Bath Rugby showcased their resilience and skill in a thrilling Gallagher Premiership clash, edging out Exeter Chiefs with a narrow 26-24 victory at Sandy Park on April 19, 2025. This win marks Bath's 12th triumph of the season, solidifying their position at the top of the league table and bringing them closer to a semi-final spot in June.
The match began with a flurry of action as Exeter struck first, courtesy of Jack Yeandle's try, following an early penalty from Henry Slade. However, Bath quickly responded with a penalty try awarded after Ben Spencer's deft maneuvering led to a defensive error from Exeter's Dafydd Jenkins, who was subsequently shown a yellow card. Niall Annett then pushed Bath ahead with a try from a well-executed maul, and Josh Bayliss added another after some slick interplay with Finn Russell and Tom de Glanville.
Will Muir, who had been in impressive form, capped off Bath's first-half dominance with a try, bringing the visitors to a commanding 26-10 lead by the 29th minute. Yet, the second half would prove to be a different story. Exeter, spurred on by their home crowd, came out with renewed vigor, and Paul Brown-Bampoe scored two quick tries, narrowing the gap to just two points.
Despite the momentum swinging in Exeter's favor, Bath's defense held firm, particularly in the closing stages of the match where they managed to secure a crucial penalty that allowed them to run down the clock. Bath Head Coach Johann van Graan praised his team's toughness, stating, "A really good game of rugby, two sides going at each other - they went up 3-0, we replied, they replied, then we hit a purple patch. I'm really proud of the group, we're tough to beat." He acknowledged the challenge posed by Exeter, especially after they fought back in the second half.
Exeter head coach Rob Hunter expressed his disappointment at not securing a win, saying, "It was one of those games that I don't know how to feel about. We let the momentum slip away from us in the first half but we wrestled it back. To come back from that scoreline at half-time and finish the game that strongly, I'm just super proud of the guys." The Chiefs, currently sitting in ninth place, demonstrated their potential to compete fiercely, despite their lower standing in the league.
The match highlighted a significant turnaround for Bath, who were languishing at the bottom of the table just three years ago. The 71-point swing in fortunes since the 2021/22 season illustrates the strides Bath has made under the guidance of van Graan, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the Premiership title.
Bath's victory was not without its challenges, as injuries to key players like Muir and Max Ojomoh in the second half disrupted their rhythm. Muir's absence was particularly felt as he had been instrumental in Bath's attacking play. The team had to rely on their depth and resilience to close out the match, with substitutes stepping up to maintain their lead despite the pressure from Exeter.
Finn Russell's performance drew attention, especially with Lions coach Andy Farrell in attendance. While Russell started the match brightly, his inability to guide Bath to a more comfortable victory raised questions about his consistency. Despite some brilliant passes and a pivotal role in Bath's scoring, his second-half performance left room for improvement.
Exeter's strong finish, led by Brown-Bampoe's two tries, showcased their tenacity and ability to capitalize on Bath's mistakes. However, they were unable to convert their late-game pressure into a winning score, leaving them to settle for a losing bonus point.
The match also marked the first Premiership appearance for Arthur Green, who impressed with his dynamic play and strong carries. His performance adds to Bath's promising future as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors.
As the season progresses, Bath's focus will be on maintaining their form and securing their place in the playoffs. With a 15-point lead at the top of the table, they are well on their way to hosting a semi-final, but the coaching staff and players know that consistency will be key in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Bath's victory over Exeter not only reinforces their status as Premiership leaders but also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the league. As teams vie for playoff positions, each match becomes crucial, and Bath will need to continue their strong performances to achieve their goals.
