Bath Rugby overcame a narrow half-time deficit to triumph 76-33 against Bedford Blues in a high-scoring pre-season friendly at Goldington Road on Friday evening, marking their penultimate warm-up match ahead of the new campaign.
Bedford Blues had made a strong start, scoring five tries through Lucas Titherington, Oisin Heffernan, Louis James, Charlie Ulcoq, and Ryan Hutler. However, Bath responded emphatically with twelve tries. Winger Henry Arundell starred with a hat-trick, while Dan du Preez, Arthur Green, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom de Glanville, Dan Frost, Ewan Richards, Jack Woods, Bernard van der Linde, and James Linegar all contributed single tries to the tally.
South West rugby correspondent John Evely reviewed the individual performances:
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Tom de Glanville (15) was effective at full-back, scoring a standout try with a skilful round-the-corner finish and earning a 6/10 rating.
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Joe Cokanasiga (14) showed his physicality in attack, including a dynamic try before half-time, but his handling error permitted a Bedford try, resulting in a 6/10 score.
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Ollie Lawrence (13) had a mixed display, showing good footwork especially in the second half at inside centre, highlighted by an outstanding tackle; he received 5/10.
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Cameron Redpath (12) showcased some precise passing that sparked breaks but was marred by handling errors, thus receiving 5/10.
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Henry Arundell (11) was Bath’s player of the match with three tries demonstrating his speed and strength, earning a 7/10.
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Fly-half Ciaran Donoghue (10) remained a potent runner and creator, assisting several tries, though his overall game management needs refinement; he scored 5/10.
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Scrum-half Tom Carr-Smith (9) was tactically outplayed in the first half, with a 5/10 rating.
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Front-row players Claudius Wheeler (1) and Dan Frost (2) contributed well in set-piece and open play, with Frost scoring from a driving maul but struggling slightly in lineouts; ratings were 6/10 and 5/10 respectively.
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Locks Archie Griffin (3) and Ross Molony (5) provided physicality and stability, though Molony was less influential, earning 6/10 and 5/10.
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Quinn Roux (4) was penalised multiple times affecting field position, rated 5/10.
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Back-rowers Arthur Green (6), captain Miles Reid (7), and Dan du Preez (8) had industrious performances, with Green and du Preez each scoring tries, all rated 6/10, except Reid who also scored 6/10.
A number of replacements contributed solidly, including Ewan Richards, Will Roue, Bernard van der Linde, Will Stuart, Jack Woods, and James Linegar, who all received 7/10, while others earned 6/10.
Despite some clunky moments, particularly in the first half, Bath Rugby showed their attacking prowess and fitness depth to secure a commanding win as they build towards the start of the season.