Exeter Chiefs edged past Bath Rugby with a 23-14 victory at the Rec on Saturday, thanks to two late tries that sealed the deal in a tightly fought PREM Rugby Cup encounter. Despite Exeter’s reputation on paper, the match was a scrappy, competitive affair, highlighted by challenging wet conditions and resilient defence from both sides.
Bath, boasting a youthful lineup, held a slim 7-6 halftime lead courtesy of a try from flanker Thomson Cowan and two successful penalties from Henry Slade for Exeter. The first half was marked by handling errors from both teams in the damp weather, preventing sustained pressure.
Exeter asserted their dominance in the second half, but it wasn’t until late tries from Joseph Dweba and Stephen Varney that they secured the win. Bath responded with scores from Dan John and Louis Hennessey, who impressed with his aggression and skill despite sustaining a shoulder injury.
Rugby writer Sam Jess provides a breakdown of the individual performances from the Bath players:
15 Jack Woods – 6
The fullback covered his defensive duties well and showed promising speed as the game progressed, though some of his kicks were rushed.
14 Austin Emens – 6
Emens contributed with crucial last-ditch tackles and demonstrated strong support play, assisting in the opening try.
13 Louie Hennessey – 7
A powerhouse in midfield, Hennessey was outstanding with a thunderous tackle and scored a stunning try. Despite a shoulder injury, he exhibited great resilience, looking like a player with a bright future.
12 Will Butt – 6
Reliable in defence and experienced, Butt linked effectively with Hennessey and played a key role in setting up the try.
11 Tyler Offiah – 6
After initially struggling under high balls, Offiah improved steadily to provide increased attacking threat.
10 James Linegar – 7
Making his professional debut in difficult conditions, Linegar was composed and influential, particularly when he seized a loose ball to create Bath’s second try.
9 Tom Carr-Smith – 6
The scrum-half showed ambition with tactical kicks and good control in midfield, though two late errors proved costly.
1 Scott Kirk – 6
Kirk was prominent upfront but lost some effectiveness late on as Exeter brought on fresh replacements.
2 Jasper Spandler – 6
Consistent with his basics, Spandler played a pivotal role in creating Bath’s opening try with a clever inside pass.
3 Kieran Verden – 6
Back after a summer break, Verden was dependable but struggled in the scrum against Exeter’s fresh front-row subs.
4 Harvey Cuckson – 6
The lock battled well to help frustrate Exeter’s pack, particularly in the closing stages.
5 Ewan Richards – 7
Captain Richards led by example, making crucial turnovers and defensive interventions, though a potential late turnover was ruled against him.
6 Ethan Staddon – 6
Showing tenacity, Staddon’s defensive work shone despite being penalised late in the game.
7 Thomson Cowan – 7
Cowan impressed with his pace and tenacity, scoring a brilliant try and working hard throughout.
8 Arthur Green – 7
Focused on the hard graft, Green quietly contributed before leaving the field with a head injury assessment.
Replacements:
16 Max Pearce – 7
Faced a tough challenge against Exeter’s powerful front row but held his ground impressively.
17 Mikey Summerfield – 4
Struggled after coming on, receiving a yellow card for scrum infringements.
18 Alfie Griffin – 4
A difficult debut coming into a dominant front row battle.
19 Will Jeanes – 4
Unfortunate start with a dropped lineout that led to an Exeter try.
20 Alex Ridgway – N/A
21 Neil le Roux – N/A
22 Charlie Griffin – N/A
23 George Timmins – 6
Added physicality off the bench but struggled to influence with ball in hand.
Overall, Bath Rugby showed promising signs from their young squad despite the defeat, with several players marked out for their class and resilience in tough conditions.