Bath ended a run of five league defeats with a precious victory over fellow
relegation strugglers Leeds.
Crucially, Michael Foley's side also managed to deny their rivals a bonus
point with an injury time try from centre Olly Barkley which may prove vital in
the end of the season shake-up.
Bath, locked on 28 points with both Leeds and bottom club Harlequins, knew
this was a must win game and arguably their most important since the heady days
of their Heineken Cup triumph in Bordeaux four years ago.
Bath's remaining matches are difficult, but not impossible trips to Newcastle
and Gloucester before they bring down the curtain on a depressing season at home
to Wasps on May 12th.
Leeds, however, hit the road again with visits to Leicester, Harlequins and
Sale, hoping that there is still everything to play for when they entertain
Gloucester in the final match.
The Tykes held their nerve as Bath came out guns blazing in the first 15
minutes.
Unfortunately for the home side, fly-half Iain Balshaw was firing blanks,
shooting wide with two dropped goal attempts and generally failing to control
the game effectively enough for his forwards to establish a platform.
It was no great surprise when Braam Van Straaten landed a penalty from nearly
50 metres in the 16th minute and a nervous looking home team did not draw level
until Barkley tripped over a penalty on the half hour.
Van Straaten punished Dan Lyle for running down a blind alley by kicking a
second penalty immediately afterwards, but Barkley then landed an immaculate
kick from more than 50 metres to ensure Bath turned round on level terms.
Foley brought on the two Thomas's, Gavin and Nathan, within six minutes of the
re-start to try to introduce some control into Bath's frenetic game plan and the
all important try came on 53 minutes after Barkley had set up the position with
a beautifully flighted kick.
England lock Danny Grewcock won the lineout and also set up the ensuing work
before Balshaw fed left wing Simon Danielli who scored under the posts, leaving
Barkley with a simple conversion.
Still Leeds would not lie down and Van Straaten's boot was a constant threat
as the South African centre landed two more penalties to a third by Barkley
midway through the half to leave Leeds in touch at 16-12 going into injury
time.
But then Danielli intervened again, collecting a high kick and then finding
Barkley in support.
The young centre ghosted through from 40 metres and then converted his own try
to the delight of the near capacity crowd.
Teams:
Bath: Thirlby, Danielli, Tindall, Barkley, Voyce, Balshaw, Cooper, D. Barnes, Regan, Emms, Borthwick, Grewcock, Scaysbrook, Gabey, Lyle.
Replacements: Dalzell for Cooper (61), Mears for Regan (74),
N. Thomas for Scaysbrook (49), G. Thomas for Gabey (49).
Not Used: Mallett, Crockett, Cox.
Tries: Danielli, Barkley.
Cons: Barkley 2.
Pens: Barkley 3.
Leeds: Benson, Scarborough, Mulder, van Straaten, Woof, Bachop, Benton, Shelley, Rawlinson, Kerr, Jones, P. Murphy, Mather, Hyde, Fea'unati.
Replacements: Hall for Mulder (64), Hogg for Kerr (59),
Wring for Jones (59), Clarke for Fea'unati (64).
Not Used: Luffman, O'Reilly, Davies.
Pens: van Straaten 4.
Att: 8,129
Ref: Chris White (RFU).
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