Bath Rugby delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating Newcastle Red Bulls 50-14 at Kingston Park to clinch the top spot in the Gallagher Premiership at Christmas for the third consecutive year.
Despite resting several key players, Bath showcased their depth and skill by scoring eight tries. Hooker Dan Frost was a standout with two tries and was deservedly named player of the match. He was joined on the scoring sheet by Archie Griffin, Francois van Wyk, Will Butt, Tom de Glanville, Ben Spencer, and Ted Hill. Kicker Santi Carreras contributed 10 points from five successful conversions, solidifying Bath’s dominance.
Newcastle, despite attracting another sell-out crowd and investing heavily in squad recruitment, remain without a league win and anchored at the bottom of the table. Their two tries came from Ollie Leatherbarrow and Amanaki Mafi, but they were unable to match Bath’s relentless assault.
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The match began with Newcastle taking an early lead through flanker Ollie Leatherbarrow, who capitalized on a clever dummy line from Alex Hearle to break Bath’s defensive line. However, Bath quickly responded with Frost scoring off a driving maul, though a missed conversion left the score at 7-5 in Newcastle’s favor.
Frost’s second try, a dynamic break around a ruck, put Bath ahead, with Carreras adding the extras. Newcastle’s powerful number eight, Mafi, struck back during a driving maul to restore the lead for the home side.
Welsh international Archie Griffin showcased his talent with a powerful solo try, breaking free from a double tackle to score before halftime.
The second half saw Bath’s loosehead prop Francois van Wyk add to the tally, diving over after scooping up a bouncing pass. A strategic tap penalty following a yellow card for Newcastle’s Sammy Arnold allowed Will Butt to crash over.
Bath’s bench continued to impress with Ben Spencer setting up Tom de Glanville for an easy try after a deft looping pass. Spencer then finished a brilliant team move, linking up with Joe Cokanasiga after a scintillating run down the sideline. Captain Ted Hill sealed the scoring with a strong finish, ensuring Bath’s bonus point victory.
Bath now looks ahead to hosting Northampton Saints at The Rec, riding high after a record-breaking and emphatic win.
Newcastle Red Bulls: 15 Ethan Grayson, 14 Oli Spencer, 13 Alex Hearle, 12 Sammy Arnold, 11 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Simón Benítez Cruz; 1 Adam Brocklebank, 2 George McGuigan (captain), 3 Murray McCallum, 4 Oscar Usher, 5 Seb de Chaves, 6 Ollie Leatherbarrow, 7 Tom Christie, 8 Amanaki Mafi.
Replacements: 16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Connor Hancock, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 Finn Baker, 20 Tom Gordon, 21 James Elliott, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Max Clark.
Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Will Butt, 11 Louie Hennessey, 10 Santi Carreras, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 1 Francois van Wyk, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Ewan Richards, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Miles Reid (captain).
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Alfie Barbeary.
Officials: Referee Hamish Smales, Assistant Referees Jonathan Cook & Wayne Falla, TMO Peter Allan.