Catt Probably Out In Crucial Match Against Leeds

The Rec
By Glen Leat
October 25 2002

Once again Bath will probably be without vital playmaker Mike Catt as they face in-form Leeds Tykes at The Rec on Saturday. Catt is still struggling with hamstring problems and so young Aussie Chris Malone will again have the burden of expectation at fly half placed heavily on his shoulders.

Jon Callard will return to his spiritual home rejuvenated after a turbulent spell in charge at Bath. Not only has Callard helped Leeds to second place in the League this season but he just been appointed as coach of the England Under 21 side, not bad for a man who was really down in the dumps just six months ago. Despite the disappointing time JC had as a coach at Bath, he will be welcomed home by the thousands of Bath fans who watched him score all the points as Bath won their historic victory in Bordeaux in January 1998- he'll always be a hero in Bath!

Bath have to improve on last week's performance otherwise a very powerful Leeds team will take advantage of their poor lines of running, handling mistakes and general lack of direction. Perhaps we can forgive the players their performance against GR.A.N Parma (I'm mellowing as the week goes on) given that the victory was almost assured before the game started, but this is the "real thing" and they will certainly be found out if massive improvements are not seen.

There will be a great head to head between Jonathan Humphreys and the man he ousted from the Bath team, Mark Regan, as both players try to get one over each other. Both players are known for their fiery personalities and commitment to the cause so we should see some very interesting moments as the front rows lock horns (probably literally).

Simon McDanielli, who recently announced that he will switch his allegiance from England to Scotland in an effort to secure international rugby, will be starting on the wing alongside Kevin Maggs which means there is no place for either Tom Voyce or Rob Thirlby (even on the bench). Assuming both Voyce and Thirlby are fit, this is a great vote of confidence from the coaching staff for Danielli because he has not really made much of an impact so far this season.

On the basis of League form so far this year the neutrals will no doubt expect to see a Tykes win but I'll let my heart rule my head and say it's going to be Bath by 10 points.

Come on Bath give us all something to shout about!!!!

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