Bath 13 – 21 Northampton Saints
"Coming away to Bath and playing like we did was great." said Mikie Haywood.
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| The beautiful and historic Rec as the dark clouds loom Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
I had the privilege of watching this game from the comfort of my living room, which seemed to be a bonus when I saw the hail pelting down. Don't get me wrong however, a seat at the historic Rec would've been a privilege, especially watching second placed Bath take on the Aviva Premiership Champions, Northampton Saints.
But as the dark clouds hung over the Rec, it was only a matter of time before the storm would surge - and it did...
Not even two minutes into the game and the Bath boys were looking incredibly sharp, as Ollie Woodburn touched down in the corner for what I'd describe as the most nonchalant try of the season so far, as he pretty much walked over the try line and hesitantly touched down. But the try was allowed and with those initial points under Bath's belt, they had started the game exactly how Mike Ford would have wanted, on the front foot.
At the breakdowns Northampton weren't securing the ball, so Bath began to target the ruck; counter-rucking and stealing the possession where possible. Even though play seemed frantic for both teams at times, I thought to myself,
“Oh dear Saints, give me a cushion to hide behind,” (You don’t get those at the Rec!)
Especially as Tom Homer converted Bath's first penalty and Stephen Myler missed his penalty kick minutes later to provide the West-country side a 10-0 lead.
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| A skilful try by the Kiwi, James Wilson Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
But I did have good cause to peer over the cushion though, when Saints got into their stride on the attack in Bath's 22. Tom Stephenson ignited the initial glimmer of hope for the visitors, charging through Bath’s defence like a raging bull but it was the cool, calm and collected Kiwi, James Wilson, who finished the job off, single handed, for Northampton's first try of the day; crossing the white wash in the opposite corner to Ollie Woodburn.
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| Fleet of foot, Tom Stephenson Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
Myler unfortunately missed the conversion but minutes later Saints managed to manipulate space, engaging three of Bath's back line with theirs, confusing their defence. This was key in Northampton's overlap - setting Mikie Haywood up for a powerful try - running over the line at pace. An incredible display from the hooker and with Myler slotting the conversion confidently between the uprights, the Saints went into half time at the Rec with a 10-12 lead.
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| Mikie Haywood touching down for the Saints Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
HT 10-12
The second half really was something else, with the battle of the boots between Myler and Homer taking centre stage. It was almost as if Northampton were now cemented in their own comfort zone, playing an expansive game of running rugby that they can play so well. And this also became rugby that was compelling to watch at the breakdown, a well deserved mention due to Calum Clark – who played exceptionally well for the visitors. Myler made it three from three in the last forty, successfully kicking all his penalties but Homer only made it one from three as his team trailed by eight points, 13-21.
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| All eyes on Calum Clark Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
Did this highlight the fitness and endurance of the reigning Aviva Premiership Champions without their Internationals? Or was it their innate passion to stay on top accompanied with a stiff talking to from Jim Mallinder after last week’s dire effort against London Irish? And how did they muster up the resources to squeeze the life out of the Bath pack in the last ten?
Well, even when George Pisi was sent to the sin bin, the Saints didn't concede any points and continued to fight with passion and determination until the bitter end; with Kahn Fotuali'i bossing the forwards to bash Bath’s defence repetitively until the eighty minute mark.
FT 13-21
A very strong performance from Northampton and a well deserved win. There were two star performances for me, Calum Clark who owned the pitch, demonstrating true leadership and patience at the breakdown, where he was rewarded, and the nifty Jamie Elliott, getting into all the nooks and crannies, attacking the inside shoulder and making considerable ground with 12 exceptional ball carries for the Saints.
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| The mighty Jamie Elliott beating Bath defenders left, right & centre! Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
Jim Mallinder must have been a happy man and breathed a sigh of relief after the game, witnessing a dedicated demonstration, at the Rec no less, that Saints have regained their focus.
“I think apart from the first few minutes, we generally played well under pressure. We played some lovely rugby; particularly in the first half... it's a great win for us.”
Jim Mallinder - the master of the understatement!
And I look forward to seeing a tight set piece and more running rugby from the Saints as they take on the Harlequins on Friday night in the Round 16 opener!
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| The boys bossing the win! Photo's by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |