In a thrilling encounter at Sandy Park, Bath Rugby continued their impressive run in the Gallagher Premiership, defeating Exeter Chiefs 26-10 on April 19, 2025. The match marked Round 14 of the 2024/25 season and saw Bath, who currently lead the Premiership, showcase their attacking prowess against a struggling Exeter side.
Bath came into the match riding high after a dominant performance in the European Rugby Challenge Cup, where they triumphed 61-26 over Gloucester just a week prior. The Blue, Black and White were eager to maintain their momentum and solidify their position at the top of the league. Exeter, on the other hand, had been knocked out of Europe and were looking to bounce back from a narrow 17-15 victory over Newcastle Falcons in their last league outing.
The teams took to the field with a palpable sense of anticipation, and it was Exeter who struck first. Henry Slade opened the scoring with a penalty goal, putting the Chiefs ahead 3-0 early in the game. However, Bath quickly responded, demonstrating their attacking capabilities. A powerful maul saw Niall Annett score Bath's first try, although Finn Russell's conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-3 in favor of Bath.
As the first half progressed, Bath's attacking rhythm became increasingly evident. Josh Bayliss added another try for the visitors after a slick offload from his teammates, showcasing Bath's speed and agility. Finn Russell converted, extending Bath's lead to 12-3. The Bath captain was instrumental throughout the match, not only scoring points but also orchestrating the play with precision.
One of the standout moments of the first half came when Will Muir, showcasing his speed, finished off a well-executed move to score Bath's third try. Russell’s conversion further widened the gap, pushing the score to 19-3. Exeter struggled to contain Bath's dynamic attack, and their frustrations were compounded when Dafydd Jenkins received a yellow card for a penalty try awarded to Bath, bringing the halftime score to 26-10 in favor of the visitors.
Despite the challenging first half, Exeter Chiefs showed resilience as they returned to the pitch for the second half. They managed to score a try through Jack Yeandle, who powered over the line after a series of forward drives. Slade added the conversion, narrowing the score to 26-10. However, Bath’s defense held firm, denying Exeter any further scoring opportunities.
Throughout the match, Bath’s defense was a critical component of their strategy, effectively stifling Exeter's attacking efforts. The Chiefs, known for their high kicking game, struggled to find their rhythm against Bath's organized defensive line. Exeter's Greg Fisilau made an impressive 24 carries, the most in Round 13, but the Chiefs could not convert their possession into points.
Bath's performance was characterized by their ability to adapt and execute under pressure. Tom de Glanville, who made the most carry meters (139) and assisted in three tries in their previous match, continued to be a pivotal player for Bath, consistently breaking through Exeter's defensive lines. Finn Russell, with his league-leading assist tally of 24 clean breaks this season, was also a key figure, contributing significantly to Bath's attacking play.
The match was not only significant for the teams involved but also for the spectators, including British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, who was present to scout talent for the upcoming international fixtures. With the Gallagher Premiership heating up, every match is crucial as teams vie for playoff positions.
As the final whistle blew, Bath Rugby celebrated a well-deserved victory, further solidifying their position at the top of the league. For Exeter Chiefs, the loss was a stark reminder of their struggles this season, but they will look to regroup and find their form in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, Bath’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with their formidable attacking style, presents them as strong contenders for the Premiership title. Meanwhile, Exeter will need to address their defensive frailties and find consistency if they hope to climb the league table.
With the Gallagher Premiership entering a critical phase, fans can expect more thrilling rugby action as teams battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
