Bath secured a thrilling 30-26 win over Gloucester in their west country derby, with Finn Russell's late penalties securing a crucial four points for the Cherry and Whites. The victory propelled Bath to the top of the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's matches.
Gloucester, despite being the underdogs coming into the match, showed impressive resilience and determination as they battled against reigning champions Bath. However, it was Russell's two penalties in the final minutes that ultimately sealed the deal for Bath, who scored four tries to Gloucester's three.
Russell's performance was a crucial factor in securing the win for Bath. The fly-half scored 15 points, including two late penalties, and also kicked two conversions to keep his team ahead throughout the match. His late surge kept Bath at the top of the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's matches.
For Gloucester, despite their efforts, they were unable to hold onto their lead as Russell's late penalties and kicks from the tee saw Bath take the spoils. The loss marked Gloucester's ninth league defeat this season, while Bath's win marked a significant turn in the team's fortunes.
Director of rugby George Skivington was proud of his team's effort, saying "I'm really proud... we've been frustrated and angry and disappointed so far this year but we talked before the game about just show what we're about and showing the supporters how much we care."
Johann van Graan, head coach of Bath, expressed pride in his players, who dominated the final 20 minutes to secure the win. "Five points away from home after the block we've had, I'm very proud of them."
The match was closely contested throughout, with both teams creating opportunities for each other's defenses. In the end, it was Russell's late surge that secured the victory for Bath, making him the star man in a thrilling derby contest.
Gloucester:
- Barton
- Hathaway, Edwards-Giraud, S. Atkinson, Thorley
- C. Atkinson, Williams (c)
- Rapava Ruskin, Crane, Fasogbon
- Gwynne, Alemanno, Venter, Ludlow, Trenholm
Bath:
- Carreras
- Hennessey, Harris, Ojomoh, Muir
- Russell, Spencer (c)
- Van Wyk, Frost, Griffin, Hill, Roux, Bayliss, Staddon, Green
Gloucester, despite being the underdogs coming into the match, showed impressive resilience and determination as they battled against reigning champions Bath. However, it was Russell's two penalties in the final minutes that ultimately sealed the deal for Bath, who scored four tries to Gloucester's three.
Russell's performance was a crucial factor in securing the win for Bath. The fly-half scored 15 points, including two late penalties, and also kicked two conversions to keep his team ahead throughout the match. His late surge kept Bath at the top of the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's matches.
For Gloucester, despite their efforts, they were unable to hold onto their lead as Russell's late penalties and kicks from the tee saw Bath take the spoils. The loss marked Gloucester's ninth league defeat this season, while Bath's win marked a significant turn in the team's fortunes.
Director of rugby George Skivington was proud of his team's effort, saying "I'm really proud... we've been frustrated and angry and disappointed so far this year but we talked before the game about just show what we're about and showing the supporters how much we care."
Johann van Graan, head coach of Bath, expressed pride in his players, who dominated the final 20 minutes to secure the win. "Five points away from home after the block we've had, I'm very proud of them."
The match was closely contested throughout, with both teams creating opportunities for each other's defenses. In the end, it was Russell's late surge that secured the victory for Bath, making him the star man in a thrilling derby contest.
Gloucester:
- Barton
- Hathaway, Edwards-Giraud, S. Atkinson, Thorley
- C. Atkinson, Williams (c)
- Rapava Ruskin, Crane, Fasogbon
- Gwynne, Alemanno, Venter, Ludlow, Trenholm
Bath:
- Carreras
- Hennessey, Harris, Ojomoh, Muir
- Russell, Spencer (c)
- Van Wyk, Frost, Griffin, Hill, Roux, Bayliss, Staddon, Green
bath really showed up gloucester at the end. finn russell's penalties were like a superpower 
, i'm not surprised he was the man of the match 
but seriously guys, how did they manage to lose 9 league games this season? 
george skivington and johnny van graan are so proud of their teams, that's adorable 
i mean can you blame them tho, it's a derby win! 
barts just took over the top spot ahead of the weekend, good luck to gloucester next time 
u guys are always going back and forth, it's like u have that rivalries thing goin on... anywayz russia just dropped a new single and i'm kinda obsessed lol what do u think of finn russell tho? he's like a legend or wut?
. finn russell is a genius on the pitch, 15 points in the last minute is insane 
his penalties were like the game winners or something. 
also gotta give props to george skivington, he's doing a great job at gloucester, keeping them competitive even when things aren't going their way.
, scoring 15 points and keeping his team ahead throughout the match. for bather to be able to take the lead with just minutes left on the clock is super impressive. 
they definitely gave bath a run for their money and showed some serious resilience in the face of adversity. it's not like they were getting blown out or anything. russell's late surge really was the difference maker here, but you can't take away gloucester's efforts from today.
Still, Gloucester gave it their all and showed some great resilience. Skivington's words about not being frustrated or angry are so true, teams need to stay calm under pressure 
. Johann van Graan's team talk must've worked, because they came out strong in the final 20 minutes 
.
just when i thought gloucester was done for they gave bath a run for their money but russell's 2 late penalties sealed the deal for bath 
bath is looking strong atm and we'll have to wait and see how they do against other teams
his two late penalties were the difference maker for sure. i feel bad for gloucester tho, nine league defeats this season is no joke 
but at least they can hold their heads up high knowing they gave it their all and went down fighting 
️
. Can't wait to see what the rest of the league has in store for us! 
️ i'm not buying this "they just showed resilience and determination" narrative from gloucester's coach just yet... need some more info on those nine league defeats they've had this year 
he's such a legend now 15 points from him is insane. anyway, bath got that crucial win which puts them at the top of the table and i'm low-key excited for gloucester too tho they showed so much heart and resilience, gotta give 'em props for that 
️. It will be interesting to see how Gloucester regroup and respond to this setback 
.
I'm literally still reeling from the drama 
. What's up wit these teams not bein able ta create nothin of their own jus relyin on that one guy? 
. Gloucester put up a great fight though, I love how determined they were despite being the underdogs. Skivington's post-match comments were so inspiring too - it's clear his team is hungry for wins