Bath v Worcester Premier Cup

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:01:11:33:59 by CoochieCoo.

A bit hard to put Cordwell in there as he did a full 80 on Saturday.
I don’t think either team will gain much from playing this but you have to honour the fixture if you can.

Quote:

TG Kesmo
A bit hard to put Cordwell in there as he did a full 80 on Saturday.
I don’t think either team will gain much from playing this but you have to honour the fixture if you can.

I agree TGK there are others I'm concerned about as well but I'm suggesting we hold key players back for the Exeter game, its a bit of a fixture too far given our injuries and as yet we don't really know if it will go ahead given Worcester's problems.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Is harris sam harris the eng u18 SW?

I agree it has to be last men standing and not anyone likely to start against Exeter.

Is casson the lock registered for prem Cup. Would be a big help of he could play.

Would be great of staddon is fit and gets a game.

Quote:

charlieboa
Is harris sam harris the eng u18 SW?
I agree it has to be last men standing and not anyone likely to start against Exeter.

Is casson the lock registered for prem Cup. Would be a big help of he could play.

Would be great of staddon is fit and gets a game.

Yes CB its a bit out there but it's the Prem Cup after all.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

He looks a v good player to me

Quote:

Fin Smith (19) and Ollie Lawrence (22) at 10 and 12 are recent graduates of the three Pears Academy at Worcester who could at some point in the future feature as full England internationals.

Bit harsh on Lawrence who has played at least 5 times for England already!

Poor choice of words I guess, he may have been in the England team but is one of those tried then shelved by England.
In Smith and Lawrence is the potential for a long term regular international career in two key positions.
Both still very early in their careers. Equally you could say the same about Bailey and Ojomoh. Four highly talented young players with potentially massive futures. No disrespect meant at all.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Copied from the Worcester Warriors site:

Quote:

Faithful_City

Quote:

This is the side that played Exeter in that game earlier this month:

Warriors | 15 Morgan Bunting (loan), 14 Alex Hearle, 13 Oli Morris, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Tom Howe, 10 Jamie Shillcock, 9 Will Chudley (C), 1 Kai Owen, 2 Beck Cutting, 3 Jay Tyack, 4 James Scott, 5 Justin Clegg, 6 Caleb Montgomery, 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Lekima Ravuvu (trialist).

Replacements | 16 Joe Richardson, 17 Lewis Holsey, 18 Ben Murphy, 19 Cheick Kone, 20 Isaac Miller, 21 Ollie Wynn, 22 Tom Miles, 23 Iestyn Galton (loan).

it is thought that Warriors will play something similar to this on Wednesday but there could be even more players signed on a temporary basis, including a number of players from Championship side Hartpury.

Worcester sit top of their Pool with 12 points from their three games and if they win on Wednesday, they will qualify for the semi-finals.

The squad will not train on Monday but a spokesperson for the club said they were hopeful that by Wednesday some with illness and/or injury will have recovered in time to ensure the game can go ahead.

Could we be playing games here or are we struggling to put a team together for Wednesday?

JP

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Poor choice of words I guess, he may have been in the England team but is one of those tried then shelved by England....No disrespect meant at all.

Sorry SW, entirely understood, just poking a bit of fun is all.

[www.worcesternews.co.uk]

Quote:

charlieboa
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/sport/20025264.premiership-rugby-cup-bath-vs-worcester-looks-going-ahead/?fbclid=IwAR0QkgHt5GnfqeEQMtq-yPmjdDTwBa2tRqKwbHxukSBXwxJWASHRUvmQ8pk

Looks like its on then CB, good news.


Tyler Offiah
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Irish Centre pairing tomorrow....young coko and young joseph

Quote:

charlieboa
Irish Centre pairing tomorrow....young coko and young joseph

You mean Will and Phil.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

SJS

Quote:

shipwrecked
Poor choice of words I guess, he may have been in the England team but is one of those tried then shelved by England....No disrespect meant at all.

Sorry SW, entirely understood, just poking a bit of fun is all.

No problem SJS go for it, its what these threads are all about!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Bath Rugby team to play Worcester Warriors

15 Darren Atkins, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Jordan Venter, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10 George Worboys, 9 Ollie Fox; 1 Will Vaughan, 2 John Stewart, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 4 Harry Casson, 5 Josh Dingley, 6 Ethan Staddon, 7 Thompson Cowan, 8 Richard de Carpentier ©

Replacements

16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Archie Stanley, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Dale Lemon (Hartpury University RFC), 20 Mackenzie Graham, 21 Elis Horgan (University of Bath), 22 Alex Clayton (University of Bath), 23 Will Butt

Excited to see how some of those new lads perform. Not too dissimilar from an A league game (only costs more to watch).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

I'm surprised Mojo is playing, I would have thought he would be involved on Saturday.

Worcester team.

[pbs.twimg.com]

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:29:12:19:54 by BathMatt53.

Is that Alex Clayton the Scotland U20s player who is...wait for it...the son of living legend Daley Thompson?

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

A couple of surprises, Dale Lemon? Elis Horgan over Tom Carr-Smith at 9 is a surprise if TCS is available. Alex Clayton (Full back or centre) are decathletes sons good at rugby!

A few senior players in as well, so are we taking it seriously or are we short of bodies. Really looking forward to seeing how the Ollie Fox George Worboys partnership works.

As for Warriors a few familiar names but then I'm struggling.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

ShortyinBurnham
I'm surprised Mojo is playing, I would have thought he would be involved on Saturday.

+1

Why risk him in this fixture?

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

ShortyinBurnham
I'm surprised Mojo is playing, I would have thought he would be involved on Saturday.

+1

Why risk him in this fixture?

Depends how long he plays for in this game, I'd be more worried if we through him into Exeter cold!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Worcester:
Warriors | 15 Perry Humphreys, 14 Tom Howe, 13 Robbie Smith, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Matt McNab, 10 Billy Searle (C), 9 Ollie Wynn, 1 Lewis Holsey, 2 Beck Cutting, 3 Jack Owlett, 4 James Scott, 5 Justin Clegg, 6 Jack Forsythe, 7 Finn Thomas, 8 Caleb Montgomery.

Replacements | 16 Joe Richardson, 17 Kai Owen, 18 Mitch Walsh, 19 Cheick Kone, 20 Harvey Cuckson, 21 Lekima Ravuvu, 22 Will Chudley, 23 Alex Forrester.

P G Tips


Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.

Four players on loan from Hartpury, one trailist, one U18 , one player recalled from Pirates , the rest acadmy or full squad (most not first choice )Certanly never played together and might be better to put name tags on them
DeCarpentier and I thnk Casson had spells at Wuss. Not sure if he would have been selected but senisble not to see Morozov on the team sheet albeit that he may hate Putins guts..

Quote:

ROLLO
Four players on loan from Hartpury, one trailist, one U18 , one player recalled from Pirates , the rest acadmy or full squad (most not first choice )Certanly never played together and might be better to put name tags on them DeCarpentier and I thnk Casson had spells at Wuss. Not sure if he would have been selected but senisble not to see Morozov on the team sheet albeit that he may hate Putins guts..

Its great to get a team out though isn't it Rollo? Anyone to look out for as upcoming talent other than Alex Hearle and Seb Atkinson?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Relieve to put a team out shipwrecked.
U18 Harvey Cuckson is tipped to be next off the acadamy production line and acadamy lock Chieck Kone has an interesting back page story being a refugee from where I can't remember, he is reported to be a monster in the gym already.
Ollie Wynn is a pocket scrum half but a likewire and wont tolerate any messing about. Fin Thomas is one of the current England U20 hookers with a bright future , he is filling in at openside for this game.
You will know Chudley ! The loan players I have no idea about.

Thanks for that Rollo, makes the game more interesting when you know a bit about the players. Fin Thomas was in the u20s games squads v Ireland with our own John Stewart so they will be against each other tomorrow, one to look out for.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

I'm sorry, I refuse to believe Jasper Spandler is a real person.

Quote:

SJS
I'm sorry, I refuse to believe Jasper Spandler is a real person.

Been a few excellent names recently, PG pointed out SA's Chilliboy Rallapelle or Bristol Bears' China Kill, for me I remain a fan of Quins' Cassius Cleaves both on paper and on the field!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

He didn't have a (much) older sister called Ann, did he?

Have you seen the LI team for this Cup ..... Joseph/Cokanasiga and the England U20s wonderkid, Arundell in the back 5!

Quote:

Optimist
Have you seen the LI team for this Cup ..... Joseph/Cokanasiga and the England U20s wonderkid, Arundell in the back 5!

You might have just nicked that one to first slip Opti, Charlieboa beat you too it.

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

charlieboa
Irish Centre pairing tomorrow....young coko and young joseph

You mean Will and Phil.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Think that is a decent starting xv all things considered.

Great to see staddon back and getting a game.

Tcs must be unavailable surely

As far as I can see its only available as radio commentary Bath v Worcester Prem Cup 19.00 KO 19.45.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Shipwrecked I wonder if you would be so kind , if you have a moment, to tell me if any of the players I mentioned made any impression on you.
Thanks.

Quote:

ROLLO
Shipwrecked I wonder if you would be so kind , if you have a moment, to tell me if any of the players I mentioned made any impression on you.
Thanks.

Of course Rollo, I'm not at the ground but I have a spy there on my behalf whose judgement I trust implicitly.

Unless its live somewhere?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Let is know what your source says about the bath boys SW!

I may have a listen to the second half

Try Bath

John Stewart try

7-0 Worboys conversion

A try? From a maul?!?

HT 7-0

Try Wuss!

7-7 Howe try



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:30:20:50:16 by CoochieCoo.

Oops conceded a try so 7-7 right at the start of the second half.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

7-10 pen for Wuss

7-10 penalty Searle.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Mojo off replaced by Will Butt.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Wuss on the front foot at the moment

Kickable pen for Wuss

7-13

Bath giving away loads of penalties! Need to take a grip of the game.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Will Chudley on!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:30:21:13:01 by CoochieCoo.

Bath attack thwarted and Wuss clear lines



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:30:21:13:40 by CoochieCoo.

Driving maul goes down chance gone!


Tyler Offiah
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Pen to Bath kickable but will go for the corner

Loads of pressure on the line, need to score as time running out!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Bath attack thwarted

2 mins go

Bath win scrum

Wuss win ball

Pen to Bath 4 seconds to go!

Ft 7-13

Bit like at the beginning of the season for Bath, slow ball all the time, failing to take chances up front beaten by better defence. Disappointing.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Just back and warming up. Very small crowd as expected, wet and cold so understandably poor handling but (by Premiership standards) some very average players on show this evening. Some kids just starting out will have learned a bit and are a work in progress, some who have been around quite a while now a country mile from where they would need to be before being picked in a first 23. Some poor decision making particularly at the end when under the posts and just bash crashing until losing the ball. Fox should have given the intercept for a certain try on 30 mins. All in all, wish I hadn't bothered really!

p.s. I thought that Venter looked decent. Some very strong hits and counter rucking.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:30:21:58:14 by BathMatt53.

Can't argue with much of that, Matt. Also just back and starting to warm up.

Warboys grew into the game well. Butt ran straight and hard when he came on. I was a bit disappointed Gabe HW didn't drift off his wing more and look for the ball. He must have been the coldest man at The Rec standing on his wing.

Agree on Fox not giving the pass inside. 14-0 might have been enough.

Overall in the 2nd half it looked like one team was playing for a semi final (or a rollicking from Diamond). And the other was Bath.

Seems to be pretty much the norm for our second string lineups. It must be difficult whilst there is a losing mentality at the Club. Hey-ho Mark Lilley & his interviewer seemed delighted with the performance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:30:23:11:36 by Bath Hammer.

For a scratch team with no effective coaching that seems to be a decent result.

Quote:

OutsideBath
For a scratch team with no effective coaching that seems to be a decent result.

Against a team joint bottom of the league who couldn't put a side out at the weekend, let's get it in perspective. It was effectively an A league game so not too much to read into it.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Did anyone play well?

Darren Allison on the radio had some positive words for casson, cowan and worboys

Quote:

OutsideBath
For a scratch team with no effective coaching that seems to be a decent result.

Did Worcester not put out a scratch team also? It seems from the pattern of play described we were quite evenly matched but if one team is to lose such a match this season it is always Bath. I am not relaxed & happy about that though it is at least better than a hammering like we had against Bristol. I know many were inexperienced but are some of the players we put out ever likely to make the grade?

Quote:

Bath Hammer

Quote:

OutsideBath
For a scratch team with no effective coaching that seems to be a decent result.

Did Worcester not put out a scratch team also? It seems from the pattern of play described we were quite evenly matched but if one team is to lose such a match this season it is always Bath. I am not relaxed & happy about that though it is at least better than a hammering like we had against Bristol. I know many were inexperienced but are some of the players we put out ever likely to make the grade?

Clearly no, but we have to remember that the vast majority of that 23 were changes from the game at the weekend BH and the coming game. Basically that means our whole club consisting of 40-42 have been on show. I agree we have to improve the quality of our depth but we need to put out teams like this to see who is likely to make it and who is just passing through. Its a bit brutal but thats where we are.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

charlieboa
Did anyone play well?
Darren Allison on the radio had some positive words for casson, cowan and worboys

For me Max O and Butt looked comfortable, no concerns there. I thought that Venter looked good on and off the ball. Casson looked fine and worked hard. No issues with any of the kids, because they are kids and they ran all night (not always that successfully).

Worboys had a couple of nice touches and his kicking was really good but seemed to be scragged very easily - he seems physically very small compared to those around him without the lightening speed of a Smith or world class brain of a Ford. Wish the lad well but I think that he will need to put on some timber if he wants Prem games in Sept.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

I was very disappointed with the game last night, we had the much stronger team who train most weeks together and the Worcester team was the complete opposite. Some of the players need to seriously improve if they are to make it as a premiership player. I know they are young but the core skills of some of the team was terrible. The standout players in a poor standard of rugby were Cowan, Butt and Stewart. Its time to move Atkins on he has been at the club for a number of years and is not good enough to play 1XV.

Quote:

ollyshep
the core skills of some of the team was terrible.

Whilst I don't generally disagree it was a very cold and wet night and both teams struggled to hold the bar of soap that was being used as the ball.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Didn't see the game but as implied above, whilst it will soon be forgotten this will have been a very important chance for many of the players. A shame the conditions might have denied them being at their best.

Most of the Wuss players had not trained properly for a week because of COVID or virus, three loanees and a trialist. Happy with the result albeit that I understand that the game was close.
See you later in the season.

Highlights of the game here

I though Stewart being penalised for the first Worcester penalty was harsh, Cloete will have to watch out.

For Rollo's benefit I though Ollie Wynn at 9 had a good game for you, stood up to a lot, Searle won the battle of the 10's.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Thanks for the highlights link, looks to me as though we had some chances but didn't take them. The dummy pod thing at the end was weird.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Searle won the battle of the 10's.

I appreciate it's only one part of the fly half's game but I thought Bath had clearly the better of most kicking duels. Who was it taking the Worcester penalty to the corner that went dead for a Bath drop-out?

As said above Worboys wasn't much of a threat running, but I was impressed by his kicking game.

Quote:

WestonLurker

Quote:

shipwrecked
Searle won the battle of the 10's.

I appreciate it's only one part of the fly half's game but I thought Bath had clearly the better of most kicking duels. Who was it taking the Worcester penalty to the corner that went dead for a Bath drop-out?

As said above Worboys wasn't much of a threat running, but I was impressed by his kicking game.

Could be right but Searle had 3 out of 3 of the tee and made the try, Worboys from hand was better I guess but I agree not much in it.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

I find it worrying how strong the Gloucester and Leicester academies are, the young players just seem physically freakish with how strong they are. Whereas a lot of the other club's academy products (Bath included) seem to really struggle with the step up.

Quote:

by
I find it worrying how strong the Gloucester and Leicester academies are, the young players just seem physically freakish with how strong they are. Whereas a lot of the other club's academy products (Bath included) seem to really struggle with the step up.

The hartpury set up, like the cardiff met one, attracts a lot of talent from many areas - both have taken Beechen kids over the last few years (and this one). It's a strong feed of young talent - for example Cardiff met runs 5 main teams and 2 freshers teams even when not accounting for sides that compete in their intramural competitions. Bath doesn't have that draw for rugby (it may do for netball).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Quote:

BathMatt53

Quote:

by
I find it worrying how strong the Gloucester and Leicester academies are, the young players just seem physically freakish with how strong they are. Whereas a lot of the other club's academy products (Bath included) seem to really struggle with the step up.

The hartpury set up, like the cardiff met one, attracts a lot of talent from many areas - both have taken Beechen kids over the last few years (and this one). It's a strong feed of young talent - for example Cardiff met runs 5 main teams and 2 freshers teams even when not accounting for sides that compete in their intramural competitions. Bath doesn't have that draw for rugby (it may do for netball).

Cardiff Met make a big thing of nutrition, gym work and fitness as add ons, I'm not sure our academy does that. I wonder if that is part of the Bath plan regarding training facilities?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Watching on PRTV now, 32 min on the stream, and that's a terri le decision by the ref.
Foxy breaks down the right, seatbelt tackled into touch 5m from the try line (he really should have passed to his support man); but ref completely ignores the high tackle and just grants Wuss the lineout.

So far, we're comfortably the better team, but not showing on the board

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:31:14:44:52 by Which Tyler.

Quote:

BathMatt53

Quote:

by
I find it worrying how strong the Gloucester and Leicester academies are, the young players just seem physically freakish with how strong they are. Whereas a lot of the other club's academy products (Bath included) seem to really struggle with the step up.

The hartpury set up, like the cardiff met one, attracts a lot of talent from many areas - both have taken Beechen kids over the last few years (and this one). It's a strong feed of young talent - for example Cardiff met runs 5 main teams and 2 freshers teams even when not accounting for sides that compete in their intramural competitions. Bath doesn't have that draw for rugby (it may do for netball).

At Glaws we seemingly have a couple of channels into the club for youngsters now. The obvious one is Hartpury, which was recently cited as having produced more internationals than any other educational institution in the world.
The second is via Cheltenham College, where several of the guys playing last night came from, and former Gloucester and England fullback Olly Morgan is head rugby honcho. (I do have a slight problem with this, as it seems that a promising, local comprehensive school player needs to be offered a place into Cheltenham College 6th Form to stand a chance, so marginalising what have been excellent Gloucester rugby state schools like St Peters and Sir Thomas Rich's, and perpetuating the "rugger/public schools" image.)



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:31:14:52:05 by westglos.

Quote:

Which Tyler
Watching on PRTV now, 32 min on the stream, and that's a terri le decision by the ref.
TCS breaks down the right, seatbelt tackled into touch 5m from the try line (he really should have passed to his support man); but ref completely ignores the high tackle and just grants Wuss the lineout

Yes, dreadful mistake, I think it was Ollie Fox though WT.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

ollyshep
I was very disappointed with the game last night, we had the much stronger team who train most weeks together and the Worcester team was the complete opposite. .

you might want to have another look at the team sheets, because that's simply not true
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Quote:

Which Tyler

Quote:

ollyshep
I was very disappointed with the game last night, we had the much stronger team who train most weeks together and the Worcester team was the complete opposite. .

you might want to have another look at the team sheets, because that's simply not true

If its this incident that is Ollie Fox, check your signature. Perhaps you have a different team sheet?



This is TCS. Team sheet here




Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Yes, dreadful mistake, I think it was Ollie Fox though WT.

It was indeed - fixed in the edit, but not quickly enough
For some reason I had it in my head that it was TCS out there, until I checked the team sheets.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:31:15:22:13 by Which Tyler.

Doesn't reduce the ref error though does it! Atkins ran a poor supporting line to be fair.

I though it would have been TCS at 9 when I did the review but he has been out of the picture recently, injured or college commitments perhaps?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Doesn't reduce the ref error though does it! Atkins ran a poor supporting line to be fair.
I though it would have been TCS at 9 when I did the review but he has been out of the picture recently, injured or college commitments perhaps?

Ref missed a blatant seatbelt tackle, that would have made it a penalty try and compulsory yellow card - which would have been very harsh, but them's the rules, and he chose not to apply them.
Given that we were on top at the time, I think we'd have had at least one more try if they'd gone down to 14 for 10 minutes - and that would have been enough to see us home. Ref just bottled a match-changing decision.

Defender ran a good line, keeping himself in the passing channel - before deciding to commit a professional foul.

I didn't think Atkins' line was too bad, but I'd need to rewatch to check; I'm pretty sure he catches up from the still you posted. I guess it would have helped if he'd run towards the posts, and given Foxy a chance to kick infield, but the pass ought to be safer, and anything but an illegal tackle would have left Fox the opportunity to put that pass away.

Foy ran his line well, changed his speed well after trying (and failing) to hesitate the defender - not much more he could realistically have done. maybe put the basketball lob of a pass through, or put boot to ball - but that would be high risk at full pace and with a short dead-ball area at the Rec. He kept the ball in both hands, and was looking for the pass.

TBH, the more I think about it, the worse the reffing error becomes.

Not that I can work myself up to be bothered about the bloody pointless cup anyway.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

I think there was some issues with ref the ref out there, Fia got marched back 10 in the second half for back chat then got subbed immediately after.
Fox was pretty aggrieved and you could see he wanted to protest but didn't.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

With the Fox try I thought as he ran past me that he was looking but wasn't really sure whether to run or pass or kick etc and he decided on backing his pace for a bit before the door was shut. As said above a kick across the field or early pass to someone faster would have been better in the end. From where I was sat the ref seemed generally fine but maybe that's becuase I was more focussed on not getting too soaked.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

I suspect because of the long sprint from the interception the ref and his assistant were probably left a good way behind the play and couldn't see the tackle height. Hard to tell with the zoomed view.

On the Fox seatbelt tackle Atkins seems to query it immediately with the officials too.
Also at the end the Wuss #5 uses a low no arms chop to tackle the Bath attacker in the red zone. The ref had full vision of that one.
Hey ho, meaningless game for us & typical of our rub of the green this season 😬