Bath pulled off the result of the season so far with victory over arch-rivals
Gloucester.
The visitors may have already stood top of the Zurich Premiership table but it
was still a significant achievement to end Gloucester's phenomenal 26-month
unbeaten home league record.
Gloucester were never going to surrender the record easily, Henry Paul kicking
two penalties in the first eight minutes, but after a penalty from Bath's Olly
Barkley the home side moved further into the lead with an outstanding try.
England A International Marcel Garvey touched down for the score but the try
was down to a magnificent team effort.
Flanker Pete Buxton carved his way through Bath's midfield before setting
loose Alex Page, Duncan McRae and Paul.
Paul then set up James Simpson-Daniel who put his foot on the gas to charge
through Gloucester's defence and set the flying Garvey free on the right wing.
However, the try acted as Bath's wake-up call and the visitors reduced the
lead to just one point when the quick-thinking Barkley charged down full-back
Jon Goodridge's clearance.
Barkley, playing in the number 10 shirt for the first time this season,
reacted immediately and pounced on the ball before duly adding the conversion.
Paul kicked another penalty but Bath again replied with Barkley's boot to make
the score 14-13 at the break.
Even a leg injury to Bath's new recruit Robbie Fleck, who was stretchered off
the field, failed to slow Bath's drive after the restart.
Fleck's replacement Robbie Kydd made an immediate impact, touching down for
the crucial second try after being on the field for just four minutes.
Barkley again converted to hand Bath a six-point lead.
With just minutes remaining Gloucester threw everything they had at their West
Country rivals but Bath managed to hold their nerve until the final whistle.
Teams:
Gloucester: Goodridge, Garvey, Todd, Paul, Simpson-Daniel,
McRae, Page, Roncero, Fortey, Deacon, Eustace, Brown, Boer,
Buxton, Forrester.
Replacements: Amor for Page (69), Wood for Roncero (64),
Olver for Deacon (78), Cornwell for Eustace (64).
Not Used: Collins, Merryman, Frape.
Tries: Garvey.
Pens: Paul 3.
Bath: Perry, Human, A. Higgins, Fleck, Williams, Barkley, Wood,
Flatman, Humphreys, Bell, Borthwick, Fidler, Beattie, Lipman,
Fea'unati.
Replacements: Kydd for Fleck (42), Sampson for Williams (41),
Mears for Humphreys (52), Stevens for Bell (65),
Scaysbrook for Lipman (80).
Not Used: Blake, Gray.
Tries: Barkley, Kydd.
Cons: Barkley 2.
Pens: Barkley 2.
Sin Bin: Beattie (75).
Att: 11,000
Ref: Roy Maybank (RFU).
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