In an intense Gallagher Premiership clash, Bath Rugby demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill to edge past Exeter Chiefs 33-26 at the Recreation Ground. The match, a key top-four battle, was decided in the dying moments when Arthur Green finished a marathon 38-phase attack, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Bath sprang out of the blocks to a commanding 26-0 lead, an early advantage bolstered by Exeter’s Campbell Ridl receiving a 20-minute red card after just two minutes for a dangerous tackle on Henry Arundell. Reduced to 14 men and still recovering from a recent loss to Northampton Saints, Exeter struggled to contain Bath’s relentless pressure.
Bath’s first try came from prop Beno Obano, who powered over after a dominant line-out catch-and-drive led by Tom Dunn, debutant lock Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, and Alfie Barbeary. Barbeary soon added a second try with a powerful solo effort that saw him break multiple tackles. Finn Russell’s accurate kicking helped Bath secure their attacking bonus early with a third try from Santi Carreras following slick passing involving Louis Hennessey.
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Before Exeter could recover, Ollie Lawrence capitalised on a close-range drive, with Tom Dunn’s clever offload keeping the momentum alive. Although Russell’s conversion missed, Bath had built a commanding 26-0 buffer by the 20-minute mark.
Exeter responded fiercely once their full complement returned, applying pressure with tactical kicks and aggressive breakdown play. Hooker Joseph Dweba scored from a catch-and-drive, quickly followed by a try in the corner from Olly Woodburn, bringing them back into contention. Henry Slade’s precise conversions narrowed the gap to 26-14.
Bath nearly extended their lead after halftime, but captain Ben Spencer’s potential try was disallowed for accidental obstruction. Exeter’s revitalised defence forced Bath onto the back foot, conceding penalties and allowing Exeter to drive forward. Number eight Greg Fisilau scored an important try following relentless pressure, though Slade missed the conversion.
As the game reached its climax, Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leveled the score with a try in the corner, converted by Slade. With spirits high, Bath embarked on a sustained final assault. Carreras was hauled down near the posts, but first-division substitute Arthur Green was on hand to cross for the decisive try. Finn Russell calmly added the conversion, sealing a dramatic and unforgettable victory at the Recreation Ground.
Final teams:
Bath Rugby: Santi Carreras, Henry Arundell, Ollie Lawrence, Cameron Redpath, Will Muir, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer (c), Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Vilikesa Sela, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Ross Molony, Ted Hill, Guy Pepper, Alfie Barbeary.
Replacements: Kepu Tuipulotu, Scott Kirk, Thomas du Toit, Quinn Roux, Sam Underhill, Tom Carr-Smith, Louis Hennessey, Arthur Green.
Exeter Chiefs: Olly Woodburn, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Will Rigg, Campbell Ridl, Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney, Scott Sio, Joseph Dweba, Bachuki Tchumbadze, Dafydd Jenkins (c), Andrea Zambonin, Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau.
Replacements: Jack Yeandle, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Jimmy Roots, Rusi Tuima, Kane James, Charlie Chapman, Will Haydon-Wood, Dan John.
Officials: Referee Luke Pearce; Assistant Referees Anthony Woodthorpe, Gareth Holsgrove; TMO Dean Richards.