Bath Rugby claimed a first win over Bristol since March 2022 with a one point win over their neighbours.
Two first-half tries from Ollie Lawrence and then captain Ben Spencer gave Bath a 17-7 lead over fierce rivals Bristol.
However, quick scores from Rich Lane and then Max Malins stunned the Rec. A missed penalty from Finn Russell moments after Malin’s score looked ominous for Van Graan’s side but the Scottish star was able to convert his next opportunity to give Bath a memorable 20-19 victory.
This result feels like a turning point for Bath who have had many great squads over the years but have made the Top Four just twice in 10 years including one last-place finish.
Since Johann van Graan’s arrival in June 2022, the atmosphere around the club has changed dramatically.”We have created an environment where players can perform and I’m pretty calm about what choices Finn Russell makes. I trust my players.” The arrival of Scottish International has definitely had an impact on the club both with their playing style and the aura around the dressing room.
This season the West-Country side have scored 20 tries in six games, the second most of any team so far in the Premiership.
The attacking lines and opportunities that the West-Country side created on Friday were something that many Bath fans haven’t seen since the memorable 2014/15 campaign. “We did our homework on them t and we were able to put him through some holes.”
The progress made by van Graan in just over 12 months is evident “Last season we lost seven games by one score so tonight was a good one to win.”
Bath currently sit second in the table with four wins from six but will have a tough task away to league leaders Sale on Friday night.” To be honest we haven’t spent much time on Sale but we know the physical presence they threat to us”
The only loss that the Sharks have had this season was a 43-0 loss away to Exeter. “The games so far have shown us is that if you are off your game by 5% you will get hammered”.
A win for his side would see them climb to the summit of the Gallagher Premiership table however a defeat could see them fall to a low as sixth.
