The University of Bath produced their best home performance of the season to record an impressive five-try BUCS Super Rugby victory over Swansea at the University of Bath Sports Training Village last night.
The Blue and Gold dominated the opening half and scored tries courtesy of Caley Gray, Will Butt and Jordan Martin, all converted by George Worboys, which gave them a 21-10 cushion at half-time.
Bath spent much of the second period camped in the Swansea half and while the visitors defended with great spirit, wingers Sam Kennaugh and Cal Barrett were able to touch down to wrap up a 33-10 victory.
The hosts looked fired up from the off as they sought to make amends for last week’s home defeat to table-topping Durham. They had to withstand some early pressure on their line but defended well and were unfortunate not to take a tenth-minute lead when a fantastic break by Alex Nisbet, who opened up space but Ed Rimmer wasn’t quite able to collect the offload.
The hosts didn’t have to wait much longer for their first try, as they unleashed their line-out drive to unstoppable effect. Hooker Gray touched down and George Worboys added the extras. [7-0]
Swansea levelled the scores ten minutes later, Max Nagy going over under the posts and Gwyn Parks converting after good pressure on the Bath line, but the hosts deservedly restored their lead on the half-hour mark. [7-7]
It again came from a line-out in the Swansea 22 but this time it was offloaded to centre Butt, who sliced through the visitors’ defence to touch down and Worboys again converted. [14-7]
Parks kicked a penalty for Swansea moments later but Bath ended the half on a high as, following multiple scrums under the visitors’ posts, Martin was able to power over from close range and Worboys’ conversion made it 21-10 at the interval. [21-10]
Half-time - University of Bath 21-10 Swansea University
The bonus-point try came in the 57th minute as Bath were able to spin the ball wide from a scrum and winger Kennaugh dived over in the corner. [26-10]
Edoardo Balocco was just stopped just millimetres from the Swansea line after an excellent Bath move and the hosts had to wait until the last play of the game before deservedly adding a sixth try, Barrett gathering a loose pass inside his own 22 and running the length of the pitch to touch down. Worboys’ simple conversion provided the final flourish for the Blue and Gold. [33-10]
Full-time - University of Bath 33-10 Swansea University
University of Bath play their final away game of the 2019-20 league season on Wednesday 26th February when they make the short journey to Hartpury (kick-off 18:30).
They then complete their campaign back at the Sports Training Village on Wednesday 4th March against high-flying Leeds Beckett – kick-off is 6.30pm and admission is free.
