Bath
THE AMPTHILL MOB – PLANNING A SMASH AND GRAB AT THE REC?
By Devonport Boy
February 4 2025
Yes, of course they are and why not? When you’re sitting where Bath are at the moment, you’re bound to have a big target on your back in a competition like the Premiership Cup. Imagine what it would mean for the players as individuals and for the Ampthill team as a whole if they took down the Premiership leaders at their home ground. They’d be heroes all and would rightly dine out on it for years, turning a Nelsonian blind eye to the fact that with a few honourable exceptions, the Bath Premiership Cup squad bears little resemblance to the 23 usually selected for the Premiership.
And that brings me back to last Sunday’s game against Bedford Blues. In recent seasons as supporters we often rocked up at the Rec with a feeling of hope rather than expectation and with an uneasy feeling that on the day the game could go either way, even when playing teams from a lower division. The Jersey game in this competition before they sadly went to the wall is a relatively recent case in point. JvG has changed all that we we now look forward to our home games with a high degree of confidence. Some of the less than positive comments following last Sunday’s hard-fought game against a very spirited and useful Bedford team underline how the expectations have shifted.
I think even the most dedicated BB&W supporters would agree that the first 20 minutes or so of the second half were a difficult watch with some frustrating errors, including disallowed tries. Yes, we could have done better, but I suspect that Andy Robinson will feel that his mostly youthful development squad will benefit more from dogging out a hard win against a very good Championship side than having a relatively easy run in the sun. Well done to Bedford who definitely brought their “A” game and to their supporters who got right behind their team right from the kick off and really added to the occasion.
So, looking forward to the visit of Ampthill on Saturday. Ampthill are currently 10th in the Championship and come to the Rec on the back of a 14-74 loss to Bristol Bears at their Dillingham Park ground last weekend. We last played them on 2nd November and came away with a 0-73 win, so on paper there is every reason to expect a home win, but that in itself can put pressure on a young team. And with a final game against Bristol to come, we need 5 points from this game to ensure progression in this competition.
I don’t expect Andy Robinson to make many changes to his squad for this game. So far we’ve picked teams entirely within the spirit of the competition and that’s to be applauded. It looks very much as if Sam Harris won’t be available for a while and you have to feel for him. He looked absolutely devastated when he had to go off against Bedford. He’s a special young talent and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Andy Robinson will doubtless address some of the issues from Sunday during this week. He’ll know that we need the points and also as big a score as we can achieve, but I’m sure he will want his squad to stick to their game plan, which looked good when it clicked on Sunday, and not to make mistakes by trying too hard. Of course Ampthill will come with every intention of pulling off a surprise, but we should have enough to prevent the “smash and grab” and I’m banking on the 5 point win and a useful addition to our points scored tally.
Last but not least, a word to the travelling Ampthill supporters. You’re very welcome at the Rec and we look forward to meeting you.
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Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 04/02/2025 13:32
04/02/2025 13:32
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:11:16:42:11 by CoochieCoo.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:11:16:42:11 by CoochieCoo.
I think the gameplan last Sunday was to keep a fast tempo and move the ball away from Bedford's pack. That worked well for 20 minutes, brining a healthy lead. Bedford then threatened to upset the apple cart with heavy driving and mauling work up front and direct running at 12, thus making the game closer than seemed likely at halftime.
I do not expect Ampthill to have the same level of forward fire power so Bath can profit by playing a wide and expansive game.
PG
I do not expect Ampthill to have the same level of forward fire power so Bath can profit by playing a wide and expansive game.
PG
I'm looking forward to it........much more than watching England!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I'm looking forward to it........much more than watching England!
Hear, hear. Also the Under 20's a more attractive watch than their Seniors.
HJ, I’m afraid not. One of the Friday night games is on TNT but none of the Saturday games seem to be covered. Too busy with the 6N I guess.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:05:17:26:34 by Devonport Lad.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:05:17:26:34 by Devonport Lad.
It will be interesting to see the reaction by some of the second string players who have seen the influx of new signings. It’s great to have strong competition. For example. With St C joining from the pig farmers who is not only a good full back, and some may argue an equally good 10 how Orlando responds.. just a thought as not everyone will be staying at the club!!!
Is that what everyone does in Glos? Cos every Bath fan is a hedge fund manager, financial adviser or architect no doubt...
I thought we were dubbed “wax jacket wearing lecturers” by the Shed , Tom?
PG
PG
I'd happily be considered one of those! There's a certain stereotyping that goes on against Bath fans that annoys me having lived in Twerton for 20 years. But it works both ways of course... I guess it's whether the stereotyping is good-humoured or not.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I'm looking forward to it........much more than watching England!
+1 on looking forward to it. Scotland v Ireland next day BFJ!
Susanne
As a diehard England supporter I now look out the timing of Scotland v whoever before I check England's fixture........has something to do with one F Russell!!!
As a diehard England supporter I now look out the timing of Scotland v whoever before I check England's fixture........has something to do with one F Russell!!!
Team's up
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Jasper Spandler, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Harvey Cuckson, 5 Ewan Richards ©, 6 Jack Bennett, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Aurthur Green, 9 Neil le Roux, 10 Orlando Bailey, 11 Louie Hennessey, 12 Will Butt, 13 Cameron Redpath, 14 Austin Emens, 15 Ciaran Donoghue
Replacements: 16 John Stewart, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Archie Stanley, 19 Mackenzie Graham, 20 Tom Cowan, 21 Ieuan Davies, 22 Will Parry, 23 Tyler Offiah
Great to see Cam back
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Jasper Spandler, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Harvey Cuckson, 5 Ewan Richards ©, 6 Jack Bennett, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Aurthur Green, 9 Neil le Roux, 10 Orlando Bailey, 11 Louie Hennessey, 12 Will Butt, 13 Cameron Redpath, 14 Austin Emens, 15 Ciaran Donoghue
Replacements: 16 John Stewart, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Archie Stanley, 19 Mackenzie Graham, 20 Tom Cowan, 21 Ieuan Davies, 22 Will Parry, 23 Tyler Offiah
Great to see Cam back
Good the see Cam fit. Really good 10, 12 , 13 in particular. COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Hennessey to wing, with Butt at centre seems... the wrong way round.
Good to see Cam back and fit.
Presumably SH selection is pure rotation, give Neil a start, and Ieuan a fist (?) run out
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Good to see Cam back and fit.
Presumably SH selection is pure rotation, give Neil a start, and Ieuan a fist (?) run out
RAEBURN SHIELD
I like Jack Bennett at 6 and Aurthur Green at 8, Louie Hennessey gets a game on the wing pushing Tyler Offiah to the bench. Again keep an eye out for Will Parry. Should score a few tries with those backs.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Really liked Green last week. I suspect we'll see a stronger team next week.
Is TCS injured or just getting a week off?
Is TCS injured or just getting a week off?
Quote:TomReagan
Roko scored in a Doncaster win v Sale.
And he's only 37 - Peter Stringer territory
Roko’s try was an intercept from oppo’s 22! He’s looking a little more ‘’built for comfort and not for speed’, but made my evening watching him romping in! Legend
So with Bedford's result against Bristol, any form of win for us tomorrow wraps up top of the group, and Bristol's interest in the competition may have faded knowing that they're likely to face a tough pathway if they make it through to the knock out round as one of the 3 best runners up. Could easily see them fielding a scratch side in the final group match.
We'll see but I suspect not, regardless of Briz's prospects of qualifying. Lam said he wanted meaningful games in the build up to the Prem games and put a very strong side out v Ampthill to improve their points difference. I think he'd like to qualify if at all possible but if not wants to get the team clicking again for the run-in. We'll know after the remaining games this weekend but regardless of what's at stake I trust that we just play the same largely development side.
Good to see bennett get another run.
Imagine we are v keen to go all the way.
Win some silverware and get more game time for the squad.
Is there a qf/semi/ final over end of Feb and start of March during 6 nations?
I can see us largely sticking with the fringe/ academy guys plus injury returnees like cam this weekend. Personally think that's the right thing to do unless jvg thinks some frontlinr players really need games to tick along- get the impression they like to keep games in barbearys legs.
Imagine we are v keen to go all the way.
Win some silverware and get more game time for the squad.
Is there a qf/semi/ final over end of Feb and start of March during 6 nations?
I can see us largely sticking with the fringe/ academy guys plus injury returnees like cam this weekend. Personally think that's the right thing to do unless jvg thinks some frontlinr players really need games to tick along- get the impression they like to keep games in barbearys legs.
What a result for Bedford. When I saw the teams I didn't give them much hope but they obviously played very well again. Good team.
Fair few first-teamers in that Bristol line-up. Can't imagine Lam was too happy with that.
Fair few first-teamers in that Bristol line-up. Can't imagine Lam was too happy with that.
Quote:Barfboy
What a result for Bedford. When I saw the teams I didn't give them much hope but they obviously played very well again. Good team.
Fair few first-teamers in that Bristol line-up. Can't imagine Lam was too happy with that.
It sort of uprates our performances again against Bedford, they are a decent side and have a depth to their squad as well.
I do hope we don't play anywhere near full strength team in the competition going forward.
The core of the team played so far have earned the right to go as far as they can.
The core of the team played so far have earned the right to go as far as they can.
Quote:OutsideBath
I do hope we don't play anywhere near full strength team in the competition going forward.
The core of the team played so far have earned the right to go as far as they can.
Agreed, the team selected so far has done well so to use them as 'place markers' in the completion so that senior players are selected for the big games would be wrong.
However I could see a few senior players used to cover gaps. I'm not sure that its JvG's style to do that anyway.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:OutsideBath
I do hope we don't play anywhere near full strength team in the competition going forward.
The core of the team played so far have earned the right to go as far as they can.
Agreed, the team selected so far has done well so to use them as 'place markers' in the completion so that senior players are selected for the big games would be wrong.
However I could see a few senior players used to cover gaps. I'm not sure that its JvG's style to do that anyway.
Being greedy, I'd love to win this comp. But totally agree it'd be wrong to start playing stronger teams in the latter rounds.
If other teams want to do it then that's their prerogative, but you know JvG won't even entertain that idea.
I don't mind whether we play similar or slightly stronger teams moving forward, it's just enjoyable watching the players develop..
However, if you want a little fun on a cold damp morning, pop over to the Bristol page and read their pain after meeting with Bedford!
However, if you want a little fun on a cold damp morning, pop over to the Bristol page and read their pain after meeting with Bedford!
Can you start playing a stronger team if you haven't blooked them in the early rounds? So, unless we go full strength against Bris, we have a fixed squad. I'm enjoying seeing us do well while still playing within the spirit of the competition.
26-7
HT
Tries for Hennessey, Green, Sandler and Richards
Try for Wilson Ijeh
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:08:14:17:56 by Which Tyler.
HT
Tries for Hennessey, Green, Sandler and Richards
Try for Wilson Ijeh
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:08:14:17:56 by Which Tyler.
33-7
50 min
Green with the 5th. Donoghue taking that conversion rather than Bailey
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
50 min
Green with the 5th. Donoghue taking that conversion rather than Bailey
RAEBURN SHIELD
Tom Cowan comes on, almost immediately yellow carded (no idea why)
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
RAEBURN SHIELD
Tyler Offiah gets a try 45-7
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Try for Kirk at the death
Bath 50-7 Ampthill
FT
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Bath 50-7 Ampthill
FT
RAEBURN SHIELD
At the start looked like we’d be running up a cricket score, but some pretty ordinary handling and way too many penalties meant we ended up relying on lineout-mauls to crack the nut. Ampthill’s fitness just about held out. Thought their 9-10 did a decent job. Green, Richards the only obvious, consistent stand-outs for us. Others had their moments, but also had their ‘moments’.
I think Tom Cowan may have been unlucky with the yellow card. From what I could see, he and the Ampthill 14 were running at each other down the touchline to compete for the ball. At the last minute the Ampthill player pulled out and didn’t go for the ball. TC was moving at pace, couldn’t pull out and mullered him. The Ampthill player was hurt and had to go off. I think the Ref decided it was foul play because the Ampthill player didn’t have the ball at point of impact. The Ampthill supporters beside me were disgusted with their player for not competing and felt that TC was hard done by.
Just my view - I may have got it wrong…
Just my view - I may have got it wrong…
Quote:Devonport Lad
I think Tom Cowan may have been unlucky with the yellow card. From what I could see, he and the Ampthill 14 were running at each other down the touchline to compete for the ball. At the last minute the Ampthill player pulled out and didn’t go for the ball. TC was moving at pace, couldn’t pull out and mullered him. The Ampthill player was hurt and had to go off. I think the Ref decided it was foul play because the Ampthill player didn’t have the ball at point of impact. The Ampthill supporters beside me were disgusted with their player for not competing and felt that TC was hard done by.
Just my view - I may have got it wrong…
I watched that incident unfold but I couldn’t tell exactly what happened or who, if anyone, was to blame, as it happened so quickly. My first thought was that it was a 50/50 incident and both players crashed into each other, but I couldn’t say with any certainty. The ref probably made the right call in the circumstance. It didn’t change the outcome anyway.
Horatio Nelson
Quote:Devonport Lad
I think Tom Cowan may have been unlucky with the yellow card. From what I could see, he and the Ampthill 14 were running at each other down the touchline to compete for the ball. At the last minute the Ampthill player pulled out and didn’t go for the ball. TC was moving at pace, couldn’t pull out and mullered him. The Ampthill player was hurt and had to go off. I think the Ref decided it was foul play because the Ampthill player didn’t have the ball at point of impact. The Ampthill supporters beside me were disgusted with their player for not competing and felt that TC was hard done by.
Just my view - I may have got it wrong…
Listening on reflink, that sounded more like a decision of the touch judge. That touch judge was coaching the Ref quite a lot. I think we might have had a different decision if they'd had replays - as it was it took a long discussion to identify the responsible Bath player!
Really hope ewan richards can captain us to this silverware.
Such a good player and class bloke. Last one to leave the changing rooms having swept them clean.
This tournament offers him game time and leadership experience so fingers crossed we go deep
Such a good player and class bloke. Last one to leave the changing rooms having swept them clean.
This tournament offers him game time and leadership experience so fingers crossed we go deep
Quote:Charlieboa1
Really hope ewan richards can captain us to this silverware.
Such a good player and class bloke. Last one to leave the changing rooms having swept them clean.
This tournament offers him game time and leadership experience so fingers crossed we go deep
Yes I know he is young (23 in April) but IMO it feels like quite a key year for him / good opportunity. If he were to turn 24 next season still being a fringe squad player there would be some tough choices to be made?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Charlieboa1
Really hope ewan richards can captain us to this silverware.
Such a good player and class bloke. Last one to leave the changing rooms having swept them clean.
This tournament offers him game time and leadership experience so fingers crossed we go deep
Yes I know he is young (23 in April) but IMO it feels like quite a key year for him / good opportunity. If he were to turn 24 next season still being a fringe squad player there would be some tough choices to be made?
Agree matt and probably tough choices for him rather than the club as sure jvg and team would love to keep him.
Ted hill got picked at lock ahead of him? Feels a bit of a kick in the teeth. He was doing a job in the prem aged 19.
I think he is a 6 personally but how the hell do you get game time there in our squad.
I wonder if a few backrowers we aren't expecting to leave actually end up elsewhere this summer or next summer.
Quote:Charlieboa1
I think he is a 6 personally but how the hell do you get game time there in our squad.
I wonder if a few backrowers we aren't expecting to leave actually end up elsewhere this summer or next summer.
Yes, it's a real thought isn't it. I sort of wonder if this season is one targeted for success or failure, irrespective of the outcome could JvG be looking for a reset? Particularly with Timmins emerging as well in the same position.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:02:09:11:21:30 by shipwrecked.
How did Jack Bennett get on yest?
Thought he had a v good cameo off the bench against Bedford and he sounded fairly prominent in the radio commentary.
Another back 5 forward into the huge log jam!
Thought he had a v good cameo off the bench against Bedford and he sounded fairly prominent in the radio commentary.
Another back 5 forward into the huge log jam!
Quote:Charlieboa1
How did Jack Bennett get on yest?
Thought he had a v good cameo off the bench against Bedford and he sounded fairly prominent in the radio commentary.
Another back 5 forward into the huge log jam!
Not so much of a log jam for Bennett, Timmins etc who are all still 19 (or 20) I think? Expect they have 2 or 3 years to force themselves into the picture, albeit recognise that Pepper isn't much older.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Bennett 20 and timmins 20 in April.
Take your point that's a bit young to be forcing the issue in next few years but we don't have any backrowers in their 30s.
Hill, underhill, barbeary, bayliss, reid, coetzee, pepper, richards, staddon all in their 20s.
Take your point that's a bit young to be forcing the issue in next few years but we don't have any backrowers in their 30s.
Hill, underhill, barbeary, bayliss, reid, coetzee, pepper, richards, staddon all in their 20s.
Quote:Charlieboa1
Bennett 20 and timmins 20 in April.
Take your point that's a bit young to be forcing the issue in next few years but we don't have any backrowers in their 30s.
Hill, underhill, barbeary, bayliss, reid, coetzee, pepper, richards, staddon all in their 20s.
Yes but Jaco Coetzee 29 in June, Sam U 29 in July, great opportunity for these kids to take up the slack as they start to wind down over the next 2 - 3 years. Great succession planning IMO.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I wouldn't be surprised if coetzee and/or sam end up in france or Japan on next few years.
If that happens and richards/ staddon are happy to wait a bit longer then happy days.
Then timmins, bennett, treacey, green etc move up the pecking order.
If that happens and richards/ staddon are happy to wait a bit longer then happy days.
Then timmins, bennett, treacey, green etc move up the pecking order.
Seems like a really good succession line going in the backrow. Comfortably see everyone in this backrow perform to the level they are now if not better over the next 3/4 years.
For me it’s only a matter of time before one of them goes. And I would think Bayliss, who probably has the best shot of being in a regular international 23 that isn’t currently.
Massive fan of Timmins who was absolutely excellent for England. Whilst being in a backrow with Kane James and Henry Pollock. Both of whom are massively rated and see everywhere on socials.
For me it’s only a matter of time before one of them goes. And I would think Bayliss, who probably has the best shot of being in a regular international 23 that isn’t currently.
Massive fan of Timmins who was absolutely excellent for England. Whilst being in a backrow with Kane James and Henry Pollock. Both of whom are massively rated and see everywhere on socials.
I've only just seen Kane James but it does seem he is a good fit for No8, very industrious, I was surprised by how bulky Timmins is yet still gets about a lot.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
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