Bath
THE ANTHILL MOB. PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP
The Mob
By TomReagan
October 30 2024
With the Autumn internationals upon us the league takes a break and the Premiership Rugby Cup takes its place for the first of two blocks of three fixtures. The tournament is made up of 5 groups, each of 4 teams and, in a somewhat revolutionary format each side plays the teams within its own group home and away. Familiar criteria are applied to the awarding of bonus points and at the completion of the group stages the five group winners and three best runners up go into the seeded quarter-finals.
All pretty straightforward except for the unfortunate fact that the Championship has 12 clubs, so newly promoted Chinnor and Cambridge, who finished bottom last year haven’t been invited! Hats off to those two clubs however, who will be staging their own tournament, a two- legged affair they’re calling ‘Not the Premiership Cup’. The RFU’s claim that the exclusion was accepted amicably by both clubs seems a bit wide of the mark!
Bath’s record in the tournament is pretty poor and their recent squads haven’t had the strength in depth to be competitive. In something similar to the current format the five previous winners, since 2019 have been Saints, Sale, Worcester, Exeter and, last year, Gloucester. Bath have yet to make a semi-final but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic this year with the squad depth far superior to recent seasons.
The groups are meant to be regional for obvious reasons and for three of the groups this has definitely been achieved whilst Gloucester, Exeter, Pirates and Hartbury has a south-west identity to it. Bath are in the M4 corridor group with quite a bit of travelling for the Ampthill and Bedford games but given the following Bath get from Wiltshire and points further east hopefully a number of fans will make the journey on Saturday to a town and ground that both look very attractive.
I’ve not yet mentioned predicted teams, their strengths and weaknesses – the expected preview stuff. This is for the simple reason that I have no great insight to offer, but return to the thread a bit later and some of our more informed posters will doubtless fill in the many gaps. The sad demise of the A-League, which I would love to see return means we rarely see many squad players. I e-mailed Ampthill in the hope of being given some informed comment but to no avail, so I’m reliant on a couple of YouTube clips and Wikipedia! Ampthill, coached by former Welsh international Paul Turner, currently sit 8th in the Championship having won their two home games and suffered three away defeats, most recently going down 92-0 against Trailfinders. I also learnt that Lewis Ludlum heralds from the town and, more interestingly but of less relevance, Catherine of Aragon supposedly resided in a local castle when she heard the news that Henry VIII was divorcing her.
Finally, for those too young to recognise the picture or too intelligent to have watched cartoons in the days of their youth, the image is of the Anthill Mob, my favourite competitors in the classic cartoon series The Wacky Races. When writing this preview my first concern was my lack of any real knowledge. My second was finding the obligatory intro caption. All I could think of was the Anthill Mob, Ampthill having derived its name from the Anglo-Saxon for ant hill, but clearly this might have been seen as disrespectful. In fact, it turns out, having read their match reports that the team is referred to as ‘The Mob’. I’ve not been able to confirm this, so apologies if I’ve got this wrong, but I can only assume that the club also thought on similar lines, in which case what a great way to come up with a nickname. Of course, if I’m wrong it still makes for an entertaining coincidence!
Apologies again to those hoping for more informed rugby analysis but there are plenty of you who like predicting the teams. I won’t even attempt to predict the score, but hopefully those who attend will be treated to an enjoyable, competitive game at a very picturesque ground.
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30/10/2024 16:12
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:08:12:33:44 by CoochieCoo.
I nearly lost an eye at Ampthill in 1975 due to "over vigorous" rucking (happily no permanent damage), so my memories may be somewhat jaundiced as a result. I do recall the ground being quite picturesque.
As for their team, I'm afraid I have no insights.
For Bath I suspect a mostly "squad" and Academy selection -for this match and other early rounds. I would hope/expect to see the likes of Cordwell, Summerfield, Spandler, Stewart, Cuckson, Dingley, Richards and Staddon up front.
Carr-Smith, Weston, Parry, Offiah, Emmens - maybe McConnochie in the backs. Injury returnees could get a go too- maybe Barbeary this weekend and Mojo when ready (another week or so).
PG
Maybe something along the lines of;
Cordwell
Spandler
Sela
Cuckson
Staddon
Richards(Capt)
Al-Kareem
Green
Le Roux
Bailey
RMC
Hennessy
Short
Offfiah
Donoghue
Tuipulotu
Summerfield
Verden
Jeans
Treacy
Graham
TCS
Weston
He names Richards (Capt), Cuckson, Green & Parry in particular. Praise for Tipulotu, mention also of Hennessy & Davies.
Agree about Harris when ready NID & would be good to see Bailey get a chance to boss a whole game.
PG
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
1. Northampton v Leicester
2. Harlequins v Ealing (hurray a championship side)
3. Gloucester v Exeter
Quote:tigerburnie
First 3 rounds that are being televised are:-
1. Northampton v Leicester
2. Harlequins v Ealing (hurray a championship side)
3. Gloucester v Exeter
Which channel is that?
Bath Rugby: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Kepu Tuipulotu (debut), 3 Vilikesa Sela, 4 Will Jeanes (debut), 5 Harvey Cuckson (debut), 6 Ewan Richards (c), 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Arthur Green, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Orlando Bailey, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 12 Will Parry, 13 Louie Hennessey, 14 Austin Emens, 15 Ciaran Donoghue
Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Archie Stanley, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Mackenzie Graham, 20 Thompson Cowan, 21 Neil Le Roux (debut), 22 Jack Woods (debut), 23 Charlie Griffin (debut)
PG
1 James Flynn 2. Luke Thompson 3. James Johnston 4. Aidan King 5. Oskar Hicks 6. Tino Mapapalangi (vc) 7. Karl Main 8. Lekima Ravuvu 9. Roan Frostwick 10. Josh Barton (c) 11. Mason Cullen 12. Sione Va’enuku 13. Byron Sharwood 14. Vereimi Qorowale 15. Evan Mitchell
Replacements:
16 Syd Blackmore 17. Richard Barrington 18. Callum Norrie 19. Jake Parkinson 20. Charlie Rylands
21. Arthur Thomas 22. Rory Morgan 23. Kerr Johnston
James Flynn - ex Sale/Saracens
James Johnston (yes THAT James Johnston) - ex Quins/Saracens/Wasps/Worcester
Tino Mapapalangi - ex Leicester
Richard Barrington - ex Saracens
Anyone got any other insights on the opposition?
Very excited to see a few of those young lads play, that Bath front row in particular looks tasty.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Hopefully will be competitive and meaningful as our squad is incredibly young and sure they will learn some lessons.
Any idea if john stewart is fit? Seems to be in the training footage. From Andy robinsons comments they clearly rate kepu t very highly.
Having banged the drum for signing him for a few years I am really excited to see how he goes. If he can consistently throw accurately then his all round game will be right up there and it wouldn't surprise me if he was our first choice hooker within a couple of seasons.
Both BBC Bristol and Somerset seem to have other programmes running until 2pm
Live scores.
Ampthill v Bath
Try by Staddon (BBC claims Green) converted by Bailey. 45 Mins.
PG
McConnochie second and Mackenzie Graham
Quote:shipwrecked
0-73 Will Parry and Jasper Spandler with tries @79 mins
Two in a minute - did Ampthill go home early??
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:03:10:43:49 by Devonport Lad.
Ampthill v Bath report
A couple things stand out with our young hookers Tuipulotu and Spandler bagging 5 tries from the 11 it's clear that forward dominance was a given. For that two happen two unnamed players on debut must have performed well, namely Will Jeans and Harvey Cuckson at lock. Early days yet but these positions (and front row) are often filled with older players so the future looks highly promising given discussion in the rumours thread.
There are concerns around introducing young, still developing, bodies into these roles but it seems clear that that can work given the way Finn Baxter and Archie Griffin have recently been deployed.
People may doubt the meaning of these games but the consequence is that being given full authority to play the role your position demand can be highly significant.
Selecting Tom Carr-Smith and Orlando Bailey at half backs in a recognised competition without being labelled as the "apprentice" is a massive confidence booster and with Orlando Bailey having been critiqued for his place kicking last season to slot 9 from 11 will do wonders for his confidence.
Then there is the massive prospect that is "Billy" Sela who is seriously advanced in his development for a 19 year old and whist his scrummaging is impressive his carrying and handling are exceptional for one so young.
You would have to think that the team against Bristol will be similar next week at the Rec, anyone living locally with an interest in Bath rugby would be well advised to give it a look.
It is easy to question value in hindsight after a big win, but surely we should be celebrating the way a young side won against a team with some pretty experienced old heads.
As you say, responsibilities awarded and taken are invaluable in the development of the next generation.
I for one always enjoying seeing the future potential in action and am very much looking forward to next Saturday.
PG
Much like the strength of teams being selected (for the Prem) it also needs some tinkering with the loan players.
PRC is a great idea (I'm biased, having spent well over a decade calling for it) but it does need to be done right. Of course, rugby administrators seem determined to do the opposite.
RAEBURN SHIELD
I go along occasionally to United games but they are of course very infrequent.
I know it has been said before but a second team league which mirrored the Premiership would be fantastic.
So when the "1st" team play Sale at home, the "2nd" team would play Sale "2nd" team away etc, etc
I would pay for that through an enhanced season ticket
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I am looking forward to the game this weekend and in particular seeing our second and third string players.
I go along occasionally to United games but they are of course very infrequent.
I know it has been said before but a second team league which mirrored the Premiership would be fantastic.
So when the "1st" team play Sale at home, the "2nd" team would play Sale "2nd" team away etc, etc
I would pay for that through an enhanced season ticket
Taking a quick look at the Briz side v Bedford, they had several first team/fringe first team so on paper will probably have a noticeably stronger 23 on Saturday
Quote:Coalminer
Bristol are playing a Wallabies XV on Friday night so that might change the team for Saturday.
Pat Lam quoted as saying he will play his best available XV (after injuries and call ups) against Australia and his next best XV against us with the reserves split between the two teams.
15. Harry Rowson (8 apps)
14. Deago Bailey (12 apps)
13. Jack Bates (41 apps)
12. Joe Jenkins (16 apps)
11. Aidan Boshoff (1 app)
10. RICH LANE!!! (41 apps)
9. Sam Edwards (1 app)
1. Yann Thomas (115 apps)
2. Will Capon (91 apps)
3. George Kloska (49 apps) (c)
4. Kenzie Jenkins (1 app)
5. Peter Paramore* (debut)
6. Paddy Pearce (8 apps)
7. Theo Myall* (debut)
8. Aaron Tull (5 apps).
Subs: 16. Tomas Gwilliam (2 apps), 17. Louie Trevett (1 app), 18. Jimmy Halliwell (3 apps), 19. Ethan Surrey (debut), 20. Ed Timpson (debut), 21. Oscar Lennon/Cai Gealy (debut), 22. Toby Baker (1 app), 23. Jacob Cusick (debut).
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I know it has been said before but a second team league which mirrored the Premiership would be fantastic.
So when the "1st" team play Sale at home, the "2nd" team would play Sale "2nd" team away etc, etc
I would pay for that through an enhanced season ticket
Totally agree, don’t waste my time with the PRC, but would definitely be prepared to pay more for a proper premiership A league.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I am looking forward to the game this weekend and in particular seeing our second and third string players.
I go along occasionally to United games but they are of course very infrequent.
I know it has been said before but a second team league which mirrored the Premiership would be fantastic.
So when the "1st" team play Sale at home, the "2nd" team would play Sale "2nd" team away etc, etc
I would pay for that through an enhanced season ticket
I guess that league would have to raise enough money to allow a raise in the salary cap. Presumiably you would need squads of 60 / 70 to allow for to parallel match day 23s, travelling reserves and those out injured etc.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:hasta
Rich Lane at 10 is definitely something
A 10 with the fast twitch fibre muscles of a sprinter? Opti will be drooling
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