Bath United Continue Perfect Season

Bath United continued their winning ways in the Aviva A League last night as they came from behind to beat Harlequins 31-22 at The Stoop.

Although Bath fielded a primarily youthful side, there were a number of experienced performers within both teams increasing the strength of the contest and competitiveness of the league. These selections included noteworthy performances from United winger Tom Biggs and Quins fly half Ben Botica.

As the match began under the lights of the Twickenham Stoop, it was clear that Bath had travelled to the Capital with a clear game plan. Half backs Martin Roberts and Tom Heathcote sought to pin Harlequins back deep into their half.

However, a kick was delayed for that split second too long in the Bath 22, only to be charged down by Quins wing Sam Smith, who recovered the ball and scored in the corner. The try was successfully converted by Botica to make the score 7-0 to the home side.

Bath dominated proceedings upfront after the score, winning a penalty from a scrum, which they kicked to the corner. The United side dominated the set piece further with a rolling maul in the Quins 22 going over the line for Kane Palma-Newport eventually touching the ball down. After a missed conversion the scores were set at 7-5.

The run of play then swung back in favour of the home side as all of Botica’s experience showed with a piercing cross-field kick that found a Quins hand for a score in the corner. The extras were missed but the lead was extended to 12-5.

Just before the break Bath United were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Tom Heathcote negotiated correctly to draw his side slightly closer, with a score of 12-8 at the break.

The second half began much like the first, with the home side starting the much stronger. Botica kicked a penalty to further their lead to a converted try.

Things moved from bad to worse for the visitors as three points moved to five, as scrum half Sam Stuart dove over the line for Harlequins.

Another successful kick from Botica made the score an imposing 22-8, with United needing to dig deep to get themselves back into the game.

After an extending passage of play and a large amount of attacking rugby from Bath, as they desperately tried to grind their way up the field, fullback Marcus Beer cut inside and broke through the line, crashing over for a much-needed try. 22-13.

Like the rest of the game, the play turned directly on its head, with Quins having all the possession, constantly knocking on the Bath door. After eventually weathering the storm, Bath winger Tom Biggs managed to break free and cross the line for another score.

As the game began again, Biggs was on the ball again with his touch being equally as profitable for the United side, as he burst from their own 22 to well inside the Quins half.

After he was finally brought down, the tackler failed to properly roll away, awarding Bath with a penalty. Ludi Hopkinson connected with the ball perfectly and made the score 22-21.

Quickly after this Hopkinson was given another shot at goal from a ruck infringement; converting and taking his side 2 points clear with a score of 22-24.

The United comeback was now complete, as they desperately tried to hold onto the lead in the final stages of the game. After a relentless assault Quins finally made a mistake and knocked the ball on, into the hands of Bath lock Will Spencer.

Spencer managed to power through a number of tackles before he was finally dragged down. He managed to pop the ball up to the supporting Beer, who offloaded to replacement Pete Laverick, who scored the clincher.

Hopkinson added the extras to complete a marvellous comeback for the Bath side, with a final score of 31-22.

The Bath United side will reunite again in two weeks when they face Saracens away in the Aviva A-League.