It’s a super Sunday for Bath as they hold on for a tense win at the Madejski

Bath held on at the Madejski stadium to clinch a nerve racking victory against bottom of the league London Irish this afternoon. Bath’s last Aviva premiership game against Gloucester ended in last gasp disappointment but digging deep on their try line they withheld the flurry of attacks from Irish and took back to the Rec four very important points. 

 

Having traded exchanges only a few weeks ago in the Anglo Welsh, Bath would have known what to expect from a London Irish team desperate to pick up some points being at the foot of the table. A game of back and forth, duelling, tussling, resetting scrums, a lack of finesse and class made this, one to forget for the supporters and they will be looking forward to the next match.

 

The blue, black and white always seemed to be in control of the game but couldn’t stretch their lead enough to be comfortable, and a stubborn Irish team kept Bath within their sights as they showed flashes of magic especially from wing Joe Rokanasiga who impressed throughout the game. 

 

It was another kicking masterclass from Freddie Burns as he kicked some immense long range and difficult angled kicks with ease and has shown already what a brilliant signing he is going to be! The defensive shift from the whole Bath team was mammoth and will give them great confidence going into the busy festive period.

 

Going into the last ten minutes winning 11-22 it seemed a formality that Bath would be able to see out the game with relative ease, but the premiership again shows why it is one of the most competitive leagues in world rugby as Irish stormed back, and within the last few minutes were only inches away from pulling off a stunning comeback as the game ended 18-22. 

 

Battered and bruised Bath are now three out of three in November, can they top off a successful unbeaten November when they take on Harlequins at the Rec next Saturday lunchtime. You can get your tickets here.