The Rec rose as one to salute Zak Feau'nati as he crossed the Bristol line for his team's third try following a passage of play reminiscent of that great day in 1973 when Gareth Edwards finished off a similar end to end move for the Barbarians against New Zealand. Having been served a diet of "up yer jumper" rugby for too many years those Bathonians hungry for flowing rugby could now slump back in their seats, offer up a large belch and enjoy the exotic fayre from Head Chef, Brian Ashton's exquisite menu. It takes a lot to drag these weary bones from my seat mid-match but I too was up whooping and hollering.

It was Feau'nati who started the move, after the devilishly good Joe Maddock stole ball from David Lemi just in front of the Bath line. After a couple more forward drives acting scrum half David Bory unleashed the Bath backs. However whilst the run out of defence was exciting in itself, it wasn't until Barkley chipped the ball across field in to the path of Joe Maddock that we realised something special was about to happen. Maddock made 20 metres and cut back inside the defender before off-loading to Salesi Finau who in turn passed to Feau'nati for his score. In the blink of an eye Bath had made 50 metres, scored a wonderful try the like of which took one back to the glory years of Barnes, Guscott and Swift.

Bath started the match with two early penalties but the game appeared to lose some momentum after Nathan Budgett sustained what appeared to be a serious injury and was carried from the field on a stretcher. Hopefully the lad is ok but it took almost 10 minutes to move him which is always a worry. Following the restart Bristol started to pick up their game and quickly grabbed a penalty of their own to make the score 6-3. However a piece of magic from both Barkley and Andy Beattie provided the home side with the opportunity for which they had been searching.

With the game perfectly poised for a typical "derbyesque" close encounter, dear old Ronnie Regan (bless him) provided the moment for Bath to grab the lead with a typically over-thrown lineout. Zak Feau'nati picked up the loose ball and dashed through the Bristol defence to set up a series of rucks. Walsh then got the ball to Barkley who looked up and chipped across field in to the waiting arms of Andy Beattie on the wing and the big man was in for his try. I still picture Regan on Points West some 10 years ago throwing a ball at a little circle on a wall as part of his training regime. He couldn't hit the target back then!

In the space of six minutes Bristol lost both Roy Winters and Darren Crompton to the Sin Bin, Bath took advantage with a try from Maddock and then the wonder try from Feau'nati and the game was almost beyond the reach of the visitors. I watched Winters walk towards the Bristol bench after falling foul of referee Pearson and he was almost in tears: he knew how important his loss would be to his team mates. Whilst I was glad to see Bath with a one man advantage I couldn't help but feel for Winters. As for Crompton, I was glad to have a rest from him as the Bath front row was being out-gunned all afternoon (something we need to fix as this was the third game in a row in which our front row struggled).

With a 31-6 halftime lead it was a case of what price a Bath try scoring bonus and a real rout? But fair play to Bristol, they were victims of the Bin in the first half and paid a hefty price, and then came out and grabbed 10 quick points through a converted Lemi opportunist try and penalty but couldn't break the strong Bath defence. Bristol caught hold of the second half by its scruff with continuous attacks and silenced the Rec faithful as there was genuine concern that an almighty comeback was on the cards. Thankfully for Bath their defence held firm. 

Mention must be made of both Joe Maddock and Andy Higgins, two players who have taken their fair share of stick this season. Their running and tackling was immense and contributed greatly to this victory. However, Olly Barkley's play at No 10 was inspirational and he surely must have made the watching Andy Robinson feel here was his natural starter for England in that position after having watched Sale's Hodgson make a right Charlie of himself recently against Biarritz. 

Barkley's place kicking was back to its best after being disastrously deconstructed at the start of the season, as was his kicking from hand. However it was his quick thinking and immaculate chip kicking that really stood out. His first cross field chip to Andy Beattie for Bath's opening try was inch perfect, as was his chip to Maddock for the Zak Feau'nati try but the one I particularly enjoyed was right at the end of the game. Bath had been pummelled on their line for ages yet stood up like total warriors to deny wave after wave of Bristol attacks. On one of the few times Bath had an opportunity to clear their lines Barkley didn't go for the mighty hoof but instead delicately kicked to space for Maddock to chase and the move very nearly created a final opportunity to grab a try scoring bonus. Marvellous, just marvellous and oh so typical of Brian Ashton. This style of play is like having all ones birthday's and Christmases rolled in to one.

But hold fire, before we get too excited by what Brian Ashton has done for our club in just a few months. There are others out there who have noticed this particular sorcerer's magic and they have money burning a hole in their silk lined pockets as they desperately try to hold back the tide of continuous defeat. Without doubt the RFU see our Head Coach as their King Canute and it won't be long before there is a knock on the door of the offices of Bath Rugby from men in suits carrying a suitcase full of compensation money. 

All I can say Mr Brownsword is, "Just say no!". Bath Rugby is your legacy to our City and whilst we are very grateful for you saving our club from the fate of the likes of Richmond and London Scottish, the recent appointment of Brian Ashton (when the RFU wasn't interested in his talents) was your finest moment. If you now let Ashton go you will never be forgiven by this City and regardless of what you have done in the past or do in the future this act is how you will be remembered. If it comes down to money just stick a £20 rise on our season tickets to increase Brian's wages: he's worth that judging by some of the exciting rugby we are starting to see under his tutelage.

Referee: Dave Pearson (RFU).

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