Bath
RAID OF THE NORTHMEN. BATH v NEWCASTLE FALCONS.
Spencer: skipper
By PG Tips
December 28 2022
Bath must repel a raid of the northmen in a crucial showdown fixture on New Year’s eve. The optimism of 3 successive wins a few weeks ago has dampened in the past fortnight with results conspiring to push Bath to the bottom of the table again, while Falcons have resurged to 8th place, beating Exeter and Sale in the process. The visitors have won on 3 of their last 4 visits to the Rec and Saturday’s weather threatens persistent drizzle. The omens therefore seem gloomy. Can Bath repulse the raid?
The table may not lie, but it can still be deceptive. Odds defying results have reshaped the bottom order in recent weeks and a mere 6 league points bracket over half the teams. The two clubs’ statistics are remarkably similar- the comparison more flattering to Bath than the gap between 8th and 11th. A burst of contract extensions by internationals and other key players shows squad faith in Johann van Graan. Bath will want to harness that unity on the pitch and hurl the invaders back whence they came.
Newcastle field an obvious weapon for the weather: a sturdy aggressive pack, founded on Davison, Robinson (a rumoured Bath transfer target), Chick, Gary Graham, Welch and former Rec favourite Carl Fearns – many of them bearded like to Viking northmen of old. The bustling Blamire should start at hooker but Bath will not have to face George McGuigan who departed unexpectedly for Gloucester less than three weeks ago. The blunt broadsword is not their only blade though as in their backs out wide they can choose from the searing pace of Radwan and Carreras or the trickery of Moroni and Obatoyinbo. Under the wily Walder they will look to find ways of unleashing those threats.
Bath may have to do without Tom Dunn who failed an HIA on Christmas Eve, which should mean a return for Ben Spencer to take on the captaincy. Recent returns from injury should strengthen the squad, especially among the backs, where hopefully Cameron Redpath’s injury last week was not serious. Hopefully the line-up will be close to that which really should have won at Exeter, enjoying much the better of possession, territory and pressure in the second half but just failing to find the accuracy and composure to triumph.
In front of a home crowd accuracy and composure must be the watchwords. As the team builds a meaner defence and more consistent application of pressure they must move to the next level – a better conversion rate of red zone chances. In that an all action back row may be key- drawn from Hill, Underhill, Bayliss, Reid or De Carpentier.
The northmen of the 10th century were Vikings, overlords of Northumbria, much of Cumbria and Yorkshire. They raided into the Saxon kingdoms of southern and midland England for two centuries until they were halted and eventually sent packing by Alfred the Great. It was from Somerset that he gathered his forces to break their power and unify the Saxon kingdoms into one. Bath must find the strength, the defiance and the wit to send these northmen packing as Alfred did so the New Year celebrations echo around the west while the northmen face a long and muted journey home.
Possible Teams:
Bath: Morozov, Annett, Rae, Lee-Warner, Attwood, Hill, Underhill, Bayliss. Spencer (Capt.), Bailey. McConnochie, Redpath, Lawrence, Cokanasiga. Gallagher.
Replacements: Boyce, Doughty, Griffin, Spencer, Reid. Schreuder, Ojomoh, De Glanville.
Newcastle Falcons: Brocklebank, Blamire, Davison, Peterson, De Chaves, Graham, Chick, Fearns. Young, Connon. Carreras, Penny, Moroni, Radwan. Obatoyinbo.
Replacements: Fletcher, Mulipola, Palframan, Dalton, Marshall. Stuart, Schoeman, Kerr.
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StumbleuponRAID OF THE NORTHMEN. BATH v NEWCASTLE FALCONS.TEAM UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 28/12/2022 11:20
28/12/2022 11:20
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:02:09:47:20 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:02:09:47:20 by P G Tips.
Like the reference to Alfred the Great PG , do we have an Alfred in the camp ? ........ Dave Attwood perhaps !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:Old Bath Tub
Like the reference to Alfred the Great PG , do we have an Alfred in the camp ?
Alfie Barbeary?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Good point Matt, shame he's injured !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:Old Bath Tub
do we have an Alfred in the camp ?
I think Alfred helps Batman not Bath-man
PG could you not have woven Uhtred into the script...........
Possibly written on the afternoon of the 25th.....after much liquid refreshment taken!
Possibly written on the afternoon of the 25th.....after much liquid refreshment taken!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
PG could you not have woven Uhtred into the script...........!
He is JvG!
Big fan of "The Last Kingdom" series.
PG
Quote:P G TipsQuote:Bath Supporter Jack
PG could you not have woven Uhtred into the script...........!
He is JvG!
Big fan of "The Last Kingdom" series.
PG
Are we talking the son or the father?
Quote:OldMarovianQuote:Old Bath Tub
do we have an Alfred in the camp ?
I think Alfred helps Batman not Bath-man
I read that as 'Alred' and Orlando could certainly do with his help
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Have we got room for these two:- [www.bbc.co.uk] ?
Why would we want either? There's a reason Gatland sacked them I would suggest. Our defence is far stronger than last year and I'm willing to give Maddog time to build an exciting attack on top of sound foundations
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Have we got room for these two:- [www.bbc.co.uk] ?
No thanks
Pretty well matched teams, really need to start sneaking these games again and build some momentum.
Interested to see the squad we go with. No idea if jonker and verden are injured or if griffin is working his way up the pecking order.
If doughty hasn't recovered wonder if it will be Stewart on to the bench.
Hope cam is OK but mojo in need of some games at 12 to try and sort his defensive issues and just get back playing in his primary position.
Really hoping rmc has an injury free run now after some rotten luck.
Wonder if any injured guys will return- think cloete and coetzee must be close?
Interested to see the squad we go with. No idea if jonker and verden are injured or if griffin is working his way up the pecking order.
If doughty hasn't recovered wonder if it will be Stewart on to the bench.
Hope cam is OK but mojo in need of some games at 12 to try and sort his defensive issues and just get back playing in his primary position.
Really hoping rmc has an injury free run now after some rotten luck.
Wonder if any injured guys will return- think cloete and coetzee must be close?
Team Up:
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer ©; 1 Lewis Boyce, 2 Niall Annett, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Dave Attwood, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Josh Bayliss
Impact players: 16 John Stewart, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Chris Cloete
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer ©; 1 Lewis Boyce, 2 Niall Annett, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Dave Attwood, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Josh Bayliss
Impact players: 16 John Stewart, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Chris Cloete
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Cloete back! Him and Reid as impact back rowers is good. Mojo hopefully improving his defence, Falcons have some dangerous backs.
Looking forward to Underhill against Fearnsy, last season Sam lined him up and smashed him!
Surprised Morozov didn’t get a start?
A Must win game as everyone has been saying
Widcombe Garçon
Surprised Morozov didn’t get a start?
A Must win game as everyone has been saying
Widcombe Garçon
That Falcons line up tells you everything about their game plan - they are clearly coming to Physically dominate us - especially that back row - they will be looking to run Graham and Fearns in that 10/12 channel.
If we match them physically which I hope we will I am reasonably confident of a home win - I haven’t felt like that for a long time.
If we match them physically which I hope we will I am reasonably confident of a home win - I haven’t felt like that for a long time.
Quote:Ali1969
they will be looking to run Graham and Fearns in that 10/12 channel.
Hopefully that same channel (with the same players) won't be a revolving door like it was in the last game against them at the Rec.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Falcons 23:
Newcastle Falcons team v Bath Rugby (Saturday, 3pm, The Recreation Ground)
15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Ben Stevenson, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Tom Penny (captain), 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart; 1 Adam Brocklebank, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Trevor Davison, 4 Greg Peterson, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 6 Gary Graham, 7 Callum Chick, 8 Carl Fearns.
Replacements: 16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Logovi’i Mulipola, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Tom Marshall, 21 Michael Young, 22 Matias Moroni, 23 Adam Radwan.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Newcastle Falcons team v Bath Rugby (Saturday, 3pm, The Recreation Ground)
15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Ben Stevenson, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Tom Penny (captain), 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart; 1 Adam Brocklebank, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Trevor Davison, 4 Greg Peterson, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 6 Gary Graham, 7 Callum Chick, 8 Carl Fearns.
Replacements: 16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Logovi’i Mulipola, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Tom Marshall, 21 Michael Young, 22 Matias Moroni, 23 Adam Radwan.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Blimey, Oddschecker have Bath 3/8 on and Falcons 3/1. I can't recall such positive odds for a Bath win, especially as Falcons knocked Sale over last week. Wet weather might mean a game for the purists tomorrow. COYB!
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Clarkey3k
Blimey, Oddschecker have Bath 3/8 on and Falcons 3/1. I can't recall such positive odds for a Bath win, especially as Falcons knocked Sale over last week. Wet weather might mean a game for the purists tomorrow. COYB!
With those odds I'd sure have 20 quid on Falcons if I were a betting bloke
Quote:Ali1969
That Falcons line up tells you everything about their game plan -
Falcons fan in peace........ every other back row player is injured..... Welch, vd Walt, Lockwood, Collect, Robinson. So yes, players available determines game plan...... worked last week!
Quote:CharlieDogQuote:Ali1969
That Falcons line up tells you everything about their game plan -
Falcons fan in peace........ every other back row player is injured..... Welch, vd Walt, Lockwood, Collect, Robinson. So yes, players available determines game plan...... worked last week!
It will be a tough, tight tussle but I always appreciate the honesty, application and work of the Falcons squad that turns up. Reflects everything I've come to know and respect about the people from that area
Hope John Stewart can hit a barn door if he comes on.
Beast around the park, if he can sort his throwing then is a great prospect.
Big ask given our lineout woes already this season.
Beast around the park, if he can sort his throwing then is a great prospect.
Big ask given our lineout woes already this season.
Quote:charlieboa
Hope John Stewart can hit a barn door if he comes on.
Beast around the park, if he can sort his throwing then is a great prospect.
Big ask given our lineout woes already this season.
I agree, he is a very dynamic powerful hooker just needs to get his lineout throwing more accurate and we have a great up and coming young hooker. I think with game time this will certainly help and develop him. Tom Dunn really struggled with lineouts when he was younger so hopefully John will be okay
Beware Sebastian de Chaves today - he has stolen nine opposition lineouts this season – the highest total in the league. He managed three last weekend alone. On the Falcons’ throw, he has secured the ball 47 times.
Quote:ollyshepQuote:charlieboa
Hope John Stewart can hit a barn door if he comes on.
Beast around the park, if he can sort his throwing then is a great prospect.
Big ask given our lineout woes already this season.
I agree, he is a very dynamic powerful hooker just needs to get his lineout throwing more accurate and we have a great up and coming young hooker. I think with game time this will certainly help and develop him. Tom Dunn really struggled with lineouts when he was younger so hopefully John will be okay
Both converted to hooker as well relatively late...dunn from prop, Stewart from backrow...
Shame the weather will make this a real arm wrestle- just when we could do with a helping hand with conditions, just hope we can match their physicality- I am sure JVG and Hats will have them fired up - Annett is normally very accurate with his throws - time for Big Dave Attwood to step up - Come on Boys.
Quote:Widcombe Boy
Looking forward to Underhill against Fearnsy, last season Sam lined him up and smashed him!
Surprised Morozov didn’t get a start?
A Must win game as everyone has been saying
On the way back last week we were talking about how long has it been since we dominated an Exeter 8 like we did in the second half and how we managed to lose a game we should have won.
So like you we are very surprised as Boyce struggled last week and was replaced by Morozov and we then mullered the Exeter scrum in the second half.
I am hopeful that we will match them physically but it depends if the second half Bath team turns up from the first whistle.
under huge pressure on our own line. Pen after pen being given away. Team warning I think for a yellow card. and there we go Annett in the bin! we seem clueless again!
Falcons try not a surprise really. No issues with the ref it is all about our poor play! score now 7/10
Quote:I think he wants our tacklers to roll away before they'#e even completed the tackle, and irrelevant as to materialityDr Q in Ilkley now!
Whistle happy ref
RAEBURN SHIELD
yeah we are, and we are under huge pressure on our own line! yellow card over. Looks like falcons about to score again!
somehow we get a turnover from Bayliss and we get a pen to clear the lines
half time 7/10. We may have signed some good players but we are still rubbish as a team. Some decisions are crazy, attempting a drop goal in these conditions!
Mike, I don't think the conditions have got anything to do with us making poor decisions. Falcons are just playing better than us. Another stupid penalty
It's all mindset, which for me stems from leadership that inspires and stimulates the rest. When Spencer is good, we're good.
Listening to BBC radio I dread to think where we would be w/out Lawrence, Hill and Annett. The Wuss boys getting plenty of name checks in this match. COYB!
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
not sure what was said at half time?? But whatever it was it has had an impact so far. Now lets crack on and score the bonus try!
I did see a stat last week which suggested we were one of the better sides in the second half of games
I did see a stat last week which suggested we were one of the better sides in the second half of games
Attendance reported as 14,509 today, v good given the weather.
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Right call - secure the win first.
If we get this, it's game won, if we miss, they've got to go the length of the pitch, or kick it back to us, with 1 minute to go
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
If we get this, it's game won, if we miss, they've got to go the length of the pitch, or kick it back to us, with 1 minute to go
RAEBURN SHIELD
Wow, not seen that mistake before
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:Maeght
16 on the pitch?
For a number of seconds in the final minute, I wonder what the consequences might be? Good win though...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:12:31:16:50:29 by Clarkey3k.
Unusual. Expect it will depend on whether the fourth official said ok to go on or not. Good to get a win.
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Bit breathless, up here in 8th position!
Might not last, it'll depend on the Glaws Irish result
Quote:Dorset Boy
Glaws win it with final kick: 8-6
Wasn't expecting that, high scoring game then! Irish must be gutted, should have made more of the Glaws yellow card
Excellent win in such poor conditions, good team effort and chance of not finishing bottom now.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
Quote:OutsideBath
Excellent win in such poor conditions, good team effort and chance of not finishing bottom now.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
It was a good crowd turn out wasn't it?
Quote:OutsideBath
Excellent win in such poor conditions, good team effort and chance of not finishing bottom now.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
So a win but on the wrong day! When will Bath ever get it right!
Quote:As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.[/quote
But it's a Saturday game! Maybe better than doing it hungover tomorrow. Having said that, I might have gone tomorrow as the forecast is better, I've turned into a proper fair weather supporter recently and just didn't fancy getting soaked today
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:12:31:17:40:13 by Susanne.
Tough on Quins tomorrow, 5 day turnaround from their Christmas game on Tuesday
Quote:MaeghtQuote:OutsideBath
Excellent win in such poor conditions, good team effort and chance of not finishing bottom now.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
It was a good crowd turn out wasn't it?
No idea, I stayed in France after the Toulon game so couldn’t go to the game today. Not a fan of games over the Xmas and New Year period.
Great to see us off the bottom of the table though.
Tough game, way too many penalties …I lost count at 67 !
Very good Line out drives from Falcons
Was it really a knock on by Gallagher ? I thought it went straight through his legs just prior to Falcons first try .
Forward pass in the run up to Falcons held up try ? Or do I need new glasses ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Very good Line out drives from Falcons
Was it really a knock on by Gallagher ? I thought it went straight through his legs just prior to Falcons first try .
Forward pass in the run up to Falcons held up try ? Or do I need new glasses ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:MaeghtQuote:OutsideBath
Excellent win in such poor conditions, good team effort and chance of not finishing bottom now.
As an aside it’s ridiculous to have games on New Year’s Eve when everyone has better things to do.
It was a good crowd turn out wasn't it?
No idea, I stayed in France after the Toulon game so couldn’t go to the game today. Not a fan of games over the Xmas and New Year period.
Great to see us off the bottom of the table though.
Higher up in the thread it was said the attendance was 14,000 plus.
Nice to get a win in such appalling conditions. Carl Fearns still has a good tune in him, I wonder what may have been had he stayed instead of leaving for France following the Burgess debacle.
Tough to pick standouts when conditions were so bad, but for me Gallagher excelled, Sam put in some serious hits, and FLW just got on with it.
Struggle to believe the 14.5k attendance, when it was clear that many seats were empty .
Well played Bath.
Tough to pick standouts when conditions were so bad, but for me Gallagher excelled, Sam put in some serious hits, and FLW just got on with it.
Struggle to believe the 14.5k attendance, when it was clear that many seats were empty .
Well played Bath.
14.5K tickets may have been sold, but nowhere near that number of seats were occupied.
Conditions were indeed apalling & Bath did do well.
PG
Conditions were indeed apalling & Bath did do well.
PG
Quote:Kidney Stone
Struggle to believe the 14.5k attendance, when it was clear that many seats were empty .
Yes, quite interesting - at least a couple of players put out tweets commenting on how full the ground was - Josh McNally expressly saying every seat was filled, and the club saying it was a sell-out, when it was clear from the TV it was far from full. Perhaps pre-planned messaging not necessarily aligning with the weather?
Just watched the game. Good game management in appalling conditions. Yes, lots of technical mistakes, we didn't play much rugby and we have to learn not to get bored and just keep on "punching the bruise" but we did most things right in mostly the rights bits of the field. Very encouraging.
My MotM - Matt Gallagher. Basically flawless in the worst conditions for rugby I've seen for a while. A presence like that gives everyone else the confidence to play.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:01:00:30:56 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Matt Gallagher. Basically flawless in the worst conditions for rugby I've seen for a while. A presence like that gives everyone else the confidence to play.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:01:00:30:56 by joethefanatic.
Season tickets plus tickets sold = sell out.
People see the weather and decide to stay at home.....
People see the weather and decide to stay at home.....
One of my ST mates is now in NZ, another had the flu so missed the game. Two fully paid up non attendees..
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
I was not there as I was at a New Year’s eve party in Mumbai and I am sure one of my fellow STHs is in the US over the New Year. The result made the party even more enjoyable! HNY
I am still in Fiji but gave my season tickets away to a friend.
Glad of the result, and by the sound of it glad not to have been there!!!
Glad of the result, and by the sound of it glad not to have been there!!!
Not much of a game, and better, more confident teams would’ve done more even in the atrocious conditions.
What impressed me was our ability to stick to the plan. Admittedly it was a plan that was incredibly dull, but in years past, on a day like that, we’d have done the plan for a bit, then got bored or indisciplined or made mistakes, with a charge down or a dropped ball or two in our own 22. Yesterday, for the 80, we stuck to a plan that worked in the conditions, brought power off the bench and got over the line. Job done.
Hugely impressed by FLW, Hill and Bayliss and Spencer and Bailey ran the game nicely. Gallagher was superb. Highest compliment I can give him is that through horizontal rain he looked like Matt Perry, especially with the way he kicks left footed and long. Nigh on impossible conditions for a 15 and he was as close to faultless as you could hope to be. I also thought their 15 did very well, and the duel between them was pivotal to the outcome. I felt Gallagher just got the upper hand in the final quarter, and we got a grip on the game as a result.
Onwards. Happy new year all.
What impressed me was our ability to stick to the plan. Admittedly it was a plan that was incredibly dull, but in years past, on a day like that, we’d have done the plan for a bit, then got bored or indisciplined or made mistakes, with a charge down or a dropped ball or two in our own 22. Yesterday, for the 80, we stuck to a plan that worked in the conditions, brought power off the bench and got over the line. Job done.
Hugely impressed by FLW, Hill and Bayliss and Spencer and Bailey ran the game nicely. Gallagher was superb. Highest compliment I can give him is that through horizontal rain he looked like Matt Perry, especially with the way he kicks left footed and long. Nigh on impossible conditions for a 15 and he was as close to faultless as you could hope to be. I also thought their 15 did very well, and the duel between them was pivotal to the outcome. I felt Gallagher just got the upper hand in the final quarter, and we got a grip on the game as a result.
Onwards. Happy new year all.
Well done Bath. Not watched the game yet but further movement up the table! All the best for the new year to the club and its supporters 
Agree totally about Matt Gallagher , for me the value for money find of the season so far !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:OldMarovian
Well done Bath. Not watched the game yet but further movement up the table! All the best for the new year to the club and its supporters
Thank you OM, you really are a secret Bath supporter at heart !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:Kidney Stone
Tough to pick standouts when conditions were so bad, but for me Gallagher excelled, Sam put in some serious hits, and FLW just got on with it.
Got to love flw- so far bulletptoof and gets through mountains of work every game. Get him signed ip long term if at all possible!
Great to have Sam back and Gallagher the pick of the summer signings so far
Quote:Old Bath TubQuote:OldMarovian
Well done Bath. Not watched the game yet but further movement up the table! All the best for the new year to the club and its supporters
Thank you OM, you really are a secret Bath supporter at heart !
It's genuinely exciting watching teams rediscover and build on form and the best thing for the League is that all teams are strong and compete. Plus Bath is lovely to visit
Quote:dr.bath1865
Not much of a game, and better, more confident teams would’ve done more even in the atrocious conditions.
What impressed me was our ability to stick to the plan. Admittedly it was a plan that was incredibly dull, but in years past, on a day like that, we’d have done the plan for a bit, then got bored or indisciplined or made mistakes, with a charge down or a dropped ball or two in our own 22. Yesterday, for the 80, we stuck to a plan that worked in the conditions, brought power off the bench and got over the line. Job done.
Onwards. Happy new year all.
Was listening to Josh McNally on the commentary and he got very animated when we went off plan and started playing some rugby, and pleading with the boys to stick to the game plan!
A boring game in terrible conditions but still absorbing and a good atmosphere well done boys and you called for noisy crowd PG so well done to the Rec faithful.
Totally agree about Gallagher absolutely solid & skilful , nailed on at 15 for me
Just hope we can remember how to play some rugby when the better weather arrives- will be criminal if we don't use likes of cam, mojo, lawrence, jj, coko, rmc, Gallagher, tdg etc..... but for now more than happy with pragmatic victories!
According to the BBC site Coka went off after 34 mins and was replaced by Stewart. Surely not right. was Coka injured (HIA?) or what and why Stewart?
Coka went off as a yellow card for Annett meant Stewart had to come on for a scrum.
Stewart was on for approx 1 minute, then Annett could come back on and Stewart gave a hilarious applause to the crowd! Also thought, his humour aside, he made a great impact in the last few minutes on both sides of the ball. Promising.
Stewart was on for approx 1 minute, then Annett could come back on and Stewart gave a hilarious applause to the crowd! Also thought, his humour aside, he made a great impact in the last few minutes on both sides of the ball. Promising.
Quote:hemington
According to the BBC site Coka went off after 34 mins and was replaced by Stewart. Surely not right. was Coka injured (HIA?) or what and why Stewart?
Annett binning?
Stewart came on for first scrum which actually was about 8 or 9 mins into the 10 mins, coko taken off v briefly
Thanks guys - makes sense now. Good to hear it wasn't a Coka injury. Did anyone else get injured yesterday that we know of or is lady Luck starting to smile on us.
Quote:hemington
Thanks guys - makes sense now. Good to hear it wasn't a Coka injury. Did anyone else get injured yesterday that we know of or is lady Luck starting to smile on us.
I was only on the radio commentary.
Reid may have been struggling near the end- nor sure if he had to go off or what issue was (shoulder?).
Don't remember hearing any other issues, hoping Sam off at ht was just sensible management and wanting yo get cloete a decent hit out.
Hoping we should get a handful or more of players back over the next 4 weeks (beno, dunn, mcnally, williams, roux, coetzee, barbeary possibly, hopefully cam....). If we manage to not rack loads more injuries hopefully some tough selection decisions coming.
Yeh, Reid at the end seemed to bust his shoulder, but looked fine in the changing rooms after (as per social media). Sam, too. Other than those two, think no other worries, Rae’s shoulder knock, which he seemed to show off, aside.
As you say, Charlie, should have options in the next few weeks, especially up front. I think we’ll find out what a great signing Cloete is, especially if Sam is absent in the 6Ns, but playing them with Hill in the back row could be fascinating, too. Must say, Bayliss has stepped up in recent weeks with some dominant performances, moving from, in my mind, promising player who has some big moments to top class and highly influential throughout the 80. Nice to have Roux and McNally back to allow FLW and Attwood some down time, too.
All in all, 2023 looks quite bright.
As you say, Charlie, should have options in the next few weeks, especially up front. I think we’ll find out what a great signing Cloete is, especially if Sam is absent in the 6Ns, but playing them with Hill in the back row could be fascinating, too. Must say, Bayliss has stepped up in recent weeks with some dominant performances, moving from, in my mind, promising player who has some big moments to top class and highly influential throughout the 80. Nice to have Roux and McNally back to allow FLW and Attwood some down time, too.
All in all, 2023 looks quite bright.
The try saving tackle from Attwood and Hill was monumental. A try then for Falcons could have led to a very different result. The ground that Hill made to get there was unbelievable
Maybe generous to Boyce, who seemed in trouble at the scrum (which certainly strengthened when Morozov came on).
Harsh on Gallagher as the knock-on was a pure fiction (went about 1.5M back from his touch before landing- the ref was some distance away when he whistled) and he won the kicking duel with his opposite number - 8/10 at least for me and a MOTM contender.
Otherwise pretty fair.
PG
Harsh on Gallagher as the knock-on was a pure fiction (went about 1.5M back from his touch before landing- the ref was some distance away when he whistled) and he won the kicking duel with his opposite number - 8/10 at least for me and a MOTM contender.
Otherwise pretty fair.
PG
Thanks pgt.
Morozov making a good case for a longer contract over recent weeks?
Banners on the radio was taking the micky out of Gallagher for putting 2 out on the full but did say he had an excellent game and a couple of mistakes when you have about 30 involvements in terrible conditions is a good effort.
Morozov making a good case for a longer contract over recent weeks?
Banners on the radio was taking the micky out of Gallagher for putting 2 out on the full but did say he had an excellent game and a couple of mistakes when you have about 30 involvements in terrible conditions is a good effort.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Must say, Bayliss has stepped up in recent weeks with some dominant performances, moving from, in my mind, promising player who has some big moments to top class and highly influential throughout the 80.
Totally agree- he is in the mix when discussing our best backrow and probably for every position. Really becoming a consistently big player for us.
Him and reid this season are finally giving us some much needed breakdown threat. With cloete and barbeary to be added to this mix (and beno who is a decent jackaler) we can hopefully be a real handful slowing up teams ball and getting some turnovers to attack off.
A good win overall. Falcons have done well this season in identifying and targetting opponents' vulnerabilities - as they did against Exeter and Sale. To keep them to a single try and score 3 ourselves in those conditions was really quite pleasing.
More is needed, but that looked like something to build on.
PG
More is needed, but that looked like something to build on.
PG
Quote:And one of those clearly bounced infieldcharlieboa
Banners on the radio was taking the micky out of Gallagher for putting 2 out on the full but did say he had an excellent game and a couple of mistakes when you have about 30 involvements in terrible conditions is a good effort.
RAEBURN SHIELD
as we have a "bye" weekend this week, we could see ourselves bottom again if results go against us!
Quote:nick holder
as we have a "bye" weekend this week, we could see ourselves bottom again if results go against us!
As Bristol are playing LI that seems unlikely.
Draw with a try bonus point to Bristol is the only way?
(And Falcons win or draw against Tigers)
(And Falcons win or draw against Tigers)
Quote:by
Draw with a try bonus point to Bristol is the only way? (And Falcons win or draw against Tigers)
That's some first-rate glass-half-empty stuff from NH.
Falcons can win which would give them 25 points
Bristol win which would give them 25 points
Irish get two bonus points which would give them 24 points
we currently have 23.
Bristol win which would give them 25 points
Irish get two bonus points which would give them 24 points
we currently have 23.
Quote:OptimistQuote:by
Draw with a try bonus point to Bristol is the only way? (And Falcons win or draw against Tigers)
That's some first-rate glass-half-empty stuff from NH.
Hasn't found the thistle patch yet.
Quote:nick holder
Falcons can win which would give them 25 points
Bristol win which would give them 25 points
Irish get two bonus points which would give them 24 points
we currently have 23.
All those team with the exception of Bristol would have played 12 and we'd have a game in hand, so a chance to leapfrog back over them!
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
To be fair there are 10 points between bottom (on 21) and 3rd (on 31) so there are a huge number of possibilities over the next few games and not really worth dwelling on it too much. It is a ridiculously tight Prem this year (top 2 aside).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Mind you - next up in the GP is Sale away, for which I think we might as well budget zero points! We will need 10 points from LI and Bris home games that follow, if we are to end up outside the bottom 3 this year.
Dead rubbers against Toulon and Glasgow do at least give us licence to rest/rotate/experiment in preparation.
Dead rubbers against Toulon and Glasgow do at least give us licence to rest/rotate/experiment in preparation.
Quote:Optimist
We will need 10 points from LI and Bris home games that follow, if we are to end up outside the bottom 3 this year.
I might well be vying for your moniker with this statement, but I think there are at least 4 more wins in this team. We will not need to be reliant on 2 bonus point wins to finish 8th or better.
In this weird league season, there are only 4 home and 5 away GP games left, of which 6 will be impacted by 6Ns.
Tigers, Saints and Exe will be considerably more inconvenienced by the 6Ns than us - but I'm still struggling to find more than 3 obvious wins from the following, which is why every BP will be crucial to our final league position:
Sale, A - w/e before 6N
LI, H - w/e between 6Ns
Bris, H - 6Ns w/e
Tigers, A - w/e between 6Ns
Saints, A - 6Ns w/e
Exe, H - w/e after conclusion of 6Ns
Glos, A
Quins, A
Sarries, H
Only 4 of ours are likely to be in 6Ns squads, and any or all of them could actually still be available for some or all club games, and we have good cover in all those positions:
Redpath
Bayliss
Underhill
Joe C
Stuart/Ewels/Obano - injured
Hill/Lawrence - could potentially get called up at some point
Tigers, Saints and Exe will be considerably more inconvenienced by the 6Ns than us - but I'm still struggling to find more than 3 obvious wins from the following, which is why every BP will be crucial to our final league position:
Sale, A - w/e before 6N
LI, H - w/e between 6Ns
Bris, H - 6Ns w/e
Tigers, A - w/e between 6Ns
Saints, A - 6Ns w/e
Exe, H - w/e after conclusion of 6Ns
Glos, A
Quins, A
Sarries, H
Only 4 of ours are likely to be in 6Ns squads, and any or all of them could actually still be available for some or all club games, and we have good cover in all those positions:
Redpath
Bayliss
Underhill
Joe C
Stuart/Ewels/Obano - injured
Hill/Lawrence - could potentially get called up at some point
Quote:P G Tips
Harsh on Gallagher as the knock-on was a pure fiction (went about 1.5M back from his touch before landing- the ref was some distance away when he whistled)
PG
Just watched the PRTV recording-Full Match (interesting aside: BT Sport highlights rarely show any controversial incidents!). The ball definitely travelled backwards from hand to ground and did not even roll forward. Poor decision.
The kick which he believed landed infield probably did - but was close and hard to be certain.
PG
As the week before last proved when the top 3 lost to the bottom 3, over 80 mins anything can happen and there are 45 points up for grabs.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
What's your problem Opti...........I see us winning 6 of those and picking up a couple of bonus points...........be a bit more positive man (some might say you are being realistic).
Although my glass might appear to you to be half full it is in fact overflowing and spilling all over the place.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Although my glass might appear to you to be half full it is in fact overflowing and spilling all over the place.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
When you've drunk a bucket of Cava it's all obvious......
To be honest on our day we could beat anybody......a realist might say you only have your day twice a season.....an Optimist (like you) might say you can "have your day" on another three days........hence six wins.
To be honest on our day we could beat anybody......a realist might say you only have your day twice a season.....an Optimist (like you) might say you can "have your day" on another three days........hence six wins.
We could beat almost any team, no doubt, but we regularly shoot ourselves in both feet by making countless errors & poor decisions. The Newcastle game was a good example. We constantly gave field position & opportunities away by spilt balls, poor kicks , daft penalties & lack of positive play. It was true that conditions were difficult & the referee made a few inexplicable decisions but we were so much worse than Newcastle in the first half I had little hope of a win. It was great that we did pull off a win with a more positive approach in the second half but we have a great deal of improving to do in our quest for consistency. The difficulties we face run through the squad as evidenced by yesterday’s cup defeat. It seems that bad habits that set in under the Hooper/Hatley regime are deep seated & are difficult to eradicate but I have faith that JvG will achieve it if ALL the coaches & players are on the same page.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:05:07:48:52 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:05:07:48:52 by Bath Hammer.
Quote:Optimist
Where are the ‘obvious’ wins BFJ?
Unless you are Sarries or Sale or Leicester at home, I don't think there is any such thing as an "obvious win"
Tbh not even the Falcons game at KO was an obvious win for me and certainly not if Hill and Attwood had failed to prevent Graham dotting the ball down
I think what BFJ means is that we now go to Glos, Saints and Quins with more confidence than in recent years where we travelled more in desperate hope
Sale away is the only game I'd bet on us not winning, the rest seem pretty winnable to me. We've been within a score of beating some of those teams in the first half of the season, some we now face with a home advantage (Bristol, Exeter, Saracens). Others are blowing hot and cold (Saints, Tigers, Quins).
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