By From the Archives
September 18 2002

In the second look back in the archives in the run up to the Bath v Saints Zurich clash at the Gardens on Saturday we look back at another encounter between the clubs. This time we go back to May 1998 and a win for the Saints inspired by Shem Tatupu. Remember him? Bell Hops In To Pull Plug On Bath

Saints 16 Bath 15
Saturday May 2nd 1998
Franklins Gardens
Allied Dunbar Premiership

The Saints restored some pride in beating Bath after two poor defensive displays against Richmond and Wasps. Several changes were made to last weeks side with Shem Tatupu coming into the back row at the expense of Don McKinnon.

A late fitness test ruled out Paul Grayson so the 'mercurial' Gregor Townsend moved to the fly half berth. Ian Hunter returned at full back. Injuries to International props Garry Pagel and
Matt Stewart meant a return for Martin Hynes and Matt Volland into the front row.

The Saints started with their usual early pressure and when referee Chris White saw a Bath infringement Matt Dawson, kicking in place of Grayson, scored the games first three points with the penalty.

The Saints then took a back seat and allowed the visitors back into the game. Twice the Saints failed to retreat the ten yards at a penalty and finally Andy Nichol tapped and went over for the try.

Jon Callard converted then followed up with another penalty two minutes later. For the next twenty minutes the game moved to and fro in favour to either side before Townsend made the decisive break. He broke the gain line then fed Andy Northey who made further ground down the centre. Tatupu and Grant Seeley then lent a hand
before feeding Jon Bell to go in by the posts.

Dawson converted then added a penalty minutes later and the Saints went in three points up on the European Champions at 13-10.

After the break the Saints gained further ground as Dawson put them further ahead with his third penalty. The game then moved either way again before a sublime drifting run and pass from the old maestro Jerry Guscott sent Abedayo Adebayo in at the corner.

Callard missed the conversion that would have given Bath the lead but they still had twenty minutes to gain the advantage.

They didn't gauge the ferocity of the Saints defence. There was no way through for the Westcountrymen. As the clock ticked on instead of opting for the drop kick that would have given them victory they decided to try and run another score in.

Adebayo was fed the ball and looked for the gap in the home defence. There was no gap just Western Samoan Tatupu closing him down fast. The Bath winger was stopped in his his tracks with a mighty tackle reminiscent of Tim Rodbers on Tuigamala in the Newcastle cup game. Adebayo had nowhere to go and gave the penalty away.

The ball was cleared, the referee blew for time and Jon Sleightholme went absolutely potty !

I wonder why ?


Team
Ian Hunter
Craig Moir
Andy Northey
Jon Bell
Jon Sleightholme
Gregor Townsend
Matt Dawson (Capt.)
Martin Hynes
Chris Johnson
(Allen Clarke 66)
Matt Volland
Jason Chandler
Jon Phillips
Shem Tatupu
Budge Poutney
Grant Seeley

Saints Scorers
Try:Jon Bell....................................Try

Matt Dawson.........................Penalty (3)
.............Conversion