In a thrilling encounter at the Recreation Ground on March 23, 2025, Bath Rugby secured a stunning victory over Gloucester Rugby, triumphing 42-26 in a match that showcased intense competition and remarkable individual performances. The West Country derby saw Bath maintain their position at the top of the Premiership table following a glorious win that confirmed their strong form after recently ending a 17-year trophy drought.
The match kicked off with a display of attacking rugby as Bath quickly established dominance. Guy Pepper opened the scoring just six minutes in, powering through the Gloucester defense for a try. This was followed by Max Ojomoh, who crossed the line after a brilliant set-up from his teammates, putting Bath ahead 14-0. Thomas du Toit extended the lead with another try at the 23-minute mark, demonstrating Bath’s attacking prowess. By the time Finn Russell scored the bonus-point try just before half-time, Bath had surged to a commanding 28-26 and seemed unstoppable.
Bath’s Finn Russell, recently returned from his Six Nations duties, not only scored one of the match's pivotal tries but also contributed significantly with six conversions, finishing the match with a personal tally of 17 points. His performances were praised by Bath coach Johann van Graan, who noted, “Finn was one of the best players on the pitch today,” acknowledging his critical role in Bath’s gameplay.
Despite Bath's impressive first-half scoring, Gloucester did not back down easily. The Cherry and Whites fought back with tries from Jack Clement, Tomos Williams, Seb Blake, and George Barton. Their determination and skill brought them within striking distance of Bath, setting the stage for an explosive second half. Captain Lewis Ludlow praised his team’s performance: “We showed real spirit, and it’s always tough against Bath.”
As the second half unfolded, Bath’s resilience was on full display. The home side weathered Gloucester's spirited attack and responded through Will Stuart and Sam Underhill, sealing their victory. Stuart’s try came after a powerful offensive push that saw Bath finally break through Gloucester’s rearguard. Underhill added further salt to the wound with another try, as Bath managed to keep Gloucester scorless in the second half.
The match statistics highlighted the competitive nature of the derby; Gloucester managed to score four tries but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities for converting them into points through penalties. Santi Carreras, who was impressive in his efforts to lead the Gloucester side, managed to convert three tries but struggled to keep pace with Bath’s scoring efficiency.
This contest not only reaffirmed Bath’s status as league leaders but also served as testament to their collective strength and determination. Coach van Graan emphasized their progression since securing the Premiership Rugby Cup just a week prior: “We haven’t played together as a group for eight weeks, but we stuck to our task,” he noted. “Our mindset was fantastic.”
Defensive errors and a persistent Bath side meant Gloucester was left wanting, as their attempts to rally back fell short in the closing minutes of the match. Christian Wade’s yellow card in the second half only compounded their struggles, diminishing their chances at a comeback.
Individual performances were crucial to the success of both sides in this fiery rivalry. For Bath, Guy Pepper earned the title of Player of the Match for his performance around the breakdown, while Finn Russell’s effortless tactical genius shone through. Gloucester's Jack Clement also received accolades for his high work rate, contributing both defensively and offensively.
This West Country derby not only provided fans with an exhilarating contest but was also a poignant reminder of the fierce rivalry between these two teams. Both sides left everything on the field, showcasing not just the need for skill and strategy, but also the unyielding spirit that defines rugby in the Premiership.
