By A+L Stand Tiger
March 21 2007

What is it about games against Bath that requires the game to finish in controversy? On the same weekend that the infamous 1997 Pilkington Cup final was replayed in honour of Leon Lloyd and Matt Perry’s testimonial seasons, the crowd at Welford Road were treated to another tense finish between these two old enemies, but more of that latter.

The day started in bright, late-Winter, sunshine. The crowd seemed rather relaxed and confident that, despite Tigers greater number of internationals, the home side would prevail. However, this confidence appeared a tad premature as Bath had the early pressure with much of the first 10 minutes of the game being played in Tigers twenty two. Despite this possession and position Bath’s attacks lacked the fitness and vigour to overly trouble the commendable Tigers defence. It fell to Johne Murphy to show the visitors how it should be done when he rounded of a stiletto-sharp counter attack at around the ten minute mark.

The Murphy try appeared to trigger Tigers into gear, as it was the home side that had a period of sustained pressure. This culminated in a Leon Lloyd try in the right hand corner of the Alliance & Leicester stand. Leon showed just why he’s been such a successful servant of the club. It appeared that the covering Bath defence would shepherd him out of touch but a well timed serge and a strong one-handed reach ensured the try was scored, as confirmed by the touch judge.

Although Tigers demonstrated some fine attacking moves their indiscipline allowed Bath to keep in touch principally through the boot of Ollie Barkley. However, there was time just before the end of the half for Tom Varndell to get into the act . Following an Ollie Barkley penalty, Tigers replied immediately through a Tom Varndell try as he reacted quickest to gather a lose ball from a scrum inside the Tiers half. Showing good hands to gather the bouncing ball one-handed Tom raced into the Bath half out-paced Abendanon to touch down in the left hand corner.

Unfortunately for Tigers, Bath replied immediately having recycled the ball from the restart the ball was shipped to Maddock who stepped inside his marker to score a try from 10 metres out. The efficient Barkley converted to make the half-time score 19-10 to Tigers.

The second half started, as the first, with early pressure from Bath. However, this time the Tigers defense buckled and gave away a succession of three penalties that were converted by Barkley to level the scores. Tiger’s indiscipline coast them dear in this match with 15 of Bath’s 25 points coming from the boot of Ollie Barkley. However on the 62nd minute mark Shaun Berne got into the act with a drop goal to edge the visitors ahead 19-22. I couldn’t quite believe Tigers had let the game slip so easily. Fortunately Tigers restored the “natural order” a couple of minutes later. Impressive work from Johnne Murphy to add pace to a faltering attack allow Andy Goode quick ball. He duly set Daryl Gibson up to show the two facets of his play that marks him out as a great inside centre; the guile to side-step one defender and then the strength to carry another over the line with him to score and give Tigers the lead.

Andy Goode was having a good game on his return and seemed in confident mood and in the 74 minute he converted a penalty to nullify a Barkley kic ka few minutes early. Therefore going into the last 5 (or should that be 20) minutes of the match it was a 4 point game at 29-25; Bath needed to score a try to take the match. They gave it one hell of a go. Tigers didn’t seem able to get out of their half with attack after attack from the visitors. Thankfully, their precision in execution was lacking, notably with Abendanon knocking on with the line beckoning. However, Tigers did loose two players to the sin-bin with Barnes deciding that Alex should keep his brother Henry company on the bench for the rest of the game. Down to 13 men Tigers defended with all their heart but from my viewpoint it looked like Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu had scored with the last move of the game. However between them Barnes and the touch judge decreed that Paul Burke and Johnne Murphy had held the ball up to ensure a five point win to Tigers and send this fan home very happy.

Random observations:

Andy Goode had a good game on his return from injury and seems to have re-gained some much needed confidence in his place kicking.

The forwards must love Danny Hipkiss, he remains so strong in the tackle giving a target for the pack to drive.

Johnne Murphy impresses each time I see him play. One to keep hold of, no doubt.

Ill discipline by Tigers allowed Bath to keep in touch. They should look to cut out these errors for next week EDF semi-final.