Bath Rugby delivered a commanding second-half display to secure a 33-24 victory over city rivals Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground, marking Bristol’s fourth consecutive derby defeat. This bonus-point win propels Bath into second place in Pool A of the Premiership Rugby Cup, leapfrogging Gloucester following their heavy defeat to Exeter Chiefs earlier in the day.
Bath ran in five tries, with number eight Arthur Green and winger Charlie Griffin both crossing twice, alongside a solo effort from replacement backrower George Timmins. This collective attacking effort underscored Bath’s resolve and set them firmly on course for a semi-final berth.
Bristol’s tries all came from the backline, with wingers Max Pepper and Gabriel Ibitoye scoring before halftime, and scrum-half Harry Randall adding a try in the second half. However, missed opportunities and defensive lapses ultimately cost the Bears, extending their disappointing cup campaign.
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A standout performance came from Bristol’s centre Joe Jenkins, who impressed in his first start since recovering from a serious hamstring injury. Jenkins caused significant problems for Bath’s defense with his powerful ball-carrying and line breaks, shining even against high-caliber opponents like England A’s Will Butt and senior England international Max Ojomoh.
Ojomoh himself was subdued in the first half but ignited after the break, showcasing his versatility by slotting into full-back for the first time in his senior career, adding a new dimension to Bath’s attack.
The opening half saw Bristol take advantage of Bath being reduced to 14 men after fly-half Will Roue was sin-binned for slowing the ball. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Bristol struck first as Max Pepper finished a 20-meter arcing pass from Rich Lane in the corner.
Bath responded swiftly with Green’s close-range try, converted by Austin Emens, leveling the score. Timmins then scored on his early introduction, receiving a perfect offload from tighthead Kieran Verden.
Despite Bristol’s backline flashes—including Ibitoye’s powerful try in the corner and Sam Worsley’s conversion—the Bears trailed 17-14 at halftime. The second half belonged to Bath, with Griffin’s two quick-fire tries—including an exhilarating 90-meter team try involving Ojomoh and Timmins—turning the tide decisively.
Harry Randall briefly rekindled the Bears’ hopes with a try, but Green’s second close-range score quelled any comeback attempts.
In the final moments, Bristol pushed hard for a bonus point try but were held out by Bath’s resolute defense, suffering their seventh defeat in the Premiership Rugby Cup. The result highlights concerns over the Bears’ squad depth as they struggle to compete on multiple fronts.
Bath now prepare to travel to Exeter Chiefs next Saturday, while Bristol Bears have a bye week to regroup.
Matchday Line-ups:
Bath Rugby: Austin Emens, Charlie Griffin, Max Ojomoh, Will Butt, Will Muir, Will Roue, Bernard van der Linde, Scott Kirk, Dan Frost, Kieran Verden, Will Jeanes, Ewan Richards, Ethan Staddon, Thompson Cowan, Arthur Green.
Replacements: Kepueli Tuipulotu, Ioan Emanuel, Mikey Summerfield, Jack Bennett, George Timmins, Ieuan Davies, James Linegar, Chris Harris.
Bristol Bears: Rich Lane, Max Pepper, Benjamin Elizalde, Joe Jenkins, Gabriel Ibitoye, Sam Worsley, Harry Randall, Louie Trevett, Harry Thacker, Max Lahiff, James Dun, Steele Barker, Joe Owen, George Taylor, John Edwards.
Replacements: Kieran Hill, Sam Grahamslaw, Sam Scott, Ethan Surrey, Raff Weston, Sam Wolstenholme, Charlie Powell, Ollie Harris.
Officials: Referee Hamish Grant; Assistant referees Mike Hudson and Neil Chivers.