022
Bath’s Premiership Rugby Cup tie at Ashton Gate on Friday evening presents the coaches with a selection dilemma. Should they go all out for a win to build momentum or use the match for development? After a heavy defeat to Gloucester and Covid induced cancellation of the Exeter fixture, progress beyond the group stage is not even mathematically possible. They will want to put on a competitive and credible performance while also preserving key players for more important Premiership battles to come.
Round 5 of the 6 Nations will inevitably impact on selection, with Stuart, Underhill, Faletau, Bayliss, Bailey and Redpath (if fit) all possible absentees. Charlie Ewels, after his mistimed tackle against Ireland looks likely to miss several weeks, exaggerating the strain on already limited numbers at lock. 20 squad members were unavailable for Bath’s last match, putting added pressure, in a battering season on those who were able to play. There are three home Premiership ties remaining- against Sale, Northampton or London Irish. None will be easy, but equally none are lost causes. It may be prudent to keep the best starting XV fit and fresh for those games in search of 3 victories to avoid the ignominy of finishing last.
Were it my choice I would opt for a development squad, reinforced with as much experience as can be mustered. That means recalls from loan of Verden and Atkins and hoping for good news on the recovery of Dunn, McNally, Ellis, Reid and Muir. The likes of Cordwell, Doughty, De Carpentier and Coetzee all deserve a start, while Simpson and Prydie can help provide the leaven of experience. Tian Schoeman should now be in full training (the Chronicle reported in February that he is “is set to return from the long-term injury in the next couple of weeks”) and would strengthen the backline if fit.
We will know more when the latest injury update is announced, but based on recent availability, here is my proposed selection for the match:
Starting XV: Cordwell, Doughty, Fia, Dingley, De Carpentier, Cowan, Coetzee, Merigan. Simpson, Schoeman. Hamer-Webb, Venter, Ojomoh, Goss. Prydie.
Replacements: Vaughan, Stewart, Verden, Williams, Reid?. Carr-Smith, Wright, Atkins.
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StumbleuponDERBY DILEMMA. BRISTOL BEARS v BATH. PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP. Team Up!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 14/03/2022 17:00
14/03/2022 17:00
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:22:16:47:01 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:22:16:47:01 by P G Tips.
Totally agree the should be a squad aimed at development and rehabilitation with the focus being of the remaining Premiership games and the little Euro cup knockout rounds!
Agreed, results doen't really matter for either team so I would expect any player on the fringes but here next season to be involved as a development game. I wouldn't even play Simpson or Schoeman for that reason - Fox needs games. Staddon and Worboys maybe in the 23? I get the point about not wanting them to get smashed of course but Verden is 23 now, 24 in November.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Is staddon ready to go now? Wouldn't surprise me and perfect opp to get a game if so.
I would ideally not play anyone who won't be here next season if availability allows- would feel pointless to me.
That squad looks pretty close to what I think they will go for.
I would ideally not play anyone who won't be here next season if availability allows- would feel pointless to me.
That squad looks pretty close to what I think they will go for.
I think hoops said he wasn't far off last month which feels about right as believe it was an acl in june/July which puts it at 8-9 months.
Be a shame if he misses out as will join the list of players struggling for game time for the rest of the season
Be a shame if he misses out as will join the list of players struggling for game time for the rest of the season
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
May see some more experienced guys with boyce, bailey and coko named checked as potential starters due to lack of game time over recent weeks.
Any other obvious candidates coming back from injuries/ needing game time?
May see some more experienced guys with boyce, bailey and coko named checked as potential starters due to lack of game time over recent weeks.
Any other obvious candidates coming back from injuries/ needing game time?
Would like to see Coetzee at 8 with Carr-Smith and Stewart both starting. We know what Simpson and Doughty both bring, Sounds like Bristol will be playing a similar strength squad so no repeat of the farce at Gloucs.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:Tom Carr Smith would also want to be available for that though I'm not sure he will be selected.hemington
Stewart might be playing for England U20s in France.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Tom Carr Smith would also want to be available for that though I'm not sure he will be selected.hemington
Stewart might be playing for England U20s in France.
Assume bath will have ultimate call over availability?
They may feel that some would benefit playing for
u20s and some may be better playing for us?
Richards I assume will have to play for us with mcnally and ewels out? Guess spencer and Williams could play with dingley providing cover....
Yes Will Spencer could do with some game time I would have thought.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Team up. Venter & Graham debuts.
Jordan Venter and Mackenzie Graham will make their Bath Rugby debuts in Friday’s Premiership Rugby Cup match against Bristol Bears.
Centre Venter, who joined from Edinburgh rugby in December 21, earned minutes in the Championship with Ampthill last weekend and lines up outside Max Ojomoh.
Homegrown back row Graham is a Beechen Cliff School graduate who has been in the pathway since the age of 13. He is in a back row alongside fellow Senior Academy forward Nahum Mergian and Richard de Carpentier.
Orlando Bailey will captain the senior side for the first time from fly-half outside Joe Simpson with Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tom Prydie and Darren Atkins completing the backline.
Academy lock Josh Dingley and Ospreys loanee Ma’afu Fia are set for their full club debuts in a front five which also includes Lewis Boyce, Tom Doughty and Will Spencer.
On the bench, lock Harry Casson is named after signing a short-term loan from Ealing Trailfinders.
Nathan Hughes and Max Green are both cup tied having played in earlier rounds of the tournament.
Bath Rugby team to play Bristol Bears
15 Darren Atkins, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Jordan Venter, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10 Orlando Bailey ©, 9 Joe Simpson; 1 Lewis Boyce, 2 Tom Doughty, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 4 Will Spencer, 5 Josh Dingley, 6 Mackenzie Graham, 7 Richard de Carpentier, 8 Nahum Merigan
Replacements
16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Valery Morozov, 20 Harry Casson, 21 Ollie Fox, 22 George Worboys, 23 Will Butt
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Jordan Venter and Mackenzie Graham will make their Bath Rugby debuts in Friday’s Premiership Rugby Cup match against Bristol Bears.
Centre Venter, who joined from Edinburgh rugby in December 21, earned minutes in the Championship with Ampthill last weekend and lines up outside Max Ojomoh.
Homegrown back row Graham is a Beechen Cliff School graduate who has been in the pathway since the age of 13. He is in a back row alongside fellow Senior Academy forward Nahum Mergian and Richard de Carpentier.
Orlando Bailey will captain the senior side for the first time from fly-half outside Joe Simpson with Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tom Prydie and Darren Atkins completing the backline.
Academy lock Josh Dingley and Ospreys loanee Ma’afu Fia are set for their full club debuts in a front five which also includes Lewis Boyce, Tom Doughty and Will Spencer.
On the bench, lock Harry Casson is named after signing a short-term loan from Ealing Trailfinders.
Nathan Hughes and Max Green are both cup tied having played in earlier rounds of the tournament.
Bath Rugby team to play Bristol Bears
15 Darren Atkins, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Jordan Venter, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10 Orlando Bailey ©, 9 Joe Simpson; 1 Lewis Boyce, 2 Tom Doughty, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 4 Will Spencer, 5 Josh Dingley, 6 Mackenzie Graham, 7 Richard de Carpentier, 8 Nahum Merigan
Replacements
16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Valery Morozov, 20 Harry Casson, 21 Ollie Fox, 22 George Worboys, 23 Will Butt
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Harry Casson? New name?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Interesting that Orlando gets the captaincy with the experience of Boyce, Spencer, Simpson and Prydie in the 23.
PG
PG
If Bristol field a similar strength squad then it could be a very entertaining match to watch and give some good indicators for next season
No Carr-Smith though?
No Carr-Smith though?
Bristol side:
15. Rich Lane (1 app), 14. Niyi Adeolokun (20 apps), 13. Jack Bates (14 apps), 12. Piers O’Conor (100 apps), 11. Matthew Jones (1 app), 10. Tiff Eden (20 apps), 9. Theo Strang (7 apps); 1. Ashley Challenger (6 apps), 2. Bryan Byrne (27 apps), 3. Jake Armstrong (26 apps), 4. Dave Attwood (69 apps), 5. Ed Holmes (81 apps), 6. John Hawkins (c) (31 apps), 7. Dan Thomas (104 apps), 8. Mitch Eadie (145 apps).
Subs: 16. Will Capon (57 apps), 17. Tom Sims (debut), 18. George Kloska (13 apps), 19. James Dun (11 apps), 20. Macennzie Duncan (2 apps), 21. Pete Carter (debut), 22. Jac Lloyd (debut), 23. Harry Rowson (debut).
4 debuts to be made, and Pete Carter called up from Clifton College as 7 scrum halves are unavailable!
Should be close & hopefully a thriller!
15. Rich Lane (1 app), 14. Niyi Adeolokun (20 apps), 13. Jack Bates (14 apps), 12. Piers O’Conor (100 apps), 11. Matthew Jones (1 app), 10. Tiff Eden (20 apps), 9. Theo Strang (7 apps); 1. Ashley Challenger (6 apps), 2. Bryan Byrne (27 apps), 3. Jake Armstrong (26 apps), 4. Dave Attwood (69 apps), 5. Ed Holmes (81 apps), 6. John Hawkins (c) (31 apps), 7. Dan Thomas (104 apps), 8. Mitch Eadie (145 apps).
Subs: 16. Will Capon (57 apps), 17. Tom Sims (debut), 18. George Kloska (13 apps), 19. James Dun (11 apps), 20. Macennzie Duncan (2 apps), 21. Pete Carter (debut), 22. Jac Lloyd (debut), 23. Harry Rowson (debut).
4 debuts to be made, and Pete Carter called up from Clifton College as 7 scrum halves are unavailable!
Should be close & hopefully a thriller!
Quote:Shadders
Harry Casson
Thanks, just googled his age 30yrs, didn't see that announced.
Quote:Shadders
Two looseheads on the bench? Is that a mistake?
I assumed we have literally no back 5 forwards left available?
Anybody know if this will be available on the app, as the last few weekends have been? Not sure if the deal extended to the Prem Cup as well as the league
Quote:BathOtter
Anybody know if this will be available on the app, as the last few weekends have been? Not sure if the deal extended to the Prem Cup as well as the league
Not showing live whole match should be up after 24 hours
Good luck and congratulations to the new guys, and Orlando on the captaincy.
Personally struggling to get much interest in the actual fixture.
Personally struggling to get much interest in the actual fixture.
Very honest though not perhaps the most revealing or insightful of videos but the one thing I did especially like was the reference to Orland's growing leadership and how he will demand things from the forwards
[www.bathrugby.com]
With that confidence and voice at 10 paired with similar from Spencer at 9 I'm beginning to feel a whole lot happier about the future
[www.bathrugby.com]
With that confidence and voice at 10 paired with similar from Spencer at 9 I'm beginning to feel a whole lot happier about the future
I assume the club made a decision that it's better for Richards and Cowan to play in the u20 Six Nations rather than this Cup game. Other backrowers we have on the books are Staddon who I also assume is till injured and Frankie Read who's labelled as a number 8 so maybe not worth playing on the flanks.
Quote:Apparently not but can watch it on PRTV tomorrowBathPatriot
Is it on tv??
In a season of not encouraging displays, this has the potential to make the highlight reel of humiliations.
Gloucester all over again then ? Who/What will Lilley blame this time ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Doesn't appear to be any cameras in the ground, no big screen replays or anything
That is dreadful. Not a lot of difference in terms of the ‘seniority’ of players selected by each side. A reminder that the fault lines run pretty deep, and JVG isn’t going to fix this overnight.
Same defence issues, who is defence coach now then?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Imagine being handed the captaincy of the team for the first time in that game as a young player. 😳
There is no excuse with that team for that first half performance. None. That might be the worst result all season and that's saying something.
Quote:hasta
There is no excuse with that team for that first half performance. None. That might be the worst result all season and that's saying something.
I wouldn't disagree Hasta but its got 3 debutants, a debutant captain, 7 'green academy members' and 4 injury temps in the squad. Senior players were the likes of Bailey , Mojo and Butt. Venter probably had agoraphobia. The likes of Simpson, Boyce, Le Carpentier and Prydie stood up.
Its simply a collection of good young players, not a team in the proper sense of the word. Painful to watch but if you are going to expose these young talents this is both the season and competition to do it.
No excuse I know.
I'm not interested in Bristol and the score makes no difference, they were getting time representing Bath in a meaningless match. That experience, even if its a losing one, is invaluable. That team will probably never play together again?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
My only observation is that apart from Bath matches, most games in this tournament have been competitive (I'm sure I've missed a few blowouts?). Bristol on paper had a stronger pack but I still expected us to be more competitive. It's not down to individual players, but I think these hammerings do reflect on where we are as a club right now, in terms of coaching, knowing a system of playing, confidence and mental toughness.
Feels like both teams were on average about third strings selections.
We put out a stronger team (but not dramatically so) than against glos to try to avoid another embarrassment. That didn't work.
The issue is either with the coaching/prep/culture or the strength in depth of our squad/academy.
In reality it's probably a bit of both but gut feel is it is absolutely more to do with the former.
Thank god we have jvg, jpf and mad dog coming otherwise I would be bereft of hope! Not expecting a magic wand but they would seriously struggle to do worse.
We put out a stronger team (but not dramatically so) than against glos to try to avoid another embarrassment. That didn't work.
The issue is either with the coaching/prep/culture or the strength in depth of our squad/academy.
In reality it's probably a bit of both but gut feel is it is absolutely more to do with the former.
Thank god we have jvg, jpf and mad dog coming otherwise I would be bereft of hope! Not expecting a magic wand but they would seriously struggle to do worse.
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:charlieboa
Did anyone play well?
Yes, the Bristol players.
Touché!
Did anyone on here go last night? How did Venter look?
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:shipwrecked
I'm not interested in Bristol and the score makes no difference, they were getting time representing Bath in a meaningless match. That experience, even if its a losing one, is invaluable. That team will probably never play together again?
I don’t agree Shipwrecked, I think the score does make a difference. & no match is entirely meaningless. I heard Lilley announce the team & saying favourable things about all of them. I looked at the Bristol team & had never heard of any of them except Atwood so thought we could have been competitive, though having Atwood in any pack has a considerable effect, I do hope the new coaching team can address what are obviously serious issues, particularly lower down the squad & academy. It does worry me that Lilley & Hatley are staying on, not because they are incompetent but because they are tarnished with a losing mentality. All our teams need to be competitive & I cannot accept the continuance of these colossal defeats in any competition.
Lilley is staying? That’s unbelievable given how poorly he has performed.
Suspect the ground could be pretty empty for our PRC game against Worcs on the 30th.
Suspect the ground could be pretty empty for our PRC game against Worcs on the 30th.
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:shipwrecked
I'm not interested in Bristol and the score makes no difference, they were getting time representing Bath in a meaningless match. That experience, even if its a losing one, is invaluable. That team will probably never play together again?
I don’t agree Shipwrecked, I think the score does make a difference. & no match is entirely meaningless. I heard Lilley announce the team & saying favourable things about all of them. I looked at the Bristol team & had never heard of any of them except Atwood so thought we could have been competitive, though having Atwood in any pack has a considerable effect, I do hope the new coaching team can address what are obviously serious issues, particularly lower down the squad & academy. It does worry me that Lilley & Hatley are staying on, not because they are incompetent but because they are tarnished with a losing mentality. All our teams need to be competitive & I cannot accept the continuance of these colossal defeats in any competition.
I thought Mark Lilley was leaving?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:19:08:38:05 by makeitagem.
Yes the announcement stated
The current coaching unit will continue in their posts until the end of the 2021/22 season, and the club is grateful for the continuing contributions of David Williams, Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis.
The current coaching unit will continue in their posts until the end of the 2021/22 season, and the club is grateful for the continuing contributions of David Williams, Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis.
Looks like Boyce and Hamer-Webb left the game early doors - hope no major injuries.
Highlights 8' 25" on PRTV Bristol v Bath
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
And Sale, Worcester, Exeter, Saints, Gloucester and Irish all to come before the end.
We are heading into the territory of biggest points difference in Bath's history.
Ticket sales at the Rec can't be flying either.
Its a weird feeling for a supporter. Gone through the season phases of dismay, denial, disbelief, blame, desperate hope, distress, humiliation, surrender and now, finally, abject, slightly manic laughter. It is the only response possible to the Bristol game.
It's a long, long way back from that laughter.
We are heading into the territory of biggest points difference in Bath's history.
Ticket sales at the Rec can't be flying either.
Its a weird feeling for a supporter. Gone through the season phases of dismay, denial, disbelief, blame, desperate hope, distress, humiliation, surrender and now, finally, abject, slightly manic laughter. It is the only response possible to the Bristol game.
It's a long, long way back from that laughter.
Quote:makeitagemQuote:Bath HammerQuote:shipwrecked
I'm not interested in Bristol and the score makes no difference, they were getting time representing Bath in a meaningless match. That experience, even if its a losing one, is invaluable. That team will probably never play together again?
I don’t agree Shipwrecked, I think the score does make a difference. & no match is entirely meaningless. I heard Lilley announce the team & saying favourable things about all of them. I looked at the Bristol team & had never heard of any of them except Atwood so thought we could have been competitive, though having Atwood in any pack has a considerable effect, I do hope the new coaching team can address what are obviously serious issues, particularly lower down the squad & academy. It does worry me that Lilley & Hatley are staying on, not because they are incompetent but because they are tarnished with a losing mentality. All our teams need to be competitive & I cannot accept the continuance of these colossal defeats in any competition.
I thought Mark Lilley was leaving?
Sorry, I thought that was the other Lilley
We did beat Bristol in our last Prem games (only just I agree) and that gave a load of different emotions - including proper laughter. No reason why we can't win some of those games. Never give up.
From a Bristol supporter, I think all that game tells us is that your depth is perhaps less than ours.
Other than that, I wouldn't pay too much attention or put too much value in the result.
It's a nothing game in the grand scheme - I don't usually even take notice of the results. We're both poor teams atm, so I'm far more worried about why the top players aren't performing.
Other than that, I wouldn't pay too much attention or put too much value in the result.
It's a nothing game in the grand scheme - I don't usually even take notice of the results. We're both poor teams atm, so I'm far more worried about why the top players aren't performing.
The Bris pack pretty good on paper BH, back 5 forwards particularly. Still doesn't explain us shipping 60+ points!
Quote:Thanks (And I'm not being facetious!).Sit_Down
From a Bristol supporter, I think all that game tells us is that your depth is perhaps less than ours.
Other than that, I wouldn't pay too much attention or put too much value in the result.
It's a nothing game in the grand scheme - I don't usually even take notice of the results. We're both poor teams atm, so I'm far more worried about why the top players aren't performing.
Quote:TomReagan
The Bris pack pretty good on paper BH, back 5 forwards particularly. Still doesn't explain us shipping 60+ points!
Lack of any cohesive defence strategy probably explains 60+ points yet again.
As was posted above it was a nothing game for the fans so not worth getting too worked up about.
Quote:Sit_Down
From a Bristol supporter, I think all that game tells us is that your depth is perhaps less than ours.
I think that’s a bit charitable - that result (and others this season) doesn’t really point to depth - it points to a club that doesn’t have any coherent system in to which players can slot, to players who have festered from lack of high level rugby, and to seniors who don’t take it on themselves to galvanise inexperienced team-mates, or regard performance as a non-negotiable irrespective of the result or the importance of the game.
An embarrassment. Shows what a mess the squad is, with too many internationals, injuries etc, and sub standard coaching.
It’s been years since our second team was anything more than last men standing and lambs to slaughter. I remember in the Ford years we won the reserve cup (or somesuch) with the likes of Ewels, Abendanon, Biggs and Cook (Henson perhaps too for the final?) in the team. Now that was a well managed squad with depth.
Pragmatically, this season was always going to be a write off for this competition as the first XV has been in such a dire situ. JvG has a complete overhaul on his hands and when the United team starts gaining some respect, he’ll have made some progress.
It’s been years since our second team was anything more than last men standing and lambs to slaughter. I remember in the Ford years we won the reserve cup (or somesuch) with the likes of Ewels, Abendanon, Biggs and Cook (Henson perhaps too for the final?) in the team. Now that was a well managed squad with depth.
Pragmatically, this season was always going to be a write off for this competition as the first XV has been in such a dire situ. JvG has a complete overhaul on his hands and when the United team starts gaining some respect, he’ll have made some progress.
Absolute disgrace from a team and coaches representing the club to perform like that, the game bears no relevance to the Gloucester game because Gloucester fielded a nigh on full XV following a bye week into their next round of Premiership matches so that result was clearly.mdn against boys but this is totally different.
What this shows is the gulf between Bristol second/academy XV and ours and I am pretty sure JVG and his new coaching team will have take note of players who are not upto the standard and that type of performance and scoreline does not lie.
What this shows is the gulf between Bristol second/academy XV and ours and I am pretty sure JVG and his new coaching team will have take note of players who are not upto the standard and that type of performance and scoreline does not lie.
Quote:Ali1969
Absolute disgrace from a team and coaches representing the club to perform like that, the game bears no relevance to the Gloucester game because Gloucester fielded a nigh on full XV following a bye week into their next round of Premiership matches so that result was clearly.mdn against boys but this is totally different.
What this shows is the gulf between Bristol second/academy XV and ours and I am pretty sure JVG and his new coaching team will have take note of players who are not upto the standard and that type of performance and scoreline does not lie.
+ 1
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Positive words about josh dingley, nice to read.
Must have been in the matchday squad a handful of times this season. Admittedly through necessity but if they didn't think he had potential would have got a loan in before now you would think.
My only concern is we seem to churn out hybrid back 5 of the scrum players (richards, staddon and now dingley/graham). Personally would love someone with a 6ft 7+ frame that can carry 19-20 stone but a rare beast!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:19:16:53:27 by charlieboa.
Positive words about josh dingley, nice to read.
Must have been in the matchday squad a handful of times this season. Admittedly through necessity but if they didn't think he had potential would have got a loan in before now you would think.
My only concern is we seem to churn out hybrid back 5 of the scrum players (richards, staddon and now dingley/graham). Personally would love someone with a 6ft 7+ frame that can carry 19-20 stone but a rare beast!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:19:16:53:27 by charlieboa.
Quote:That's 3 'Shamefuls'. By about Wednesday will you be able to regard it as just 'Disappointing'?BathPatriot
Shameful
Got to love a set of ratings for a 61-19 defeat where no one rates below a 5 to demonstrate the utter pointlessness of player rankings.
Agree but sort of like how nice Somerset Live is! Every pub or restaurant they review is equally wonderful, every week there is an article with '10 reasons why Somerset is the best county in England' and, as you say, however badly we lose, the players are given marks with their self-esteem seen as more important than providing an accurate assessment of how they played. It's a nice positive counterbalance to my daily read of the Guardian!
Dingley and Graham both score 7 in trp.
Shame it always seems to be left to the young guys to step up but encouraging they do!
Shame it always seems to be left to the young guys to step up but encouraging they do!
I watched the full match yesterday, we’ll not entirely true I was double screening for most of it. There were a few good points for some of the younger players in what is a development competition, so frankly I can’t get too upset about it. Bristol did well and ripped Bath apart, it was similar to the start of the Premiership encounter the other week, but they kept all their players on the field and continued scoring.
Some of the outrage on here seems a bit over the top, everyone knows that big changes are happening at the club over the summer, this result shows why.
Some of the outrage on here seems a bit over the top, everyone knows that big changes are happening at the club over the summer, this result shows why.
Agree dcsh, without knowing big changes are coming I could understand the outrage but heads are out of the sand now.
This just shows the size of the task. 2 of our v few wins this season where on the back of opponents getting getting early red cards
This just shows the size of the task. 2 of our v few wins this season where on the back of opponents getting getting early red cards
I wasn't able to watch or catch up yesterday so this morning thought I would go on Bath Rugby itself to see what had been said.
Found Mark Lilley's comments on the game smug, self satisfied and probably learned off my heart. i AM SORRY TO SAY THIS but his comments were more embarrassing than the result. What about a bit of honest admission that someone somewhere got it wrong, or more than someone - a whole grouip of so called 'specialists' - a farcical lack of preparation or analysis.
.
Found Mark Lilley's comments on the game smug, self satisfied and probably learned off my heart. i AM SORRY TO SAY THIS but his comments were more embarrassing than the result. What about a bit of honest admission that someone somewhere got it wrong, or more than someone - a whole grouip of so called 'specialists' - a farcical lack of preparation or analysis.
.
Only just watched the game, it wasn't as bad as I thought.
Things improved when Butt came on, he made a lot of really good reads on defence and carried well, very impressed with him so far this season. Not a great debut for Venter, just looked a bit lost out there however he's played very little rugby over the last year or so - if not longer. Bailey and Omojoh didn't have their finest game either.
I thought Merigan was brilliant in the u20s with Bailey but not sure he'll be able to make the step up, despite being a big lad he was out muscled, and must have been stripped about 4 or 5 times. Also his lack of pace and footwork made him quite an easy target to tackle. And it's not the first time I've thought this, so far this season. Hopefully the S&C team can whip him into shape over the summer.
There were some positives, RdC seemed industrious, as did Prydie. Dingley didn't look out of place, and the Bristol back 5 weren't weak by any means. Graham showed his pace and took his try well. Fox had a good cameo. Finally I thought Harry Casson played well.
Things improved when Butt came on, he made a lot of really good reads on defence and carried well, very impressed with him so far this season. Not a great debut for Venter, just looked a bit lost out there however he's played very little rugby over the last year or so - if not longer. Bailey and Omojoh didn't have their finest game either.
I thought Merigan was brilliant in the u20s with Bailey but not sure he'll be able to make the step up, despite being a big lad he was out muscled, and must have been stripped about 4 or 5 times. Also his lack of pace and footwork made him quite an easy target to tackle. And it's not the first time I've thought this, so far this season. Hopefully the S&C team can whip him into shape over the summer.
There were some positives, RdC seemed industrious, as did Prydie. Dingley didn't look out of place, and the Bristol back 5 weren't weak by any means. Graham showed his pace and took his try well. Fox had a good cameo. Finally I thought Harry Casson played well.
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