After ending their drought of 17 years without a trophy with a win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend, to claim the Premiership Rugby Cup champions. Bath returned to The Rec and claimed the spoils in the West Country derby as they remain top of the league.
Tries from Guy Pepper, Max Ojomoh, Thomas du Toit and Finn Russell secured the hosts a bonus point inside the opening 40 minutes. This was followed by crosses from replacements Will Stuart and Sam Underhill as Bath recorded a hard-fought victory to move six points clear at the top of the Premiership table.
Bath Rugby: 42
Tries: Guy Pepper (6’), Max Ojomoh (17’), Thomas du Toit (23’), Finn Russell (36’), Will Stuart (61’), Sam Underhill (72’)
Conversions: Finn Russell (6’, 18’, 24’, 36’, 62’, 72’
Penalties: Finn Russell
Gloucester Rugby: 26
Tries: Jack Clement (9’), Tomos Williams (30’), Seb Blake (31’), George Barton (40+1’)
Conversions: Santi Carreras (10’, 32’, 40+2’,
Penalties:
Yellow Cards: Christian Wade (52’)
Scroll down for Ruck Rugby’s Bath player ratings.
15 Tom de Glanville- 5
The 25-year-old didn’t impact the contest much, a part from the odd carry or hit in defence which resulted in the fullback being awarded a low score.
14 Ruaridh McConnochie- 6
Despite being one of the quieter performances from McConnochie in the encounter, he was still solid in defence and attack, making some big hits and carries.
13 Max Ojomoh- 7
After coming on in the first half for Cokanasiga last weekend in the Prem Cup final, the 24-year-old early on in the contest was excellent in defence. That strong showing paid off as he crossed the whitewash after running a brilliant line.
12 Cameron Redpath- 7
He worked fantastically with his counterpart in the centre, as they caused all sorts of problems for The Cherry and Whites, with Redpath being strong in attack.
11 Will Muir- 7
It was his first outing in 11 weeks, and what was pleasing to see was the 29-year-old’s work rate. This is backed up after charging down right in front of the posts on Santi Carreras’s conversion, which was the main reason for a two-point gap between the two at half-time.
10 Finn Russell- 8
After a disappointing Six Nations with Scotland, Russell returned to his club side with a bang. He steered the ship in attack with fast handling, which was evident in Ojomoh’s try. His quick thinking secured his side a bonus point in the opening 40 and also kicked a brilliant 50-22 which was the catalyst of another cross.
9 Ben Spencer- 7
The Bath captained martialled operations around the breakdown area exceptionally well, keeping up the high tempo of the hosts’ attack. He was eventually replaced by Louis Schreuder late into the second half.
1 Beno Obano- 6
Obano scrummaged brilliantly during his hour on the field, where he had a great battle with Afo Fasogbon. He was utilised well in attack as he used his strength to get over the gain line on many occasions.
2 Tom Dunn- 7
Solid at lineout time with his arrows firing, which was needed as they opted to kick to the corner every time they entered the opposition’s half after being awarded a penalty. He left the pitch to a standing ovation as Niall Annett replaced him after the hosts claimed their fifth try of the afternoon.
3 Thomas du Toit- 7
Arguably one of the best tightheads in the world, du Toit was a great asset when it came to scrum time and when the hosts needed a primary ball carrier. He crossed over for his 4th Premiership try of the season just after the opening quarter. However, he was replaced at halftime by Will Stuart.
4 Quinn Roux- 5
Went off before the hour mark, he didn’t make any notable errors and, like many just had a solid showing.
5 Charlie Ewels- 5.5
Ewels did much of the unseen work in the encounter and made his 164th appearance for Bath this afternoon. Like his partner in the second row, he did nothing eye-catching but did enough to help his side hold off Gloucester.
6 Josh Bayliss- 6
With his counterparts in the back row taking all of the headlines, perhaps the 27-year-old’s work was overlooked. Overall, it was an impressive showing.
7 Guy Pepper- 8
Pepper is always of great value, especially around the breakdown, and that was no different this afternoon after a significant turnover. He showed his strength to score on six minutes for to claim the opening points of the afternoon. And it must be said it was deserved that he was awarded the player of the match reward.
8 Alfie Barbeary- 7
One of the main big ball carriers, working extremely hard to get over the gainline. Something that let the 24-year-old down was he kicked the ball dead in the first half despite having 30 seconds left on the clock, which was then shortly followed by the visitors securing themselves a bonus point through George Barton’s crossing.
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