The next generation of Bath Rugby stars earned their bragging rights in an old local rivalry tonight as the U18 side romped to a 42-0 victory over Bristol Rugby U18s.
Bath came out firing, and dynamic centre David Buck opened the scoring after two minutes. Bristol's lineout ball was stolen, and a powerful driving maul set up by Bath. Quick ball was sent out to the backs, and Buck burst through the Bristol defensive line from outside the 22 to crash over the tryline. Fly-half Rory Jennings converted. 7-0.
Two minutes later and Bristol lost another lineout, with the same result, although this time the try-scorer came from the forwards. The maul powered along, edging ever closer to the line, before flanker Robbie Tait touched down. Jennings again added the extras, doubling the score. 14-0.
Bath were enjoying large amounts of possession, and when they went on the attack again from another lineout drive, Bristol had no option but to infringe in front of the posts, and the referee had no option but to reward Bath a penalty. Jennings was again on target with the boot, giving Bath a 17 point lead after 15 minutes.
The set-piece was proving to be one of Bath's strongest assets, both in securing their own and disrupting their visitors. Another lineout on 20 minutes saw winger Elliot Herrod-Taylor dart through the middle of the defence to add his score to the proceedings. 22-0.
A yellow card to number 8 Ellis Genge didn't help Bristol's cause, with Jennings again on target with the resulting penalty. He struck another on 30 minutes, and Bath went in at half-time up 28-0.
Bristol rallied hard in the second-half, but the home side were still dominating the match, fronting up in defence and testing in attack.
Buck added his second try just over ten minutes into the second-half, showing another rapid turn of pace to add a further five points to the scoresheet, with Jennings again striking the ball well to add his sixth successful kick of the game.
Replacement Max Clarke finished off the scoring for the home side, cantering in under the posts after another successful lineout saw quick ball sent through the hands and along the line. With Jennings off, fullback Calum Sheedy took over kicking duties, taking up where his teammate had left off with a successful conversion. 42-0.
Bristol were still fighting until the final whistle, but despite a late display of spirit from the visitors, they were just unable to find a way through the tight, determined Bath defence.
Final score - Bath Rugby U18s 42 – Bristol Rugby U18s 0.
Bath Rugby U18 team to face Bristol U18
15. Calum Sheedy - Millfield
14. Grant McConnell - Millfield
13. David Buck - Sherborne
12. Marcus Beer - Bath University
11. Elliot Herrod-Taylor - Marlborough
10. Rory Jennings - Bryanston
9. Tim Turner - Millfield
1. Greg Palmer - Malmesbury
2. Tom Woolstencroft (capt) - Bryanston
3. Adam Jamieson - Bath University
4. Tom Ellis - Millfield
5. Charlie Ewels - Bryanston
6. Dafi Davids - Millfield
7. Robbie Tait - Millfield
8. Wilf Neville - Prior Park
Replacements
16. Jack Haines - Millfield
17. George Buckney - Sherborne
18. James Catlin - Millfield
19. Jake Oldaker - Bath University
20. Charlie Pascoe - Marlborough
21. Dom McKenzie - Kingswoood
22. Max Clark - Bryanston
23. James Keay - Wellington School
