By Glen Leat
November 15 2002

Bath make the great trek North this week-end to play a Newcastle team that appears to have suffered a similar fall from the top as we have, was it only four years ago that they won the league and were the hottest team in town?

Our away record against the Falcons in recent years is relatively poor with only two wins in six attempts. This time we see a battle of the bottom of the table with the winner potentially pulling away from the basement dwellers.

With Mike Catt probably set to enjoy(sic) a rest from rugby to hopefully cure him from his injury worries, though he has been named in the squad, Chris Malone is set to have a further run in the starting line up. The ex-Exeter Chief has taken a fair bit of flak this season for his static play and (apparent) lack of vision, but it has to be said that Malone enlivened the Bath backs when he replaced Catt late in the game last week against Sale so his confidence may start to grow.

There was a lot wrong with last week’s performance but the major result was the result itself and those of us (especially me) complaining about the standard of play from certain players should not lose sight of this fact. If we want to build a strong team it is far easier to do this when winning as this breeds confidence and gives everyone hope for the future, it also takes the pressure off the coach and players so they can display their talents without carrying the burden of supporter expectation on their backs like a heavy weight.

So come on Bath Rugby let’s make this match our second away win of the season.

Co-coaches Mike Foley and Brian Smith have named a squad of 23 players. 

Gareth Cooper misses the trip with a shoulder knock, which could give Andy Williams the opportunity top start his first match in nearly nine months having recovered from knee reconstruction. Mike Catt and Matt Perry, who both missed the 24-18 victory over the Sharks last weekend with pelvic and hamstring injuries respectively, have both been named in the squad.

Backs: Matt Perry, Rob Thirlby, Simon Danielli, Tom Voyce, Olly Barkley, Alex Crockett, Spencer Davey,  Mike Catt, Chris Malone, Andy Williams, Ross Blake.

Forwards: Dave Barnes, John Mallett, Alessio Galasso, Jonathan Humphreys, Lee Mears, Steve Borthwick, Dan Lyle, Jonathan Pendlebury, James Scaysbrook, Andy Beattie, Nathan Thomas, Andy Lloyd

Click on to the Newcastle Falcons site for their perspective on things.

Click here to read about the encounter between Bath and Newcastle earlier in the year.

In preparation for this clash let's have a look at a few recent statistics:

Biggest Win

Player Greats

Last Meetings (Bath scores first)