Bath 42-26 Gloucester: Bath storm to victory in West Country derby to extend lead at the top
03/24/2025 06:09 AM
After ending their 17-year trophy drought with a win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend to claim the Premiership Rugby Cup, Bath returned to The Rec and claimed the spoils in the West Country derby, remaining top of the league.
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On their return to The Rec, tries from Guy Pepper, Max Ojomoh, Thomas du Toit, and Finn Russell secured the hosts a bonus point inside the opening 40 minutes. This was followed by scores from replacements Will Stuart and Sam Underhill as Bath recorded a hard-fought victory to move six points clear at the top of the Premiership table.
Bath Rugby: 42
Tries: Guy Pepper (6'), Max Ojomoh (17'), Thomas du Toit (23'), Finn Russell (36'), Will Stuart (61'), Sam Underhill (72')
Conversions: Finn Russell (6', 18', 24', 36', 62', 72')
Penalties: Finn Russell
Gloucester Rugby: 26
Tries: Jack Clement (9'), Tomos Williams (30'), Seb Blake (31'), George Barton (40+1')
Conversions: Santi Carreras (10', 32', 40+2')
Penalties: None
Yellow Cards: Christian Wade (52')
Bath Player Ratings:
15. Tom de Glanville – 5
The 25-year-old didn't impact the contest much, apart from the odd carry or hit in defence, resulting in a low score.
14. Ruaridh McConnochie – 6
Despite a quieter performance, he was still solid in defence and attack, making some big hits and carries.
13. Max Ojomoh – 7
After coming on in the first half for Cokanasiga last weekend in the Prem Cup final, the 24-year-old was excellent in defence early in this contest. His strong showing paid off as he crossed the whitewash after running a brilliant line.
12. Cameron Redpath – 7
Worked fantastically with his counterpart in the centre, causing all sorts of problems for the Cherry and Whites, with Redpath being strong in attack.
11. Will Muir – 7
It was his first outing in 11 weeks, and his work rate was impressive. This was highlighted by his charge down of Santi Carreras's conversion, which was key in maintaining a two-point gap at half-time.
10. Finn Russell – 8
After a disappointing Six Nations with Scotland, Russell returned to his club side with a bang. He steered the attack with quick hands, which was evident in Ojomoh's try. His quick thinking secured a bonus point in the opening 40 minutes, and he kicked a brilliant 50-22 that led to another try.
9. Ben Spencer – 7
The Bath captain marshalled operations around the breakdown exceptionally well, keeping the hosts' tempo high. He was replaced by Louis Schreuder late in the second half.
1. Beno Obano – 6
Scrummaged brilliantly during his hour on the field, where he had a great battle with Afo Fasogbon. He was also effective in attack, using his strength to gain metres.
2. Tom Dunn – 7
Solid at lineout time with his arrows firing, which was vital as Bath opted to kick to the corner after each penalty. He left to a standing ovation as Niall Annett replaced him after Bath's fifth try.
3. Thomas du Toit – 7
Arguably one of the best tightheads in the world, du Toit was a great asset in the scrum and as a primary ball carrier. He crossed for his fourth Premiership try of the season just after the first quarter but was replaced at halftime by Will Stuart.
4. Quinn Roux – 5
Went off before the hour mark and didn't make any notable errors. A solid showing but nothing eye-catching.
5. Charlie Ewels – 5.5
Ewels did much of the unseen work in the encounter and made his 164th appearance for Bath. Like Roux, he did enough to help his side hold off Gloucester.
6. Josh Bayliss – 6
With his back-row counterparts taking the headlines, Bayliss's work was perhaps overlooked. Overall, it was an impressive showing.
7. Guy Pepper – 8
Pepper was outstanding around the breakdown, securing a significant turnover. He showed his strength to score after six minutes, claiming the opening points of the afternoon. Deservedly awarded the player of the match.
8. Alfie Barbeary – 7
One of Bath's primary ball carriers, he worked extremely hard to get over the gain line. However, he was let down by a poor decision when he kicked the ball dead in the first half with 30 seconds left, which allowed Gloucester to score and secure a bonus point.
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