Bath Rugby delivered a spectacular performance on Friday night, overwhelming Championship side Bedford Blues with a commanding 94-14 victory at the Recreation Ground. The friendly match, expertly arranged by coach Johann van Graan, served as a valuable opportunity for Bath’s senior squad to shake off the off-season rust before the Gallagher Premiership resumes.
From the outset, Bath demonstrated superior handling skills and physical power, crossing the try line an astonishing 14 times. This relentless attacking display highlighted the squad’s depth and determination, maintaining intensity even after significant substitutions in the second half.
The starting lineup boasted 10 internationals, and five Bath players scored two tries each. Ollie Lawrence and Joe Cokanasiga, both returning from England’s Six Nations duty, found the try line before halftime. In the second half, new try-scorers Will Muir, Henry Arundell, and Sam Winters kept the momentum alive. Additional tries came from Tom Dunn, Alfie Barbeary, Bernard van der Linde, and Will Jeanes, each showcasing a blend of brute force and finesse.
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Although Bedford began brightly with promising breaks from Joe Hill and Fred Tuilagi and an early try from hooker Tommy Herman, Bath quickly asserted control. George Worth briefly threatened with an interception try, but Bath’s superior strategy and skill soon dominated.
Standout performances included Santi Carreras, who returned from a five-week break to impress both at fullback and stand-off, orchestrating plays with elegance. Max Ojomoh also made a lively impact, proving his worth despite being overlooked by England’s head coach Steve Borthwick during the Six Nations.
As winter fades, Bath’s expansive and dynamic attacking style is coming to light—a promising sign as they aim to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet. With their next challenge against Saracens looming in the Gallagher Premiership, this emphatic win sends a clear message of intent.
Bath Rugby starting XV: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, 10 Max Ojomoh, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ewan Richards, 7 Miles Reid (c), 8 Alfie Barbeary.
Replacements included Henry Arundell, Josh Bayliss, Jack Bennett, Will Butt, Ieuan Davies, Tom de Glanville, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Dan Frost, Alfie Griffin, Chris Harris, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Maloney, Tyler Mason, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Mikey Summerfield, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Francois van Wyk, and Sam Winters.
Bedford Blues starting XV: 15 Louis James, 14 Joe Hill, 13 George Worth, 12 Billy Pasco, 11 Dean Adamson, 10 Michael Le Bourgeois (C), 9 James Lennon, 1 Jamie Jack, 2 Tommy Herman, 3 Ben Griffin, 4 James Bennett, 5 Ian Evans, 6 Kayde Sylvester, 7 Nicholas Finch, 8 Fred Tuilagi.
Replacements: James Fish, Joey Conway, Monty Royston, Oisin Heffernan, Rory Ward, Archie Hosking, Tui Uru, Alex Day, Aidan Pugh, Lucas Titherington, Amena Caqusau.
Referee: Hamish Grant
Assistant Referees: Ben Simpson, Iain Kiy