Bath overwhelm Harlequins in seven-try masterclass at The Rec

Bath Rugby delivered an emphatic statement in their Gallagher Premiership campaign with a commanding 47-28 victory over Harlequins at The Recreation Ground.

Running in seven tries and led by a masterclass from fly-half Finn Russell, Bath thrilled the packed home crowd with one of their most complete performances of the season.

Bath wasted no time seizing control. In just the 4th minute, winger Joe Cokanasiga powered over in the corner after slick hands across the backline. Finn Russell calmly added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Minutes later, in the 9th minute, back-rower Ted Hill crossed the line following sustained pressure from the forwards. With Russell converting again, Bath surged ahead 14-0.

The assault continued in the 21st minute when lock Ross Molony dotted down from close range to finish a driving maul, and Russell once again added the extras.

Just a minute later, winger Will Muir broke clear to score Bath’s fourth try, extending the lead to a commanding 26-0.

Harlequins finally responded in the 25th minute when centre Luke Northmore finished a well-worked move to put the visitors on the board. A conversion reduced the margin to 26-7, but Bath weren’t done.

Quins prop Titi Lamositele crashed over in the 35th minute after a series of pick-and-go carries, cutting the gap to 26-14. But Bath had the final say in the half as Muir bagged his second try in the 38th minute, with Russell converting for a 33-14 halftime lead.

Harlequins opened the second half brightly. In the 47th minute, prop Fin Baxter powered over to close the deficit to 33-21 following some smart phase play and better ball retention.

However, Bath once again asserted their dominance. A stunning moment came in the 53rd minute when Max Ojomoh intercepted a stray Harlequins pass near halfway and sprinted 80 metres to score under the posts. Russell added another two points for a 40-21 lead.

The home side’s seventh try arrived in the 65th minute, this time through replacement prop Francois van Wyk, who latched onto a sharp offload from scrum-half Ben Spencer. Russell continued his flawless kicking display to push the score to 47-21.

Quins found a late consolation try through Sam Riley in the 77th minute, earning them a try bonus point, but it was too little, too late against a rampant Bath side.