Match Report | Worcester Warriors 17 - 33 Bath Rugby

Club history was made today when a young Ethan Staddon ran on to the pitch in minute 68. In that moment he became the youngest ever player to wear the Blue, Black and White at just 18 years and 156 days old. In his post-match interview, he thanked his Bath Rugby Academy coaches Ryan Davies, Mark Lilley and Louis Messer for their belief in him alongside his grassroots club Dorchester RFC for his floodlit evenings as a young boy playing and developing,

Ethan’s moment was part of a brilliant game which saw 23-men in the Bath Rugby jersey put their bodies on the line and secure five hard-earned points with a 17-33 victory on the road at Sixways Stadium. 

The 80-minutes saw a game built on huge effort, solid defence and dominant set-piece with Bath Rugby reaping five tries as their reward to Worcester’s two. 

Just six minutes in Worcester got on the board when a penalty was awarded against Bath for holding on. Duncan Weir opted for the slots and it neatly sliced through the posts. [3-0]

The next few minutes of the game remained challenging for Bath when both Rhys Priestland and Josh Matavesi left the field by minute 10 following failed HIA’s. This meant that Ben Spencer took over the game management and a young Cameron Redpath slotted in at 10.

The team quickly adapted to these changes and secured their first points just 12-minutes later. A strong driving maul from the forwards took Bath within inches of the try line. The ball went wide for a few further carries and Zach Mercer crashed over for Bath's first of the game. Ben Spencer added the extras. [3-7]

At the half hour mark, Worcester secured the kick and the ball was lost by Oli Morris. Max Wright - who returned to the team today following huge dedication throughout his rehabilitation - was lying in wait. The centre turned on the gas and crashed over following a clean intercept from 40 meters out. Spencer’s conversion was clinical securing a further lead for Bath. [3-14] 

As the clock struck 40, Bath earnt another seven points. Skipper Josh McNally forced the ball down after the men in Blue, Black and White played a patient game, going through at least ten phases to earn the try. Spencer converted with skill and at half-time the scores were 3-21. To the visitors.

The second half got underway and at 53 minutes Elliott Stooke secured our bonus point. The points were earnt after Tom Dunn pealed of the back of a driving maul to set up a ruck just inches away from the try line. Ben Spencer passed out to Stooke on the touch line for an absolutely excellent try. Spencer converted from the touchline with a superb kick. [3-28]

Five minutes later Bath earnt their fifth and final try when Ben Spencer moved quickly off the back of the maul and sent to Semesa Rokoduguni who went flying down the touch line in a sensational manner. The conversion was missed bringing the scoreboard to all the threes. [3-33]

At the 62-minute mark Worcester fought back as the ball shipped wide and Warriors

Perry Humphreys ran in to score their first of the game. Duncan Weir converted in front of 2000 supporters who erupted into cheer. It was a great moment to hear the crowd, albeit the hosts were notching up some points as a result.

History was made just five minutes later when our very own Ethan Staddon ran on to the pitch. A moment we will never forget, nor will the young forward who now holds the record for being the youngest ever player to wear our jersey in the Premiership.

In the closing minutes of the game, Worcester found reward following some solid effort. The ball went wide to Nick David who was waiting on the wing. He dotted the ball down and the try was converted by Billy Searle. [17-33]

However, the hosts were defeated by a powerful Bath side today, a side who use each and every moment to learn. Last week our team added physicality to their game but our set piece didn’t fire. This week our team worked on that and got their rewards.

Full time saw Bath celebrate a hard-fought win, securing five points in Round 3.

---

KEY MOMENT 

A history-making key moment - in minute 68 when our very own Ethan Staddon ran on to the pitch. A moment we will never forget, nor will the young forward who now holds the record for being the youngest ever player to wear our jersey in the Premiership.

---

REACTION 

---

SCORERS

Bath Rugby

Tries: Zach Mercer (22'), Max Wright (29'), Josh McNally (40+'), Elliott Stooke (53'), Semesa Rokoduguni (58')

Conversions: Ben Spencer (23',30,40+',54')

Worcester Warriors

Tries: Perry Humphreys (62'), Nick David (75')

Conversions: Duncan Weir (62'), Billy Searle (75')

Penalties: Duncan Weir (6')

---

GALLERY