Bath got off to a strong start in the Scottish capital, dominating the early exchanges, with their first opening coming inside the five minutes of the game.

It was Dave Attwood, who created the opportunity, as the second rower charged down a kick inside the Edinburgh 22 before chasing down the loose ball. After securing possession, Freddie Burns sent a looping pass to Semesa Rokoduguni into the corner with the try line well within the winger’s sight. Unfortunately for the visitors, the referee pulled play back for a forward pass.

The hosts looked dangerous with ball in hand all evening and nearly found themselves in the points. Dougie Fife broke Bath’s defensive line and looked to pass out to the wing, but his offload was intercepted by the back-tracking Jack Wilson, who put an end to the flowing move.

The first points of the game came after 28 minutes. Bath worked their way deep inside the Edinburgh half going through several phases before Tom Ellis crashed over from close range. Burns hit the post with the resulting conversion. 0-5

Edinburgh reduced the gap to two points with the last kick of the half, as Jason Blaggott kept his composure to slot the penalty.

Half-time - Edinburgh Rugby 3-5 Bath Rugby

Edinburgh came out of the blocks strongly in the second half and applied the early pressure. The waves of attack paid off, as Chris Dean used the pick and go to good effect to put his side into the lead for the first time on the evening. 10-5

Edinburgh continued to mount attack after attack, and despite the best efforts of the hosts to increase their lead, Bath’s defence held firm.

As the game went into the last 15 minutes, Bath went from defence to attack. After a strong scrum, the ball was recycled to Jamie Roberts, who crashed through the Edinburgh defence in typical fashion to score a debut try. Replacement Rhys Priestland converted to put Bath back in front. 10-12

Bath controlled the game well in the closing stages to secure a narrow victory, and will now look to produce another strong showing next week as Scarlets head to the Rec.

After the victory, Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder said: “I think both teams will be really happy with that game. I thought the contest was really willing and there was some really good rugby on show. It was a good test for us to start our pre-season.”

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Roberts scores debut try as Bath Rugby secure victory over Edinburgh

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