Too many mistakes on the road in season opener
Cardiff Harlequins v Bath
Cotswolds D1
26th September 2025
Final Score Cardiff Harlequins 13:3 Bath
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Always a tricky fixture, Bath travelled to Cardiff with high hopes, an OK squad, still suffering from absentee players, and a depleted 10-man Cardiff squad.
The game didn’t pan out as Bath wished, too many simple handling errors and unwise decision making handed the ball and space to Cardiff, who are good enough to capitalise, which they did
Although Bath had chances, hit the keeper a couple of times, any loss of possession resulted in an efficient Cardiff fast break and a goal.
To give Bath credit, heads did not go down, and the team battled through, getting better as the game progressed, probably helped by some tired Cardiff legs towards the end of the game.
At the Face off, Bath struggled to come up with regular clean ball, often the Cardiff middies seemed a little hungrier for the ball giving extra possession.
So, what are the areas for Bath to work on?
In defence, better communication to enable good choice and timings of slides
In attack – spread the pitch to give more room and allow for confidence to grow with less pressure on the catchers
More patience, although behind, the feeling to rush to goal and take the half chance was very evident.
Bath are not far of being a good team, ironing out these small items will make a huge difference. All the elements are there, sound defenders, with a great shot stopping keeper and an offensive minded, capable midfield. In attack, age is a problem, which could do with some young legs, however there is a lot of game savvy which can be capitalised upon.
Good result for Cardiff, Bath in need of some work.
Quarter Scores
1st quarter Cardiff 2:0 Bath
2nd quarter Cardiff 5:1 Bath
Matthews
3rd quarter Cardiff 3:0 Bath
4th quarter Cardiff 3:2 Bath
Matthews, Wilmott
Final Score Cardiff 13:3 Bath
Scorers (assists)
Joel Matthews 2
Luke Wilmott 1
Mike Carey (1)
Referees
Cardiff Player
Marc Cork (Cardiff)