Bath Rugby resist Worcester fightback with 21-22 win

Worcester Warriors 21-22 Bath Rugby, Sixways
Scorecard

Bath Rugby have climbed to the fourth position in the Gallagher Premiership table as they edged out Worcester Warriors 21-22 in the 10th round of the competition at Sixways.

Zach Mercer started the proceedings strong for Bath with a second minute try that was improved by Rhys Priestland. As Duncan Weir and Priestland traded penalties, the gap between the teams remained at seven points before Worcester went on to level the scores with a touchdown from Cornell du Preez in the 13th minute.

Weir with a 22nd minute penalty kick ensured Worcester completed the first half with a slender three-point advantage.

Stuart Hooper's men started the second half strong with back to back tries from Francois Louw (45') and Josh McNally (57') making the scoreline 13-22 before Weir reduced the deficit with a 62nd minute penalty goal. Nick David crossed over in the 62nd minute to bring Worcester within one point trail but the hosts had themselves to wide as they had a chance to close the game if not for Chris Pennell's penalty goal drifting wide.

"I thought he (Zach Mercer) was exceptional. He didn't just get through the 80 minutes, I thought he was consistently dominant with his ball-carry, and he was consistent in his collision-dominance," said Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper.

"He has worked unbelievably hard. I know people always say that, but he has been out for three months, so for him to come back on a very fast surface and get through 80 minutes is a credit to him and the work he has put in."