Bath Rugby secured a thrilling 36-29 victory over Saracens at the StoneX Stadium, marking only their second ever win on this ground and propelling them to the top of the Gallagher Premiership table in Round Six.
The match began inauspiciously for Bath, who found themselves 14-0 down after just 15 minutes with tries from Juan Martin Gonzalez and Max Malins for Saracens. Bath’s defense was initially unsettled, but Henry Arundell sparked their comeback with a stunning 80-metre interception try. Both teams traded tries before halftime, with Thomas du Toit scoring for Bath and Malins adding a second for Saracens, leaving the score at 22-17 in favor of the hosts.
Bath began the second half strongly. Will Butt scored off a clever pre-planned move, and Arthur Green added a try following a superb team effort, giving Bath a 29-22 lead. Saracens fought back with another Gonzalez try near the posts, but a missed long-range penalty by Elliot Daly proved costly. Bath seized the moment as substitute Max Ojomoh’s break set up Arundell’s second try, sealing a memorable victory.
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Here’s a closer look at the Bath Rugby individual performances from rugby writer Sam Jess:
15 Tom de Glanville – 6
The fullback’s early clearing kick was poorly executed, allowing Saracens to capitalize. Nevertheless, his passing helped spark attacking moves, contributing to a solid but unspectacular outing.
14 Joe Cokanasiga – 7
Despite carrying heavy strapping on his left leg, the winger grew into the game, making powerful carries and performing one of his best recent games under the high ball, successfully countering Saracens’ aerial tactics.
13 Chris Harris – 6
Harris had a quiet first half but delivered a crucial, game-changing tackle on Owen Farrell just before halftime, limiting Saracens’ momentum.
12 Will Butt – 6
Starting his first Premiership game of the season, Butt was industrious, covering much ground. He scored a well-taken try from a cleverly executed tap penalty move.
11 Henry Arundell – 8
After limited England appearances, Arundell initially struggled against Saracens’ Noah Caluori in the air but impressed with his electric pace and instinctive play. He scored two stunning tries—one off a long interception and another following a break by Ojomoh—and executed a perfect chip kick setting up a Bath score.
10 Finn Russell – 5
Returning from international duty, Russell appeared sluggish and his kicking accuracy was lacking early on. However, he delivered a crucial creative pass leading to Bath’s best attacking move, and successfully converted four of five kicks.
9 Ben Spencer – 6
Spencer’s box-kicks were inconsistent in the first half, but improved as the game progressed. His support play contributed to Bath’s fourth try.
1 Beno Obano – 7
The prop made powerful carries and helped gain dominance in the scrum during the second half.
2 Tom Dunn – 7
Dunn worked hard, with mostly accurate lineout throws except one costly miss. His throw-and-drive lineout move set up du Toit’s try.
3 Thomas du Toit – 7
The prop’s physicality was key as Bath’s pack grew stronger in the second half.
4 Quinn Roux – 6
Roux was active but sometimes slow to the breakdown, allowing Saracens to exploit spaces.
5 Charlie Ewels – 6
Returning from injury, Ewels was solid in defense and lineouts, though he dropped a few throws.
6 Josh Bayliss – 8
Bayliss combined solid defense and quick footwork, covering ground and contributing key attacking plays. His pace and agility earned him the TNT Man of the Match award.
7 Miles Reid – 8
Reid dominated breakdowns with three turnovers, causing headaches for Saracens despite a costly fumble near the try line.
8 Arthur Green – 8
Starting rarely in the Premiership, Green showed strength and smart running lines, rewarded with an excellent try.
Replacements:
16 Dan Frost – 6
Recovered from initial lineout struggles to successfully complete vital throws.
22 Max Ojomoh – 8
The impactful substitute made a crucial break leading to Bath’s winning try.
23 Cameron Redpath – 6
Although he conceded a late penalty that could have swung momentum, Saracens missed the kick, sparing Redpath.
Bath Rugby’s determined and skillful display ultimately overcame early setbacks, delivering a memorable victory that sends them to the summit of the Premiership standings.