Bath Rugby delivered a powerful second-half performance at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, overcoming Bristol Bears 33-24 to claim derby bragging rights and strengthen their position in the PREM Rugby Cup semi-final race.
Bath’s attacking prowess was on full display as they scored five tries. Number eight Arthur Green and winger Charlie Griffin both scored two tries each, while replacement back-rower George Timmins added a crucial solo effort. The bonus point victory propelled Bath above Gloucester into second place in Pool A after Gloucester suffered a heavy defeat to Exeter Chiefs earlier in the day.
Bristol’s tries came exclusively from their backs, with wingers Max Pepper and Gabriel Ibitoye crossing before halftime, and Harry Randall adding a second-half try. However, Bristol squandered opportunities that ultimately cost them, marking their fourth consecutive derby loss and casting doubt on their PREM Rugby Cup ambitions.
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One of the standout performances came from Bristol centre Joe Jenkins, who, in his first start since October following a serious hamstring injury, impressed with his powerful ball carrying and line breaks. His performance stood out despite opposition from England A international Will Butt and fully capped England international Max Ojomoh, who made a notable return to club action after missing the recent international fixture.
Ojomoh had a quiet first half but made a significant impact after the interval, showcasing his versatility by playing full-back for the first time in his senior career.
The opening half saw Bristol benefit from extra numbers after Bath’s fly-half Will Roue was sin-binned for slowing the ball down. Bristol made the most of this advantage, with Max Pepper scoring from a well-timed pass from Rich Lane. Bath responded quickly with tries from Arthur Green and George Timmins, converted by Will Roue, turning the tide.
Despite Bristol regaining a narrow lead with Ibitoye’s powerful score and successful boot from Sam Worsley, Bath fought back fiercely. Griffin’s two tries, including a stunning 90-metre team effort involving Ojomoh and Timmins, turned the match decisively in Bath’s favor.
While Harry Randall added a try for Bristol, Bath’s Green sealed the victory with a second close-range try. Bristol pushed hard in the closing moments for a bonus point but were ultimately held off, marking a difficult run in their PREM Rugby Cup campaign and highlighting potential squad depth issues.
Bath now prepare to face pool leaders Exeter Chiefs next, while Bristol look ahead to a bye week to regroup.
Bath Rugby lineup included Austin Emens, Charlie Griffin, Max Ojomoh, Will Butt, Will Muir, Will Roue, Bernard van der Linde, and replacements George Timmins and others. Bristol’s side featured Rich Lane, Max Pepper, Joe Jenkins, Gabriel Ibitoye, Sam Worsley, Harry Randall, and replacements like Sam Wolstenholme.