Bath v Bristol Bombers
15th March 2025
Cotswolds Div 1
Final Score Bath 4:5 Bristol
Captain Mike Carey must have thought it was going to be a bad day, when it turned out the pitch wasn’t booked for the game. But a bit of negotiation and a bag of flour made the Rugby pitch look distantly like a lacrosse pitch for the day.
The pace of the game was dictated by the face off, Sam Kettle doing great work on stopping any fast break advantage and coming up with a lot of ground ball in the second phase, Bath need to more confident on their ability on the wings, taking a conceded stance at most face offs.
Both teams had chances in the first quarter, which was scrappy by any standard, shots tended to be from outside and at difficult angles, testament to the D poles who managed their defensive duties well. In goal Will Tilson is a constant reliable keeper and pulled off some impressive saves. Bristol however converted one of their few shots to go into the quarter break a goal up.
The second quarter saw little difference, both teams reduced to outside shots in the main until Bath converted a fast break through Roberts and late on a solo effort from Griffiths, driving from behind goal. At the other end Bristol moved the ball well in periods, converting with an outside shot and a scrappy ground ball goal, to make the quarter all even and give the visitors a single goal lead at the half.
The third quarter saw Bath manage to put some shape into the attack, moving the ball a little better, with long and effective cuts by the midfield, one of which resulted in a good feed to Zeph on the move in front of goal to add to a solo effort from Matthews. Bath’s best period, and two goals to nil a decent return against a competitive Bristol outfit.
For some reason Bath began to rush the fourth quarter, although getting opportunities in front of goal, the shots were weak or badly placed/selected, Had these been converted the home team would have been out of sight, but Bristol, through Ex Bath player Lane equalised with a top corner rocket, and stole the game at the end with an uncontested run through the Bath defence.
This season has seen Bath short of numbers, yet still competitive, with 4th quarters dominated by tired legs, leading to poor decision making. If the players available to Bath turned out regularly the results would be different.
Flags on the Horizon, there’s always a chance
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Quarter Scores
1st quarter Bath 0:1 Bristol
2nd quarter Bath 2:2 Bristol
Roberts, Griffiths
3rd quarter Bath 2:0 Bristol
Matthews, Zeph
4th quarter Bath 0:2 Bristol
Finals Score Bath 4:5 Bristol
Scorers (Assists)
Roberts 1
Griffiths 1
Matthews 1 (1)
Zeph 1
Piva (1)
Referees
Luke Pery (Bath Uni)
Issy Sankey (Bath Uni)
Photos
Becca Piva