Bath Rugby fought hard to claim a tense 24-22 victory over Leicester Tigers on the final day of the regular Gallagher Premiership season, securing a coveted home semi-final against Exeter.
The match started with Leicester showing strong continuity, taking an early lead through former Bath player Orlando Bailey. Bath responded fiercely, propelled by the powerhouse Thomas du Toit. The prop’s dominance in the scrum won multiple penalties and he crossed twice for tries before halftime.
Leicester kept pace with a penalty from James O’Connor and a try from scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet, tying the half 17-17 after O’Connor’s successful conversions. Bath’s Joe Cokanasiga powered over for a crucial try, though some kicking woes emerged with missed extras from Santi Carreras.
READ MORE: Somerset Postcode Areas Where House Prices Are Soaring — and the Cheapest Town to Buy
READ MORE: We Visited the Cafe with (Probably) the Biggest Collection of Pig Memorabilia in Somerset
The second half intensified with du Toit securing a hat-trick, driving Bath ahead. Carreras redeemed his earlier misses with a straightforward conversion, helping Bath edge out the Tigers. Leicester’s late try from George Pearson came too late to overturn the result as Bath clinched home advantage in the semi-finals.
Rugby analysts Sam Jess and John Evely provide detailed player ratings from the match:
Tom de Glanville (15) – 7
A mix of highs and lows, including a brilliant high ball catch and vital defensive plays, counterbalanced by a costly late tackle.
Joe Cokanasiga (14) – 7
Displayed physical power and reliable skill under pressure, scoring Bath’s third try.
Ollie Lawrence (13) – 7
Solid defensively with key tackles, though disappointed with handling errors when in attack.
Max Ojomoh (12) – 6
Limited ball time but contributed with insightful passing creating try opportunities.
Henry Arundell (11) – 6
Struggled to impact the game, particularly offside early and under the high ball.
Santi Carreras (10) – 6
Transitioning to fly-half with some missed kicks but demonstrated promising distribution.
Ben Spencer (9) – 8
A commanding presence with pinpoint tactical kicking and influential leadership.
Beno Obano (1) – 7
Dominant in scrums and powerful in set-pieces, impressing against tough opposition.
Kepueli Tuipulotu (2) – 7
Nailed crucial lineout throws and carried strongly, proving reliable in a big match.
Thomas du Toit (3) – 9
A monumental performance with a hat-trick of tries plus scrummaging dominance, cementing his legacy at Bath.
Ted Hill (4) – 7
Steady and physical, especially in the lineout and loose play.
Charlie Ewels (5) – 7
A defensive giant ensuring smooth lineout operation and solid coverage.
Josh Bayliss (6) – 8
Relentless in defense and quick to pressurize the Tigers’ backline.
Sam Underhill (7) – 8
Returned to peak form with crucial carries and breakdown turnovers.
Alfie Barbeary (8) – 7
Effectively managed driving mauls, although some penalties cost Bath momentum.
Replacements such as Ross Molony and Miles Reid contributed crucial energy and stability in the closing phases to help secure the win.
Bath now looks forward to hosting Exeter in a high-stakes semi-final, buoyed by this gritty performance and du Toit’s “monumental” display.