Recent visits to Castle Grim have not been dull. The lowest of the lows for many Bath fans with short memories will be the 64-0 humiliation at the end of the 21-22 season. A horror show of unimaginable proportions. I gave up the TV coverage after 20 minutes and went to watch some local cricket up at Lansdown. I think Gloucester scored more than any of the batsmen that day.
Last April saw some redemption. Gloucester ran into an early 3 score lead only for Bath to peg them back and overhaul them with five tries of our own. Miles Reid and Sam Underhill were immense that day as Bath sparked a mini late season revival. More of this please.
My favourite recent - ish - memory of us at Kingsholm is a weaving Tom Homer some 5 years ago as we ran up 43 points. I had to look up the other try scorers that day as not all of them were as memorable as Tom's jinxing run - Dunn, Priestland, Brew, Vuna, James Wilson were the correct answers. 1 point for each you could name.
Aled and Super Cooper on the wings? Loved them both - but what, on reflection, a strange period that was for the squad.
The aforementioned Tom Dunn, Beno Obano and Charlie Ewels all played that day. As did another then Bath forward who may well be on the pitch come Friday, injury permitting.
I suspect many Bath fans will grimace if we see Zach Mercer run out in the Cherry and White. Zach was a talisman for us for several seasons and, in another dimension, might have been a blue black and white one-club legend. It wasn't to be.
Having wished him well and enjoyed his success at Montpellier, I can hardly begrudge him continued career success back in England. But, if fit, I hope he has a stinker on Friday.
In a curiously short and compressed season, we are both barely getting going and half way through the first half. Our early season optimism has been dented by losing two very winnable games. The fears that old habits are creeping back in are growing. Gloucester fans will be thinking the same.
Had Coetzee and Ojomoh caught balls they actually knocked on, we could be 4 from 4 and clear at the top. They didn't. We're not.
A win on Friday and we stay Top 4 and take confidence into a visit from Bristol a week later. Lose and we will feel desperate to stay in touch.
What needs to change from last week? I could write discipline again but I wrote that last week. Taking our chances? Ditto. Listening to the ref? Same old story. The coaches at Fairleigh must feel like a broken record.
We have been our own worst enemies this season. No one has cut us open or dominated us in open play. It may not feel like it, but compared to losing by 64 at Gloucester, it is definitely progress. The problem is we are all, rightly, impatient for more. A lot more.
I sincerely hope JVG goes strong with his selection on Friday. And strong the week after too. Rotation is a fact of modern rugby but these are must wins. Gloucester away and Bristol at home simply matter more.
Coming as they do with the season and the table in such delicate balance we have a chance to combine bragging rights with genuine competitiveness at the top.
As are Ackermann and VRR.
A real shame - especially Zach, much as it hurts seeing him in cherry & white.
I always think it says a huge amount about the quality of a player when they move club, but fans of the old club still support the player and champion them for international recognition.
Zach and George Ford stand out in that regard for ex-Bath.
Personally apart from our horror show against Glos - This is a derby and no matter who Glos can and do put out we cannot focus on that and JvG certainly won't be paying any attention to it - we have to be right on the money - Glos on their own patch are and will always be a dangerous animal especially against us - to certain Glos players such as Ludlow this is the most important game of the season.
I hope we field a really strong outfit and take it to them from the start and keep our foot on their throat.
Matt Carley officiating - he has had a really poor and frustrating time at the RWC and I believe only officiated 2 games in the last 2/3 months - I pray he has not regressed back to his old self. I am aware that NZ made official complaints in relation to his pedantic, stop/start officiating following the warm up match at Twickenham, then Fiji also made a complaint in relation to his perceived favouritism and officiating in their game against Wales.
Lawrence has to be back this week surely? Given Sarries had all their England contingent back last week, maybe Lawrence was given an extra week off, and timed with Finn getting a break, so maybe unleash them both this week against Glaws? I sure hope so! We could in theory field our cup final backline tomorrow night....!
Yes, it sounds like Finn and Lawrence will play. And it even sounds like it could be our cup final XV, minus Ted Hill. Few missing from the bench but we should be strong.
Despite the back row injuries, it seems as if we've got a better handle on injuries this year. JvG stated he wanted to improve this – and rightly so given how it had been a joke for many seasons – so well done to him, the medics and S&C for putting us in this position. Fingers crossed it continues.
I guess conditioning and injuries compound. If you've got < 5 injuries and a near-fit squad, you can rest and rotate (JCok, Finn, Gallagher last week), whereas if you've > 15 in the treatment room, guys need to play every week, perhaps carrying knocks, leading to more injuries. Hence, vitally important to start the season with a clean-ish slate and keep the injury number as low as possible.
Would also like to see some of the younger guys added in to the 23 rather than flogging a Barbeary or Underhill, for example - particularly when they would be coming into a strong side.
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Josh McNally, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Sam Harris, 23 Matt Gallagher
shipwrecked Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Bailey is under concussion protocols according to the team announcement.
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
shipwrecked Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Bailey is under concussion protocols according to the team announcement.
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Muir starting so not on bench in form so why rotate? I’m not sure that all this rotation helps with continuity and familiarity especially in the backs.
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
shipwrecked Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
Agree re TCS big improvement this year, this might be unfair but I've noticed Schreuder and Bailey simply doesn't work the same as Spencer. Schreuder's pass is not as snappy and its slower through the air, seems to stilt Bailey so I also agree.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
shipwrecked Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Agree SW.
I have been critical of our blooding of youngsters in the past ' play them when we have an injury crisis' but we are filtering in the likes of TCS, Harris and hennessey into strong match day squads.
Could easily have picked worboys (pretty young himself still) , tried to keep francis, or used mojo and redpath as 10 cover but are backing Harris.
Could have gone 6:2 split last week rather than include hennessey.
Assume schreuder fit this week but want to give TCS a go.
theredseat Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time
I always think that 'shrewd' signings are only actually apparent long after they've arrived. At the time, they tend to be 'low-key' or 'back-up' or 'was out of favour'.....
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
You won't get me trying to russell up a pointless pun as I'm just too nervous about this match. In many ways it is a 'must win'
To be in with a shout of top 4 I reckon we will need at least 3 wins on the road. One surprisingly already in the bag and with Falcons being an obvious target this match has to be the next one on the radar
I honestly hope I am proved wrong but I can see us losing our next 4 league games, including tonight. Glaws (a) Brizz (h) Sale (a) Exeter (h), which is not a great run in to the Euro match on 9th Dec. Those 2 last minute knock ons in the last 2 weeks will prove crucial.
Oddschecker has Bath slight favourites for tonight [www.oddschecker.com] still a close call though
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
nick holder I honestly hope I am proved wrong but I can see us losing our next 4 league games, including tonight. Glaws (a) Brizz (h) Sale (a) Exeter (h), which is not a great run in to the Euro match on 9th Dec. Those 2 last minute knock ons in the last 2 weeks will prove crucial.
If we lose both of those next two home games we really will be struggling.It will be a season of serious under-performance and there will be hard questions given the quality of our squad.
The difference in the quality between Prem first choice game squads is even closer than before so no game is going to be easy but any team with the calibre we have must expect to win a minimum of 6 if not more of home games
Yes, we have to turn things round quickly. Based on our recent performances I can’t find any reason for optimism. It seems deja vu, just as if we are back in the Hooper era. Hopefully we’ll turn things round tonight. Is there relegation this season?
Incompetent officating - very clear and obvious knock missed / ignored just before Spencer played their 9 and gets yellow.
What are the various sets of eyes doing?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:19:54:43 by Dorset Boy.
They haven't replayed it but I'd like to see Barbeary's attempted turnover immediately before the Harris try. I'll happily be corrected but it looked like a good steal in live play.
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
Glos looking good in intent and execution. Good to see McGuigan looking like a competent option for England.
We aren't quite at it, not really helped by Carley but even with that Glos are edging it, but it does have the feel of a game we can take control of if we can just get a grip...
Not really good enough so far. The big difference to previous years is that we look really dangerous in attack, but as with previous years, too many errors, dodgy lineout, and defence not great.
Carley is really not helping either. This is still winnable but we need to score next
We managed, once again, to @#$%& off the ref - meaning that we lose all the 50/50 calls... and then some.
We need to tighten up massively, and take Carley out of the game by giving him nothing to ping.
We can still do this, but it'll need better discipline than we've seen for a long time.
He's the prop W Stuart could/should be. Thank god we've got him. Gloucester are welcome to WS if that's where he ends up. He was excellent in his early days but seems to have completely lost his mojo.
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
He's the prop W Stuart could/should be. Thank god we've got him. Gloucester are welcome to WS if that's where he ends up. He was excellent in his early days but seems to have completely lost his mojo.
It's a shame as Du Toit off the bench may be the ultimate weapon. But on the start to the season, he has to start over Stuart
Definitely was this game. Underhill very good too.
Talk about a game of two halves.
5 second half tries 💪
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Quel Carreleur We managed, once again, to @#$%& off the ref - meaning that we lose all the 50/50 calls... and then some.
We need to tighten up massively, and take Carley out of the game by giving him nothing to ping.
We can still do this, but it'll need better discipline than we've seen for a long time.
Like that!
Carley seemed to forgive us at HT, and may even have tried to make amends (TDT's try must have been close to a double movement), which helped. A few other things where he'd have penalised us in the 1st half. Still managed a 5-minutes of stupidity though, thankfully whilst Glos were down to 14, and couldn't capitalise.
Goodness me, what a second half. Huge. Pace. Power. And we eventually worked out this week how to get on the right side of the ref (although that’s a lot easier when you’re dominating the contact).
MotM for me was Ewels. Often unsung but he was involved in everything, smashing people in attack and defence and leading an excellent forward effort. Although TDT’s 30 mins was very special.
Thought Coetzee showed a glimpse of what he is all about - pure power off the base of the scrum. Great 2nd half Du Toit is a beast - well played BBW. Come on Bath - one to savour and a great night to be at Kingsholm..
Almost the best bit of the game was Jonny May running from the right touch line to the left touch, getting tackled having made no metres, and giving away the penalty.
Classic!
Alfie B was hit off the ball when he wasn’t expecting it. Seemed to hit him on the thigh muscle causing a bit of a dead leg rather than a knee twist. Presumably that’s why he was allowed to try and run it off. Coetzee was on a mission to make up for last weeks drop. Had some nice carries.
Bit surprised at Muir being given man of the match but it an all round good team performance it’s difficult to make a choice.
Last weekend Exeter and Saracens upped the tempo of the game when they needed to, we failed to do that at Northampton, tonight we managed to turn the game around with exactly that. A rousing second half after a decidedly underwhelming first half. We looked good in all positions including replacements but will need to see that ability to turn up the tempo when needed regularly. A brilliant result, this victory and last seasons result easing the pain of 21-22.
dr.bath1865 MotM for me was Ewels. Often unsung but he was involved in everything, smashing people in attack and defence and leading an excellent forward effort.
Everything that others have posted but to add from watching tonight
# Ojomoh is developing into a seriously good centre with Finn's distribution
# The team cohesion when things don't go right is brilliant - example when we went wide in the second half and Joe fumbled the pass. Ollie Lawrence and then several others went up to him and gave him encouraging gestures of support
# Just the love the calmness of the team even when 10 points down away and playing to a baying Shed. Gave me echoes of "Never in doubt" mindset we had with Spurrell and co
# TdT must be prem signing of the season. Unbelievable the difference he has made
# Very effective substitutions at key moments. JvG is light years above the quality of DoR we had before
# Just love the impishness of Russell gesturing to the Shed to be quiet after he had nailed the conversion despite the sledging he got
# The joy of seeing many Bath players after the match milling with supporters of both team and gifting selfies and signing shirts of both teams - absolute class and a great advert for the game
# Possibly the one and only only Glos player I would swap into our team is Carreras. Don't get me wrong I love what Tdg and Gallagher bring but that that guy is just unbelievable in defence and attack
#Finally, and perhaps surprisingly coming from me a 10 sometimes 12, my immense admiration for the shift that FLW put in. Immense. Would have loved to have kept him but wish him and his family
Talk about a game of two halves! Second half Dunn hit Ewells regularly, Underhill smashed everyone and turned over repeatedly, Mojo’s defence was massively improved from 12 months ago and it was inevitable that Will Muir would eventually destroy Carerras.
Putting Lawrence in the backs seems to up the physical intensity massively and Russell’s cheeky smile lifts the whole team. You have to love him shushing the “shed”.
My only concern is Joe C, if he is not in the game he doesn’t go looking and he has too many handling errors for me. I just don’t think he uses his power effectively. 10m out I’d he Muir over Joe every time.
Best thing ever is we could have been loads better!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I liked that a lot. We had to problem solve, we had to create, Glaws played well and yet throughout the game you felt we would find the answers and would win. Finn was just majestic. In previous seasons we've had the forwards and we've had the backs but you never felt the two parts were connected. They are now and it frees up *so* much space.
My MotM - Thomas Du Toit. Not for the try but for the immense defensive solidity in tight and loose when Glaws were threatening to come back at us. A rallying point and it was just what was needed.
I don't like artificial pitches but there's no denying that game would have been much, much harder for both sides on grass.
I hope Alfie's knee is OK. He's a brave boy but I think JvG should have hooked him for his own safety.
It seems that at present we have to have available & select the right players to put on the sort of integrated error free display that we gave in the second half & even then it has to come good. I noticed that certain players who constantly infringed in previous matches weren’t playing yesterday but we did have both first choice halfbacks & Ollie Lawrence plus Du Toit for a crucial period. The major step which JvG will wish to make is to up the performance of every player who wears the Bath shirt like they have done at Sarries & Exeter. Consistency is the holy grail & clearly very difficult to achieve. We have shown, though, that we are a force to reckon with when we are on our game & great to watch.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:11:07:40:14 by Bath Hammer.
Thing I like about that BH was that the players who we perceived to make clangers were given the chance to redeem themselves:
- Stuart didn’t make a huge impact and his first scrum was a pen against. But he didn’t get pinged off the park and he worked to satisfy the ref. Right call by JvG to start him as TDT then turned the game.
- Coetzee made one error at the base of a scrum but he fixed that and then had a storming 20 minutes. He looked international class. Knock on v Tigers forgotten. Confidence restored.
- The big one for me was McNally, who made a massive impact, enormous workrate, but most importantly tidied his discipline. At one point he was caught on the wrong side of a ruck, left the ball and did his best to move, and I heard Carley say “good decision” (which is what school tells my 5 year old). Also, it was his impact in the final plays and the final ruck, where he battled through and rucked the ball back, that made the last try. Huge impact. Perfect discipline.
Players listening to the ref and taking responsibility etc and whilst it felt a bit like we weren’t progressing during Leicester and Saints weeks, back to the Hooper era some said, last night shows that these guys are zoned in, are up for it, are thinking, are getting better.
That second half performance was as cohesive as we have looked since the ford days. It looks like we know what we are doing again. The first half was what we have been used to for years now. The odd bit of magic but littered with errors and not playing to the sum of our parts. I am not sure second half that many club sides could have lived with us.
As others have said consistency is the next step and being able to produce a similar level whilst rotating the squad. I am not sure how strong glouc are, but they certainly came out fired up.
I was pleased the coaches were decisive early in the second half in taking de Glanville off. A great player but it was not his day and the errors were causing us problems. Hopefully as with others that have made mistakes recently he will be given a chance soon to put it right
I'd add that our game management in those last 8 minutes was superb. Played just enough rugby to draw them up, which created the space behind to ping them back. I think we kicked more in that last period than the whole match but ever kick was either competitive or found grass.
Agree about Carreras gaz. They need to stop this nonsense that MotM can only be from the winning team. It's even more impressive when you're putting in that performance in a losing team although Joe Launchbury may not agree!!
It felt very much like last week, we should have pulled ahead in that game as well.
As others have noted, Ewels was excellent. He owed a big performance, he gave it and some last night. Underhill showing his class as well, I still struggle to comprehend why Borthwick dropped him for the RWC.
We definitely appear more self assured with Finn at the helm, he clearly loves playing and you can sense it's infectious within the squad. Though I will say that I did think Bailey played well last week.
Redpath is still first choice for me, but Ojomoh is continuing to build on a strong partnership with Lawrence. Lawrence was rusty early on, few missed tackles but grew into it, and I thought both handled a strong Gloucester backline fairly well.
Finally, TdT gets the plaudits for our second half fightback, though Gallagher was just as impactful in the backfield.
What i thought was interesting was despite the score, when the team came out for the second half it looked like they knew they had the measure of glos, very confident!
Woodpecker What i thought was interesting was despite the score, when the team came out for the second half it looked like they knew they had the measure of glos, very confident!
Agree Woody, what's more Ewels on occasion got the senior players together and was issuing instruction.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Just had to watch the match again. Interesting was that though defensively we were noticeably quicker in our line speed and contesting rucks from second half whistle we were still making some basic errors. It wasn't until Muir had two storming runs down the left that the momentum really started to shift our way and his third for the try was following a brilliant long flat pass from Ojomoh
From that point it really did feel like 'never in doubt'
Bath Supporter Jack I loved it how the young Gloucester supporters wanted selfies with Finn...........he is pure box office
Did you see the young lad getting Finn to sign his Gloucester shirt! Very brave of him on live tv. Hope he doesn't have to go into hiding. Best to sell it on Ebay and buy another. In these grim times for English Rugby Union the match was a great advert for the game, packed ground, passionate home crowd, exciting rugby, Bath irresistible, Finn Russell is box office. I couldn't go to the game so watched on tv and thought coverage was pretty good but strange in these PC days that the presenter, Orla, was not wearing a poppy.
Such a mixture of pleasure and huge relief to spend a couple of hours watching Bath on the telly, and not 'behind the sofa'. Well done for the gameplan and assume half-time talk. Do hope those players injured recover steadily and quickly.
The only downside is that not being there ,one couldn't hear the growing silence of the Shed and Stands (the psychos sit there as well), as Bath went ahead - always such a pleasure.
To be fair Glos supporters are great - when Alemmano went over they genuinely thought a fight back was on the cards despite Bath having totally bullied Glos since half time - I honestly can say I have never felt so comfortable watching Bath let alone at Kingsholm after DuToit’s try just got the feeling we had the measure of them especially up front and more importantly we had painted such a positive picture for Matt Carley he was onside as well.
What I would say is that the vast majority there were appreciative of Finn’s skill. The Glos supporter by us commented in his opinion Finn is the best 10 in the world, he stated his all round play is amazing and wished us well for the season.
Ali1969 To be fair Glos supporters are great - when Alemmano went over they genuinely thought a fight back was on the cards despite Bath having totally bullied Glos since half time - I honestly can say I have never felt so comfortable watching Bath let alone at Kingsholm after DuToit’s try just got the feeling we had the measure of them especially up front and more importantly we had painted such a positive picture for Matt Carley he was onside as well.
What I would say is that the vast majority there were appreciative of Finn’s skill. The Glos supporter by us commented in his opinion Finn is the best 10 in the world, he stated his all round play is amazing and wished us well for the season.
Ali, have you ever been in the shed? From my two experiences it's a horrible place. And not in a rivalry banter kind of way at all. They pour out of the local pubs to get there about two hours or more before ko to get their favourite spot, get even more beered up and then then the bullying, booze-fuelled threatening, foul mouthed and misogynistic stuff starts. As close as you can get to the testosterone fuelled footy terraces
As a Scottish rugby fan I pay particular attention of games in other leagues featuring Scottish players.
Scots tend to think that Russell is misunderstood in some quarters. I think Bath fans are beginning to see the breadth of what he brings to a team.
He is well known up here for his detailed analysis, the amount of time he spends working with other players, and his delight in using whatever skill he has to lift a team. His benefit to a side is not just the plays he can pull off, but is far wider, especially the way he communicates to teammates all the time (and latterly refs).
Racing 92 coaches have commented on this, and it is one of the reasons he fell out with Townsend who was a notorious control freak and was not prepared to listen to anyone. As anside, that falling out helped Scottish rugby, and Townsend, as to get Russell back on board Townsend had to loosen up and be more consultative.
He is no magician, and is prone to off days when it all goes wrong. But you will see days when he spends the match in the pocket, playing a steady, controlled game, days when he'll strut the flash, but above all what he'll bring to Bath will be a much wider package than just his own play on the pitch.
Interesting comments about Side-Mays above
Best winger on the field by a mile. Muir took his opportunities well but Mays work rate is a different thing in attack and defence. If he still had his top end speed he'd have many years in him.
It's always interesting to see the different ways teams play. Both Glaws wingers given licence to roam both of Baths not. I'm not sure that means either approach is right or wrong, it's what works for the team but you feel both Muir and Coka (and Bath) would benefit from them having more time on the ball.
Spencer/Russell looks like a fabulous combination. Both good leaders and intelligent players. Tbf I though the much junior Varney/Barton did decently for Glaws but the difference is significant (as it was against Sarries)
makeitagem Shedweb message board is in meltdown, calling for Skivington to go, always a good read 😀
I can't access Shedweb but it must make interesting reading this morning. Gloucester fans are very passionate and make themselves very vocal in their support. Apart from the embarrassing ones their loyal and admirable fans deserve better results than they are getting under Skivington. We have been there, so know what it's like, but this weekend we Bath fans can bask in the absolute delight of a stirring comeback for the second year running at a stadium where we are not particularly welcome.
OldMarovian Interesting comments about Side-Mays above
Best winger on the field by a mile. Muir took his opportunities well but Mays work rate is a different thing in attack and defence. If he still had his top end speed he'd have many years in him.
Where are the May comments?
To suggest May was the best winger on the pitch is utterly baffling. Did you notice how Muir brushed aside Carreras (your man of the match) to score his try.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
The thing I most like about Finn - and there is a lot to choose from - is his attitude. The smiles when a move breaks down. The pats on the back for others when they knock on. The shushing the shed. The strolling out before KO. It adds up to an air of self confidence, both for him and those around him, that has been lacking from Bath for decades- largely due to the huge success of the hugely self confident (Guscotty, “never in doubt”) team of the 90s.
Bath is a funny place. Small. Insular. Rugby built upon the past. Old ground in the shadow of the abbey. Steeped in history. Finn doesn’t seem to care for any of that- he’s merely thinking about the next play. I liked a lot of the players from the last decade, but especially the players in the clutch positions, have looked so weighed by the expectation of playing in Bath for Bath. I’m not saying we’re the greatest, biggest club on earth- but there’s something about the history, and the lack of success over years, that must weigh heavy.
In short, Finn is the opposite in so many ways of Priestland. Whilst I liked watching Rhys, he’s a great player, Finn almost single-handedly seems to have unshackled us from the weight of the past. He’s made it fun.
Yes hyperbolic. He’s only been here 5 weeks and we’ve lost 2 games etc. but there’s just something super refreshing about his skills set of course but more so his attitude. It seems to be freeing up and energising club stalwarts, like Dunn, Ewels, and Reid, too. Can only imagine the fun it would’ve been to see him paired with JJ and Watson- but then again Lawrence and TDG/Gallagher doing fine.
Of course, winning is more fun than losing. But even in defeat the guys are playing with a smile and a bit of a strut. It’s fun in the stands, too. Long may it continue.
{/quote}Ali, have you ever been in the shed? From my two experiences it's a horrible place. And not in a rivalry banter kind of way at all. They pour out of the local pubs to get there about two hours or more before ko to get their favourite spot, get even more beered up and then then the bullying, booze-fuelled threatening, foul mouthed and misogynistic stuff starts. As close as you can get to the testosterone fuelled footy terraces[/quote]
Gaz - Yes many times as a plyaer and supporter - I have been spat at as I ran out representing Somerset in the old days - however whilst that behaviour is disgusting and has no part in any sport or even humanity - I will never criticise unwavering passion for your side - I was there on Friday night and yes one or two Glos supporters let themselves down as they always will and we have a similar number at home games who do the same - the vast majority despite deep disappointment in relation to their teams capitulation (God have we not experienced that recently) but they do accept and celebrate in their own way class players performing - such as Finn Russell - and collectively our second half performance was better than Gloucester and as I said the vast majority of their supporters whilst being distraught to losing to us - were accepting - certainly the lifelong Glos fans sat next to us - through "Gritted" teeth stated we were a class side - they actually did not think Gloucester were that bad just we were so much better in the second half - which I would tend to agree with.
Fair comment Ali, tho in my more limited experience it has always been more than one or two. It has been a sizeable number and the rest including stewards condone it by doing nothing about it. And yep, I'm sure there are some that at the rec that 'support' Bath. I don't recall anything like the same level of complaint from opposition fans though anything of that nature is unacceptable and should be called out and dealt with
There is a big difference between making your home stadium a bear pit for opposition teams and sinking into abusing their fans
dr.bath1865 The thing I most like about Finn - and there is a lot to choose from - is his attitude. The smiles when a move breaks down. The pats on the back for others when they knock on. The shushing the shed. The strolling out before KO. It adds up to an air of self confidence, both for him and those around him, that has been lacking from Bath for decades- largely due to the huge success of the hugely self confident (Guscotty, “never in doubt”) team of the 90s.
Bath is a funny place. Small. Insular. Rugby built upon the past. Old ground in the shadow of the abbey. Steeped in history. Finn doesn’t seem to care for any of that- he’s merely thinking about the next play. I liked a lot of the players from the last decade, but especially the players in the clutch positions, have looked so weighed by the expectation of playing in Bath for Bath. I’m not saying we’re the greatest, biggest club on earth- but there’s something about the history, and the lack of success over years, that must weigh heavy.
Finn almost single-handedly seems to have unshackled us from the weight of the past. He’s made it fun.
Exactly this. Many of his traits and characteristics remind me of Stuart Barnes in his prime with us. Finn has brought a bit of swagger back to the BBW. Win or lose he does it in style and I love that
The other thing to remember is that there were concerns that JvG might bring a turgid forwards game, no evidence of that yesterday, just fun, tries and smiles .
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Once went to Kingsholm with my cousin (a very sound chap) from near Gloucester. We all had tickets to stand but he abandoned me near the goal posts and walked around to stand with his friends in the Shed and we met up afterwards instead.
The following season we got our own tickets, I was verbally abused by a man outside the ground in front of his young son and my Dad, who was Glos born but also a neighbour of John Palmer so a Bath fan, had a drink tipped down the back of his neck when Bath scored a try.
A strange place which has so many rugby strengths and great sausages but also let's itself down with the idiots.
In my honest opinion, yes Bath has had some similar idiots, they are usually stag groups and students rather than long term rugby fans. Bristol fans are not exempt from this.
As with football fans, I believe excess alcohol is responsible and this means the later the kick off, the worse the behaviour. Some love the evening games but that means more drunks IMO.
B4thB4ck 100% agree. I count supporters who are passionate but have an understanding and appreciation of the game, even if the opposition are the ones on top.
I have to admit I have mellowed and it was not always the way when I was playing - for the first 30 minutes after a loss I was an absolute misery.
Ali, have you ever been in the shed? From my two experiences it's a horrible place. And not in a rivalry banter kind of way at all. They pour out of the local pubs to get there about two hours or more before ko to get their favourite spot, get even more beered up and then then the bullying, booze-fuelled threatening, foul mouthed and misogynistic stuff starts. As close as you can get to the testosterone fuelled footy terraces[/quote]
Sadly, I have to agree with the above statement although I would add that my last visit to Kingsholm was a few years ago and hopefully things have improved.
At away matches I always expect a certain amount of banter and stick from the locals but I stopped going to Gloucs because I felt both verbally and physically threatened from some so called supporters. It was a really hostile environment and completely took away any possible enjoyment. I am thick skinned and certainly don't draw attention to myself but the constant barrage of threats and expletives coming my way for wearing a Bath hat was way over the top. I do not put all Gloucs supporters in the same bracket as those yobbos but I have a freedom of choice as to whether I continue to go there or not. I decided against.
I might also agree that the Rec also has its small group of morons who seem to know little about the game and even less about the core values of rugby.
I have seen over 30 Glos v Bath games at Kingsholme. The banter is generally ok although but I've sat or stood with fans who on the face of it seem ok but inwardly have a dislike of all things Bath. I can cope with that and the vast majority of their fans are good people with a passionate support for their club that is to be admired and is not bettered by any other Premiership club. However I have been personally spat on, I was in The Shed and unbeknown to me some young idiots who had been verbally intimidating were spitting on my back, cowards, they wouldn't have done it to my face. More recently in the main stand 2 vile women spent the whole game verbally abusing and berating my son and I. Cowards again, had they been male I doubt they would have been so vocal. What was disappointing was that no steward or fan intervened. The other issue where some idiots let the club down is the verbal abuse directed at players, some just banter but most much more sinister. I have been to every Premiership club on numerous visits but nowhere are we more disliked than at Kingsholme. I don't know if other clubs fans experience the same but it won't stop me from going there. It's a good stadium with a great atmosphere generated by many decent fans, how sad that some idiots let them down. It's not perfect at Bath but for different reasons. At Bath we are let down by a large number of people who just come along for a drinking session. They generally behave themselves but are a distraction with their constant up and down out of their seats. Still I guess they contribute more financially than the average fan. In the same way that Exeter fans persist with their tomahawk chop it seems Gloucester will never rid themselves of their undesirables.
OldMarovian As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Not brave enough to name names then OM?
If its me I can't see what's funny about correcting you when you say Jonny May was the best winger at Kingsholm yesterday when Muir made 170m forwards compared to May's 40m sideways!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
shipwrecked The other thing to remember is that there were concerns that JvG might bring a turgid forwards game, no evidence of that yesterday, just fun, tries and smiles .
Was thinking exactly that and wondering what Munster fans are making of it as many of them were very critical of their team's apparently limited gameplan under JvG
gaz59 Was thinking exactly that and wondering what Munster fans are making of it as many of them were very critical of their team's apparently limited gameplan under JvG
They were probably thinking "if only he could have signed a bunch of quality SA forwards and Finn Russell for us!!"
Some really good rugby this weekend and a derby weekend to come
OldMarovian As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Think of yourself as the bloke in the pub who overhears a conversation between a bunch of mates and then joins in and starts pontificating ad nauseam, while everyone is exchanging little glances to indicate, ‘it was funny and friendly momentarily, but, er, who the hell is this?’
OldMarovian As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Think of yourself as the bloke in the pub who overhears a conversation between a bunch of mates and then joins in and starts pontificating ad nauseam, while everyone is exchanging little glances to indicate, ‘it was funny and friendly momentarily, but, er, who the hell is this?’
I think that's being a tad unfair, Opti. For me, OM brings an interesting, (generally) reasonable and balanced outsiders view to these, and most of the other, SN pages. I do wonder sometimes whether he's an SN AI tasked with generating clicks... I mean his opinion on Owen Farrell surely can't be sincere
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:12:22:23:25 by joethefanatic.
Great game yesterday, especially H2, as others have said there seems to be an authentic‘togetherness’ throughout the squad. Not sure if that’s JvG, FR or just a great team spirit. Whatever, I love it.
Tough to pick a motm as so many excellent performances. Probably settle on Underhill.
Loving Alfies barrelling runs, and TdT’s consistent high standards, and Finn/Ben at 1/2 back so exciting.
Lots to enjoy at the Rec this season, already looking forward to Friday and Brizz.
With the cold, sober Monday mindset the result and overall performance on Friday night was deeply encouraging but there were some obvious things we need to fix
# our god awful fumbling fielding restarts. One in the first half so easily could have led straight to a second Glaws try that could have been a game changing score instead of a 22 drop out
# no one chasing up the Finn pen miss on the possibility of a rebound from posts
# not only failing to score when Glaws were down to 14 in second half but even conceded a 7 pointer
I'd add to that gaz that Miles Reid butchered a try for the second time this season by running with his head down. One was a 'great work in the first place, shame he didn't lift his head up', two was an 'oh boy, he's not going to enjoy the replay of that', three would be a worrying trend.
Optimist I'd add to that gaz that Miles Reid butchered a try for the second time this season by running with his head down. One was a 'great work in the first place, shame he didn't lift his head up', two was an 'oh boy, he's not going to enjoy the replay of that', three would be a worrying trend.
I'm sure the communication was there on the inside in both cases (surely?). I suspect the issue is he backed himself to make it. As athletic as he is, that might need reappraising but, it must be said, the Carreras tackle was outstanding (the side entry directly after less so).
Optimist I'd add to that gaz that Miles Reid butchered a try for the second time this season by running with his head down. One was a 'great work in the first place, shame he didn't lift his head up', two was an 'oh boy, he's not going to enjoy the replay of that', three would be a worrying trend.
Totally agree Opti, probably like you I was screaming for the straight forward inside pass for a 7 pointer. I think he just misjudged how fast Carreras was coming at him but like you say, so hope there isn't another one like that any time soon
Tho if there is one piece of redemption there wasn't any sense of oh [expletive deleted] from his team mates. There does seem to be a lot of evidence of the "we go again" mindset even when someone does balls up
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:13:17:14:07 by CoochieCoo.
Been a really good fan of the rotation so far feel like it has worked really well players coming back fresh and gives the chance to manage boys earlier rather then when load is too much.
Think this is the game Richards comes in an I think maybe at 6 with either Reid or Underhill getting completely rotated. This is the game you can afford to go lighter in the pack and suit a more open game plan.
Although TDG did not have the greatest game he was not by any means poor. And when Gallagher came on I’m not sure he did anything at all ?? Would stick again with TDG and bring Redpath in at 23 with Bailey at 22, both will be nice additions off the bench.
[quote gaz59][quote Optimist]There does seem to be a lot of evidence of the "we go again" mindset even when someone does balls up[/quote]
Of the last 50 or so games that we've lost, I'm pretty sure we'd have won about 35 of them with the simple addition of Finn Russell. How can you not feel better about yourself when one of the world's best players just shrugs his shoulders and smiles when he makes a mistake, and then very often goes back and does something absurdly brilliant a few minutes later. And all of that neanderthal white-line fever that has cost us so many tries, and so many games over the course of our lost years .... Finn wouldn't have stood for that.
Opti - I think you are right, take away Finn's absolute class, he appears to have calmed the team down and given them direction and most of all confidence in their abilities, already in such a short space of time the difference in Max O is unbelievable.
The other plaudits have to go to all the coaches especially Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze - our attack and yes it helps if you have one of the best if not the best distributing 10's in World rugby running the show but the speed in which we are developing and producing is staggering.
Ben Spencer's game also I think really compliments Finn's and brings our abrasive mobile back row into the game producing fast ball - I would expect this week for Redpath to return and Max O have a break and also Matt Gallagher to play at 15 to give TdG a rest - he seemed quite heavily strapped (TdG) on his leg and hand and took another heavy knock just before he was replaced on Friday - I know JvG is very keen to allow players to recover and not play with niggles or knocks.
We are nowhere near the finished article - I am shocked how much we have improved this season and I think our additions in coaching and especially Finn has much to do with it.
Bristol will represent a serious challenge on Friday with the weather at the MOMENT appearing to be dry we want to be seriously dominating Bristol up front and slowing their mobile back row down.
I would also add... if Ted Hill had been playing we'd have beaten Tigers and Saints. But the combination of Finn's insouciance and the pressure it relieves from Spencer to have to be on top of EVERYTHING is a double blessing.
I quite like the rotation KS, then you build familiarity with two different 12's in case of injury. Having Redpath and Mojo available gives great depth in the squad.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Finally got a chance to watch the full game and from earlier comments I thought we’d be terrible in the first half. I really didn’t think we were that bad in the first half.
Ironically our worst time during the game was in the second half when Glos were down to 14.
Hopefully Barbeary is ok for Friday as I thought it was an unnecessary and cheap hit to his knee.
Nor can I and I’ve watched the game 3 times now. I don’t recall shouting at the screen about anything that I saw May do. Surprised it’s not Ludlow for that disgraceful off the ball hit on Barbeary’s knee.
What makes that more annoying was that it was missed by the officials as indeed was the knock on seconds later. Had either been noticed Ben Spencer would not have received his yellow card.
Francis Allen What makes that more annoying was that it was missed by the officials as indeed was the knock on seconds later. Had either been noticed Ben Spencer would not have received his yellow card.
Not relly a clear out more like off the ball stuff happens at speed!
Here at 10.43 on the video and also later.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
It was Finn who drew Carley’s attention to the incident. “Nothing clear to me” (or something very similar) he said. I didn’t spot it the first time I watched the game - it’s in the edge of the TV picture. But when you’re looking for it it’s clear. May could be in trouble. He’s upright and it looks like shoulder to head.
It was Finn who drew Carley’s attention to the incident. “Nothing clear to me” (or something very similar) he said. I didn’t spot it the first time I watched the game - it’s in the edge of the TV picture. But when you’re looking for it it’s clear. May could be in trouble. He’s upright and it looks like shoulder to head.
Francis Allen What makes that more annoying was that it was missed by the officials as indeed was the knock on seconds later. Had either been noticed Ben Spencer would not have received his yellow card.
Nor was Varney's shove off the ball and from an offside position on Ojomoh as he about to collect the ball from Reid 3 metres out after the admittedly brilliant Carreras tackle
There were quite a few big decisions that didn't go our way that night
Devonport Boy It was Finn who drew Carley’s attention to the incident. “Nothing clear to me” (or something very similar) he said. I didn’t spot it the first time I watched the game - it’s in the edge of the TV picture. But when you’re looking for it it’s clear. May could be in trouble. He’s upright and it looks like shoulder to head.
Thing is the ball is on the floor though, it's like he just decided to take him out!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Hard to know for sure where the point of contact is, and the fact that Mojo isn't, in the end, badly hurt makes me think it might just LOOK bad rather than actually be head/shoulder to jaw/head, but he's certainly out of control and hitting up (and beyond the ruck, but that's sort of beside the point).
Either way, amazed they didn't check it and Carley's "there's nothing clear for me" on field is OK, as it was a chaotic passage of play, but the TMO should be on it, especially as Mojo goes down receiving treatment to what looks like his jaw/mouth.
Nice that May has behaved with contrition and accepted his mistake. I don't expect Bath will get an apology from the officials though. That incident should easily been recognised by the officials, the hit by May which should have resulted in a card for May and a penalty for Bath followed by the Gloucester knock on. Neither are noticed, Spencer gets pinged and carded seconds later. In the end Bath won so no real damage but it could have been so different. Appalling officiating.
Yes, good point about May’s response. Good to see.
Thought the incident was out of character, although he also had an altercation with Muir at one point and seemed pretty fired up all game… so fired up he lost his sense of direction in the second half.
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