Bath power past Edinburgh 39–24 to book Challenge Cup Final spot

Bath Rugby delivered a commanding performance to defeat Edinburgh 39–24 in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final at Hive Stadium, booking their place in the final in Cardiff later this month.

In a match where forward dominance proved decisive, Bath’s pack scored all six of their tries in a statement of intent against a resilient but outmatched Edinburgh side.

Bath wasted little time asserting themselves. Just 10 minutes in, flanker Sam Underhill crashed over from close range, setting the tone for a physically imposing performance. Finn Russell added the conversion to make it 7–0.

Edinburgh responded in the 19th minute when centre Mosese Tuipulotu broke through Bath’s defence to touch down, with Ross Thompson slotting the extras to level the scores.

But Bath’s rolling maul soon proved too much for the hosts. In the 31st minute, hooker Tom Dunn drove over from a well-controlled maul, although the conversion went wide.

Edinburgh continued to fight and narrowed the gap before the break with a well-struck penalty from Thompson, making it 12–10 at halftime in Bath's favour.

The second half began with a twist. Edinburgh were awarded a penalty try in the 43rd minute after a deliberate knock-on by Tom de Glanville near the line. De Glanville was shown a yellow card, and Edinburgh briefly snatched a 17–12 lead.

However, Bath refused to be rattled. Even with a man down, they reclaimed momentum. Tom Dunn scored his second try of the match in the 53rd minute, again from a rolling maul, and this time Russell added the conversion to put Bath back in front.

The English side extended their lead in the 60th minute through Alfie Barbeary, who powered over following sustained pressure. Though the conversion missed, Russell soon added a penalty to stretch the advantage.

Edinburgh showed spirit with Ali Price darting over in the 65th minute, and Thompson’s conversion reduced the deficit to 27–24. But Bath's forwards had more left in the tank.

In the closing stages, replacement hooker Niall Annett crossed in the 76th minute following another dominant maul, and just two minutes later, Guy Pepper dotted down to cap off a remarkable display by Bath's pack.

Russell added both conversions, sealing a well-deserved 39–24 win.