LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
van Graan: laser -like
By Devonport Lad
June 9 2025
Yes, I know it's not original but Joe Strummer's lyrics seemed apt when I sat down to write this and to be fair it was a choice between going with that or using the Bear hunt / Tiger hunt analogy. Even the name of The Clash evokes memories of recent trips to Twickenham and here we go again, playing in a Premiership final against a team who have been one of our greatest rivals over the years. First vs second in the Premiership; it doesn’t get bigger than that.
Friday night at the Rec was incredible. Of course, "London Calling" has a war theme running through it and I'm long enough in the tooth to still believe in the essential values of rugby and good sportsmanship, so I won’t take the analogy too far. That said, Messrs Dunn and Van Wyk finished the "rumble at the Rec" looking as if they'd gone 15 rounds with Muhammed Ali and George Foreman. And they weren’t alone. If ever there was an example of a whole team being "all in, all the time", Friday night was it. That speaks volumes for the spirit and culture from the top down at Bath and it's great to be a part of as a supporter.
In the week leading up to this game we saw the essential differences in leadership styles between JvG and Pat Lam. Whilst the former maintained his laser-like focus on process delivery and maintained a dignified silence, Pat Lam engaged in a drip feed of media psy-ops, presumably with the aim of getting his team and supporters in a winning mindset for this crucial game. Actually, I don't think it helped his players and it didn't appear to adversely affect ours. What it did do however, was to galvanise the Bath supporters at the Rec into making the loudest noise that I can remember in the decades that I've been attending. The noise at the Principality a couple of weeks ago was impressive, but this was on another level!
What a game, though. It wouldn’t have disgraced the final itself! The Bears really came at Bath in the first 40, using all the skills and attacking élan that are the hallmarks of the "Bears way". It's worked against a lot of teams this season and they caught us cold earlier in the year at the Rec, but they haven’t come up against a J P Fereira trained defence in such a high-profile game before. Dogged doesn’t begin to describe it. I've heard it said that attacks win games but defence wins Championships and ours was superb throughout. Ravouvou was a thundering nuisance all night, even though he brought out possibly the tackle of the season from Ted Hill. Van Rensburg was a constant threat, but otherwise we managed the likes of Mata and Ibitoye pretty well, eventually imposing our game strategy on the match.
Much has been made of the "purple patch" after the break when we scored 28 unanswered points but that may not have been enough if our defensive effort hadn’t contained them in the first half. Pat Lam must have known in the back of his mind that as a minimum they probably needed twice the 10-point lead that they went in with against a team that routinely scores more second half tries than anybody else and so it proved.
The second semi-final on Saturday didn't have the same intensity, but Leicester still came out on top against a Sale side that didn't seem to play quite to the levels that we expect. If Handre Pollard had brought his kicking boots then the score would have looked quite comfortable. Yet still we could see the threats that we'll have to counter next week, with the likes of Radwan and Hassell-Collins relishing the prospect of the wide-open spaces of the Twickenham pitch. And there are two of the greatest exponents of the arial battle in these teams; the Horse vs Freddie Steward is some prospect. Add in the likes of Chessum, Liebenberg and Reffell and the sort of challenge that Tigers will present becomes clear.
We've beaten the Tigers twice this year in the Prem, but let's not fall into the "Bear trap" of relying on that as an indicator for this match. We know JvG won't; he and his team will have parked everything that's gone before and will be focused on delivering the right process to win the Final. It's well within our capabilities, but despite our strength in depth we may have a few injury worries. At the time of writing, I'm assuming that Dunny and Francois van Wyk will be available, albeit battered and bruised. The situation regarding Finn and Alfie Barbeary is more concerning. Fingers and everything else crossed that Finn's problem is cramp rather than a significant muscle tear. We can win this game without him, but we really don't want to have to!
So on Saturday as thousands of Bath supporters head for the trains and set the satnavs for Twickenham it will trigger memories for those of us for whom it used to be a regular event and it will be an exciting new experience for the younger members of the BB&W faithful who are maybe doing it for the first time. After the disappointment of 2015 and the "so close" match 12 months ago, it's an unaccustomed feeling to be heading for the Premiership Final knowing that we absolutely can do it. What was it Finn said to JvG after the final whistle last year? "We'll just have to win it next year, then".
It won’t be easy. Like us, Leicester are a team with a proud tradition and committed, knowledgeable supporters who want it just as badly as we do. We know that we've been the best team in the Premiership over the course of the season and If we trust to the gameplan that has been so successful then there's every chance to hope that we'll come away with the Cup.
So come on! All in, all the time means us as supporters too so let's take Friday night's Rec to Twickenham and do our bit to bring back that trophy!
COME ON YOU BATH!
LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 07:07
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Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 07:08
Great preview DB, thanks.
PG
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 07:54
If not too battered and bruised, Friday's experience could prove great preparation.
Leicester will be just as physical, their wings will offer a similar wide and counter attack threat to Bristol and as Devonport Lad says, the aerial battle will be intense.
Emotionally too, there could be similarities. Cheika may not make as much noise this week as Lam did last, but Leicester will be very much up for this. They have a proud tradition to live up to and for this squad, the extra motivation of the swansongs of the two most capped England internationals- Youngs and Cole. Not to mention the departure of talismanic captain Montoya and their DOR, Cheika himself, who has transformed them from also rans last year to highly credible contenders this.
Earlier this year I asked Richard Blaze who would be the toughest challenge in a final. He name checked several clubs but then said that the one for atmosphere would be Leicester.
Bring it on! COYB!
PG
Leicester will be just as physical, their wings will offer a similar wide and counter attack threat to Bristol and as Devonport Lad says, the aerial battle will be intense.
Emotionally too, there could be similarities. Cheika may not make as much noise this week as Lam did last, but Leicester will be very much up for this. They have a proud tradition to live up to and for this squad, the extra motivation of the swansongs of the two most capped England internationals- Youngs and Cole. Not to mention the departure of talismanic captain Montoya and their DOR, Cheika himself, who has transformed them from also rans last year to highly credible contenders this.
Earlier this year I asked Richard Blaze who would be the toughest challenge in a final. He name checked several clubs but then said that the one for atmosphere would be Leicester.
Bring it on! COYB!
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 08:01
Shot to nothing for Tigers, they will relish the label of underdogs and be more than happy to prove the bookies wrong after the results earlier in the season.
As long as they don't kick it to Steward all afternoon, and run at him instead then they should get some profit out of his inability to turn and tackle in 1 on 1 situations? Spencer vs JVP should be interesting at 9. No doubt that Hill and Pepper will be looking to test those sore ribs of Handré Pollard after his close encounters with the post pad and the Currys on Saturday..
With a knowledgable Tigers crowd who have a long and proud history it should be an enjoyable day out at HQ whatever the result (but more enjoyable if the silverware comes back down the M4 obviously!).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
As long as they don't kick it to Steward all afternoon, and run at him instead then they should get some profit out of his inability to turn and tackle in 1 on 1 situations? Spencer vs JVP should be interesting at 9. No doubt that Hill and Pepper will be looking to test those sore ribs of Handré Pollard after his close encounters with the post pad and the Currys on Saturday..
With a knowledgable Tigers crowd who have a long and proud history it should be an enjoyable day out at HQ whatever the result (but more enjoyable if the silverware comes back down the M4 obviously!).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Stopsy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 08:40
Many thanks for the preview. I must take issue with us being described as knowledgeable supporters though. Surely we’re all one eyed bigots 😊.
As a veteran of watching many tussles between our two great clubs I’m really looking forward to this. Oh for some mud and Deano v Jon Hall!
As a veteran of watching many tussles between our two great clubs I’m really looking forward to this. Oh for some mud and Deano v Jon Hall!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 08:59
Being picky, the Bears' halftime lead was only 7 (13-6).
Finger crossed for Finn & Alfie. I'd be starting Reid regardless.
Otherwise I guess we're all expecting the same 23 again.
Finger crossed for Finn & Alfie. I'd be starting Reid regardless.
Otherwise I guess we're all expecting the same 23 again.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:03
Presumably Orlando starts at 10 if Finn is broken. That would be some turn around for the lad!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:04
Quote:jayeatman
Being picky, the Bears' halftime lead was only 7 (13-6).
Finger crossed for Finn & Alfie. I'd be starting Reid regardless.
Otherwise I guess we're all expecting the same 23 again.
Looking back that was the difference, Bears dominated for 40 mins and scored 13 points, Bath dominated for 20 and scored 28 points. Bath's defence won the game for us.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:10
Great preview!
Hopefully Dunn will be doing dummy drills all week in preparation
Hopefully Dunn will be doing dummy drills all week in preparation
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:14
Quote:Oops! Of course it was. A “senior moment” when I was hitting the keyboard! But it reinforces the point about the pivotal role of the first half defence in putting us in a position to win that game.jayeatman
Being picky, the Bears' halftime lead was only 7 (13-6).
Finger crossed for Finn & Alfie. I'd be starting Reid regardless.
Otherwise I guess we're all expecting the same 23 again.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:14
Praying the club post a video of Finn & Barbeary in training today
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:25
Nice preview.
XV v XV think we are pretty well matched!
But as seen throughout the season, Bath have the strongest 23 in the league.
The start of the 3rd quarter and the final 20 worry me, even with Tigers bringing the Legends of Cole and Youngs of the bench.
Handre kicked 2 from 5 on Saturday but 2 of his Conversions were from wide out (Volavola attempted the third). He did miss a sitter of a penalty and a relatively easy DG.
We are definitely underdogs but don’t write us off!
Lots of goodbyes after next Saturday:- Cheika, Pollard, Montaya, Cole, Youngs, Brown, Kelly, Cronin.
XV v XV think we are pretty well matched!
But as seen throughout the season, Bath have the strongest 23 in the league.
The start of the 3rd quarter and the final 20 worry me, even with Tigers bringing the Legends of Cole and Youngs of the bench.
Handre kicked 2 from 5 on Saturday but 2 of his Conversions were from wide out (Volavola attempted the third). He did miss a sitter of a penalty and a relatively easy DG.
We are definitely underdogs but don’t write us off!
Lots of goodbyes after next Saturday:- Cheika, Pollard, Montaya, Cole, Youngs, Brown, Kelly, Cronin.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:47
That extra days rest will seriously benefit our boys and assist with the recovery - I am not sure I can recall a game played at that pace and intensity for a long while - I saw a quote from BJVR somewhere saying that was the most intense and fierce game he has ever played in. Another quote from one of the Bristol players was that it was like a "100 minute pre-season beasting" - the fastest pace he had ever experienced.
This explains why both sets of players were cramping up everywhere.
This explains why both sets of players were cramping up everywhere.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 09:50
Quote:joethefanatic
Presumably Orlando starts at 10 if Finn is broken. That would be some turn around for the lad!
It would be CD for me with OB on the bench. Current form not previous form for me and CD has shown that he's not really that bothered by pressure.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 10:25
Quote:tigersimon
But as seen throughout the season, Bath have the strongest 23 in the league.
The start of the 3rd quarter and the final 20 worry me, even with Tigers bringing the Legends of Cole and Youngs of the bench.
.
Our bench isn’t quite as strong now though!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 10:41
Great review....as ever!
You talk about the wide open spaces of Twickenham.....is that true.....is the pitch really that much wider than say the Rec?
You talk about the wide open spaces of Twickenham.....is that true.....is the pitch really that much wider than say the Rec?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Shep58 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 10:54
According to Google they're both 70m wide
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:01
Quote:Shep58
According to Google they're both 70m wide
Indeed - Law 1.2. Certainly the in-goals differ but I would be surprised if any Prem ground Field of Play wasn't 70m x 100m.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:07
I think the main area where rugby grounds differ is the in goal area.
Sandy Park has absolutely enormous in goal areas
The Rec has positively minuscule ones in comparison
Twickenham's are right at the top end of the scale, so plays into the hands of teams who like to kick long (less likely that the ball will go dead)
Sandy Park has absolutely enormous in goal areas
The Rec has positively minuscule ones in comparison
Twickenham's are right at the top end of the scale, so plays into the hands of teams who like to kick long (less likely that the ball will go dead)
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:24
When I wrote the preview, I had in mind the Welford Road pitch which I read somewhere is particularly narrow. Anyway, I played walking rugby at Twickenham before the England vs Fiji game a couple of years ago and it feels enormous!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:32
Quote:Yeah, all rugby pitches are 68-70m wide.BathMatt53Quote:Shep58
According to Google they're both 70m wide
Indeed - Law 1.2. Certainly the in-goals differ but I would be surprised if any Prem ground Field of Play wasn't 70m x 100m.
I'd be amazed if any professional level pitch is anything but 70m wide
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:34
First off a word for the contributors who do the previews...thank you. Another brilliant one that sets the tone for the week. The standard of writing and research that goes into these is very high indeed and puts some of the so-called rugby blogs to shame (I'm looking at you, Ruck).
If it is just cramp for Mr Russell, you'd expect him to be doing a lot of r&r in the early part of this week. However, if the unthinkable happens and he is ruled out then there's only one choice for his replacement. Bailey's a travelling reserve for the big games now.
Hopefully Alfie is ok too, but Miles Reid surely starts on Saturday. The latter was seriously impressive off the bench but the former suits that role better, IMO. Plus Reid should be rewarded for such an impressive showing.
Also think we keep the Tank on the bench too. We know the bench will be stacked whoever starts, but I just think someone like him coming on at 50/60mins is more of a psychological blow to the oppo.
This won't be one of the most productive of my working life!
If it is just cramp for Mr Russell, you'd expect him to be doing a lot of r&r in the early part of this week. However, if the unthinkable happens and he is ruled out then there's only one choice for his replacement. Bailey's a travelling reserve for the big games now.
Hopefully Alfie is ok too, but Miles Reid surely starts on Saturday. The latter was seriously impressive off the bench but the former suits that role better, IMO. Plus Reid should be rewarded for such an impressive showing.
Also think we keep the Tank on the bench too. We know the bench will be stacked whoever starts, but I just think someone like him coming on at 50/60mins is more of a psychological blow to the oppo.
This won't be one of the most productive of my working life!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:38
Quote:Devonport Lad
When I wrote the preview, I had in mind the Welford Road pitch which I read somewhere is particularly narrow. Anyway, I played walking rugby at Twickenham before the England vs Fiji game a couple of years ago and it feels enormous!
There is something about it that does make it look and feel bigger and more open. I get the measurements don't lie but what the eye sees and the brain believes is the truth no matter what the tape measure says
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 11:41
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 12:14
This game is going to be won or lost at Farleigh this week, the knocks repaired, the bodies conditioned and the minds focused, surely the fantastic group of coaches and backroom staff we have will do their job as they have all season. The non playing squad too will be important, I'm sure their support has been a massive benefit to the playing squad in recent weeks, there really appears to be strong sense of togetherness driving this group. Three quarters of the squad played in the 2024 final, that experience useful. The Bristol game will be fresh in their minds, a reminder that the opposition can present a massive challenge but with a fit squad in mind and body we can travel to HQ in a confident mood.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 12:23
Thanks DL, excellent review of Friday and preview. And I second the thanks to all who have been writing this season, really added to the pre-match build up.
Nah - better to keep Tiggers guessing!
Quote:A.M 180
Praying the club post a video of Finn & Barbeary in training today
Nah - better to keep Tiggers guessing!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 12:24
Quote:
It surely can't be correct that the Tigers pitch is 66m wide. 94m x 68m with a 6m in goal is the minimum stated in the Laws (1.2) with the exception that 'b. Any variations to these dimensions must be approved by the relevant union for domestic competitions or World Rugby for international matches'.
Why would they want a pitch 2m narrower than the minimum required, is there really zero space up the touchlines?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 12:50
Quote:joethefanatic
Presumably Orlando starts at 10 if Finn is broken. That would be some turn around for the lad!
If Finn isn’t 100% fit then we don’t win.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 13:18
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:joethefanatic
Presumably Orlando starts at 10 if Finn is broken. That would be some turn around for the lad!
If Finn isn’t 100% fit then we don’t win.
Blimey OB, have you been rolling in thistles?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 13:24
If everyone is fit from Fri I would be tempted to not overthink it and just go with the same 23.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 13:33
He's a vital cog OB, but it's a team game.
PG
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 13:34
Quote:Francis Allen
This game is going to be won or lost at Farleigh this week, the knocks repaired, the bodies conditioned and the minds focused, surely the fantastic group of coaches and backroom staff we have will do their job as they have all season. The non playing squad too will be important, I'm sure their support has been a massive benefit to the playing squad in recent weeks, there really appears to be strong sense of togetherness driving this group. Three quarters of the squad played in the 2024 final, that experience useful. The Bristol game will be fresh in their minds, a reminder that the opposition can present a massive challenge but with a fit squad in mind and body we can travel to HQ in a confident mood.
…….but Leicester have quite a bunch of England internationals & the likes of Pollard. I doubt that playing at Twickenham will phase them much at all.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 13:55
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:Francis Allen
This game is going to be won or lost at Farleigh this week, the knocks repaired, the bodies conditioned and the minds focused, surely the fantastic group of coaches and backroom staff we have will do their job as they have all season. The non playing squad too will be important, I'm sure their support has been a massive benefit to the playing squad in recent weeks, there really appears to be strong sense of togetherness driving this group. Three quarters of the squad played in the 2024 final, that experience useful. The Bristol game will be fresh in their minds, a reminder that the opposition can present a massive challenge but with a fit squad in mind and body we can travel to HQ in a confident mood.
…….but Leicester have quite a bunch of England internationals & the likes of Pollard. I doubt that playing at Twickenham will phase them much at all.
Yes, I didn't really want to write about the "but's" but you are correct. Aside from the experienced internationals the likes of Radwan and Hassle-Collins will relish the extra width of Twickenham if Welford Road is only 66m wide. Strength wise I think they will match us.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 14:03
Leicester have a very, very good squad.
Watching them playing against Sale, Pollard goes off for an HIA and they bring on another international flyhalf.
Chessum is an absolute beast and in Cole and Youngs you have amazing experience coming off the bench.
Montoya is a great player following Creevy in the brilliant Argentinian hooker role
Just as we "forgot" the two earlier defeats against Bristol they will "forget" the two earlier defeats against Bath......it only matters at 3.00 on Saturday for 80 minutes
Watching them playing against Sale, Pollard goes off for an HIA and they bring on another international flyhalf.
Chessum is an absolute beast and in Cole and Youngs you have amazing experience coming off the bench.
Montoya is a great player following Creevy in the brilliant Argentinian hooker role
Just as we "forgot" the two earlier defeats against Bristol they will "forget" the two earlier defeats against Bath......it only matters at 3.00 on Saturday for 80 minutes
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 14:13
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Watching them playing against Sale, Pollard goes off for an HIA and they bring on another international flyhalf.
Agree with the general thrust of the post, but I think calling Volavola and international fly half is perhaps overdoing it. Last played for Fiji nearly 2 years ago, and has been rattling around all sorts of clubs for a while, with Tigers picking him up from Brive in ProD2.
From the murmurings I've heard from Leicester fans I think they'd far rather have Shillcock on the bench (not sure if he's injured at the moment).
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 14:14
Yes well he is really good as well!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 14:14
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Just as we "forgot" the two earlier defeats against Bristol they will "forget" the two earlier defeats against Bath......it only matters at 3.00 on Saturday for 80 minutes
+1
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 15:18
Thanks for getting the preview up early DL avoids duplicate threads with suggested team selections.
PGT set a good example back in the old days!
Doesn’t ease the tension but at least we have somewhere to share it.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
PGT set a good example back in the old days!
Doesn’t ease the tension but at least we have somewhere to share it.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 15:32
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 15:41
Whatever, he is just a ref, he won’t decide the result.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 16:07
Quote:P G Tips
He's a vital cog OB, but it's a team game.
PG
You’re right it is a team game, but some cogs are irreplaceable and Finn is that cig. On top of losing a couple of other important cogs being without Finn on Saturday would make things too difficult.
Hopefully it was just a bit of cramp and he’ll be 100% ready for the final.
Time now for Bath to put in that 10/10 performance we all know they’re capable of.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 16:15
If Leicester set up similarly to Saturday its bench set up more to contain than anything else. The likes Cronin, Cole, Rogerson and Youngs are good players but not particularly dynamic so the impetus the Bath bench gives means another game it’s a big advance later in the game.
The one exception to that is Ilione who has looked Leicester’s best player every time he’s been on the field recently. Think he’s a much better option than Reffell who jackals and very little else (albeit he’s really good at that one thing)
The one exception to that is Ilione who has looked Leicester’s best player every time he’s been on the field recently. Think he’s a much better option than Reffell who jackals and very little else (albeit he’s really good at that one thing)
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 16:38
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Leicester have a very, very good squad.
Watching them playing against Sale, Pollard goes off for an HIA and they bring on another international flyhalf.
Chessum is an absolute beast and in Cole and Youngs you have amazing experience coming off the bench.
Montoya is a great player following Creevy in the brilliant Argentinian hooker role
Just as we "forgot" the two earlier defeats against Bristol they will "forget" the two earlier defeats against Bath......it only matters at 3.00 on Saturday for 80 minutes
I think the reason we “forgot” them was because they had no relevance to the narrative. Our B team in Cardiff put up a fantastic fight.
Leicester on the other hand were full bore vs Bath at the Rec, still trying to secure 2nd and they were duffed up. And it was only 3 weeks ago vs a Bath that had nothing to play for, except beating Leicester.
That will sit heavy.
J
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 16:44
Quote:This.shipwrecked
Whatever, he is just a ref, he won’t decide the result.
Absolutely no need to fear him if you tackle clean, and keep him on your side
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 18:14
Quote:A.M 180Quote:This.shipwrecked
Whatever, he is just a ref, he won’t decide the result.
Absolutely no need to fear him if you tackle clean, and keep him on your side
He does have a tendency to ad lib the laws, which makes him hard to predict, but he's not biased.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 18:43
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:A.M 180Quote:This.shipwrecked
Whatever, he is just a ref, he won’t decide the result.
Absolutely no need to fear him if you tackle clean, and keep him on your side
He does have a tendency to ad lib the laws, which makes him hard to predict, but he's not biased.
Agree with this. I think he’s one of the hardest to predict refs and once he gets on a certain track during a game he not likely to change course which is my main reason for not rating him
Also agree that he’s not going to be decisive. Rugby is impossible to ref and there’s always stuff that can go either way. Post match ref blaming is dull and pointless
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 19:01
ChippenhamRoman
I am trying to manage my own expectations....never mind anyone else's!!
I am trying to manage my own expectations....never mind anyone else's!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 19:21
Thanks to the Big Game (which I don’t think should be played at HQ
for this reason) our squad does have experience at Twickenham this season and was probably Pollards best performance of the season!
for this reason) our squad does have experience at Twickenham this season and was probably Pollards best performance of the season!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/06/2025 19:24
What a ‘Dream’ team of Officials!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 06:42
Terrific preview DL. I'm far from thrilled about the match officials and fear those of us in the crowd will be left wondering what's happening for long periods as "Tempo" and "Karl" over analyse some minor infringement.
As said above, they won't decide the result. If we lose to a late 50-50 call then that's rugby and it's up to us not to put the officials in that position.
Overall I'm far less nervous than last week and very excited for a day out with old mates, but far from over confident. The fact it is one last dance for so many Leicester players worries me. The Gods of Sport love a fairytale.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:07:00:30 by Rokobilly.
As said above, they won't decide the result. If we lose to a late 50-50 call then that's rugby and it's up to us not to put the officials in that position.
Overall I'm far less nervous than last week and very excited for a day out with old mates, but far from over confident. The fact it is one last dance for so many Leicester players worries me. The Gods of Sport love a fairytale.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:07:00:30 by Rokobilly.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 06:55
You’d like to think it’s our time. We’ve waited so long for this that missing out on the big prize will be a disaster. We would have won it last year I’m sure if it hadn’t been for the sending off. We are the stand out best team, no question, so we should have faith. It’s not down to our individual players, in all honesty they are hardly any better than Leicester’s, it’s how the coaches have got us playing & the mentality. Chekka is getting them there & they have improved a lot but he needs more time so changing to an unproven head coach next year may be a step back. Let’s keep the faith.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 08:13
Quote:tigersimon
What a ‘Dream’ team of Officials!!
I don't understand this comment - all top officials in the English game aren't they?
A bit surprised that Luke Pearce isn't involved given that he was only AR last week as well but I wonder that its something to do with the Sarries game - I hadn't realised that Paul Hull had accepted that it was forward. According to the i:
The i Paper understands that Paul Hull, the RFU’s head of professional match officials, has accepted in communications with Saracens that there was a clear forward pass, and agreed that the incident could and should have been handled differently by Pearce and television match official Dean Richards.
In the Northampton vs Saracens match, it has been accepted by the RFU that Richards was incorrect to say that there was no forward pass – although it is always a subjective decision, with camera angles sometimes unhelpful and no bespoke machinery to help such as the semi-automated offside technology in football.
If Richards had deemed the pass to be forward, the recommended approach for a TMO is to find one camera angle and present it to the referee.
Instead there were, in Saracens’ view, insufficient reviews and a hurried conversation between Pearce and Richards – particularly given that Pearce had conceded the possibility of a forward pass in his on-field conversations with Sarries players Ivan van Zyl and Itoje.
(Without wanting to open the whole 'momentum' debate again I can't really understand how forward passes can't be identified by a computer these days...)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 08:29
Quote:BathMatt53
(Without wanting to open the whole 'momentum' debate again I can't really understand how forward passes can't be identified by a computer these days...)
Indeed 'Smart ball'. which we have already discussed. I suspect that the decision was made to go lenient on flat passes to speed the game up.
This is the inevitable result.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 09:08
[quote shipwrecked][quote BathMatt53]
I suspect that the decision was made to go lenient on flat passes to speed the game up.
This is the inevitable result.[/quote]
Yes I agree - clear and obvious. The issue was that one was clearly (and obviously) forward with the naked eye (more forward than 'flat') IMO. Still its done now and we got to beat Bristol as a result...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I suspect that the decision was made to go lenient on flat passes to speed the game up.
This is the inevitable result.[/quote]
Yes I agree - clear and obvious. The issue was that one was clearly (and obviously) forward with the naked eye (more forward than 'flat') IMO. Still its done now and we got to beat Bristol as a result...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 09:27
Yes, agree, I think there has been a REAL shift to speed the game up. 50:50s err on the side of keeping the game moving/no decision. That's especially true of Pearce, who I think is the best ref in the world if you're a neutral. But he can be frustrating when the stakes are high, as he lets so much go. Also, it was unfortunate that the entire playoff race came down to one such moment, with Pearce in charge. Surely he should have taken more time over it given the game and league situation? But hey ho.
Interesting about the Smart Ball. Friday night at the Rec, 14k fans kept calling for the Bristol forward passes. Eventually, we got rewarded with a few decisions. Refs are humans and I've no doubt Ridley, as the game progressed, felt the urge/need to give a forward pass. The Smart Ball I presume would remove that. I know that's the idea- and I'm a big believer in using tech to get the RIGHT decisions- but home advantage should still count for something. Maybe if the Saints Sarries game had been at Sarries, the crowd would have made a bigger deal of it and Pearce would have taken a closer look?
Either way, I think the refereeing of the game is, generally, in a great place at the moment and we're seeing great games as a result. I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing. The dark days of 3 minute scrum resets, breakdown chaos, etc seem over. Even the high tackle thing seems to be better understood by players and applied by refs.
As said above, Dickson most likely will not decide the result of the final- but he will decide whether it's a good game or not.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:10:47:42 by dr.bath1865.
Interesting about the Smart Ball. Friday night at the Rec, 14k fans kept calling for the Bristol forward passes. Eventually, we got rewarded with a few decisions. Refs are humans and I've no doubt Ridley, as the game progressed, felt the urge/need to give a forward pass. The Smart Ball I presume would remove that. I know that's the idea- and I'm a big believer in using tech to get the RIGHT decisions- but home advantage should still count for something. Maybe if the Saints Sarries game had been at Sarries, the crowd would have made a bigger deal of it and Pearce would have taken a closer look?
Either way, I think the refereeing of the game is, generally, in a great place at the moment and we're seeing great games as a result. I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing. The dark days of 3 minute scrum resets, breakdown chaos, etc seem over. Even the high tackle thing seems to be better understood by players and applied by refs.
As said above, Dickson most likely will not decide the result of the final- but he will decide whether it's a good game or not.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:10:47:42 by dr.bath1865.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:22
Quote:dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Premiership Rugby says it has recorded 30% growth among fans aged 18-34, while this Saturday's Premiership final between Bath and Leicester has sold out in record time.
It is one of 30 matches to have sold out this season, up from 18 in 2023-24 and 13 in 2022-23.
Broadcaster TNT Sports have reported 10% growth in audiences for the Premiership this season, and recorded their biggest Friday night rugby audience ever for Bath's semi-final win over Bristol.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:27
Quote:A.M 180Quote:This.shipwrecked
Whatever, he is just a ref, he won’t decide the result.
Absolutely no need to fear him if you tackle clean, and keep him on your side
Biggest concern is actually Tempest as TMO, don’t rate him at that job and always seems to want to involve himself too much.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:33
The message is that we need to win this match convincingly to take the officials out of the equation. That also means being squeaky clean 🙄
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:10:34:00 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:10:34:00 by Bath Hammer.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:34
If Bath play to their full potential even some poor refereeing decisions should not change the outcome, but agree with above comment, it could affect the speed and enjoyment of the game. I hope Dickson keeps a low profile and does not attempt to be the 'star' of the show
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:42
Quote:Bath Hammer
The message is that we need to win this match convincingly to take the officials out of the equation. That also means being squeaky clean 🙄
This might be the last final we need to do that in with the 20 minute red trial introduction next season.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BucksBBandW (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:46
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Premiership Rugby says it has recorded 30% growth among fans aged 18-34, while this Saturday's Premiership final between Bath and Leicester has sold out in record time.
It is one of 30 matches to have sold out this season, up from 18 in 2023-24 and 13 in 2022-23.
Broadcaster TNT Sports have reported 10% growth in audiences for the Premiership this season, and recorded their biggest Friday night rugby audience ever for Bath's semi-final win over Bristol.
It was probably Mrs Lam and all her friends.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 10:57
Quote:BucksBBandWQuote:BathMatt53Quote:dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Premiership Rugby says it has recorded 30% growth among fans aged 18-34, while this Saturday's Premiership final between Bath and Leicester has sold out in record time.
It is one of 30 matches to have sold out this season, up from 18 in 2023-24 and 13 in 2022-23.
Broadcaster TNT Sports have reported 10% growth in audiences for the Premiership this season, and recorded their biggest Friday night rugby audience ever for Bath's semi-final win over Bristol.
It was probably Mrs Lam and all her friends.
You really think she can afford the £30.99 a month subscription?! I reckon she had to settle for BBC Radio Bristol.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 12:41
Quote:boozeboozeboozeQuote:Bath Supporter Jack
Watching them playing against Sale, Pollard goes off for an HIA and they bring on another international flyhalf.
Agree with the general thrust of the post, but I think calling Volavola and international fly half is perhaps overdoing it. Last played for Fiji nearly 2 years ago, and has been rattling around all sorts of clubs for a while, with Tigers picking him up from Brive in ProD2.
From the murmurings I've heard from Leicester fans I think they'd far rather have Shillcock on the bench (not sure if he's injured at the moment).
I always rated Shillcock highly. Had hoped at the time we could have found a way to have kept him but was really surprised Tigers let him go
Pollard has been named in the team of the weekend but for me, Finn's performance was far superior in every aspect
Even the assist for Radwans wonder try was an absolute shocker of a kick pass
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 12:52
Quote:Our scrum dominance seemed to be increasing as the game went on, but was largely negated by Ridley saying it’s there, use it rather than penalise or reset. So yes, great as a spectacle, but an area we should have seen more reward from.dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 14:03
Quote:RawceQuote:Our scrum dominance seemed to be increasing as the game went on, but was largely negated by Ridley saying it’s there, use it rather than penalise or reset. So yes, great as a spectacle, but an area we should have seen more reward from.dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
Bristol's front row did better than I expected, Kloska seemed pretty solid against Beno so I can see why he's being looked at by Borthwick. Bath's dominance came to the fore once the replacements were on though, Woolmore and Lahiff (then Kloska again) couldn't keep up with TdT and FvW.
I would also say that I think Tigers are possibly the only other side in the league whose props could stand up to ours. Heyes and Nicky Smith are unlikely to take a backward step, then Coles and Cronin know the dark arts inside out. Not to say that I think they'll get the nudge on our scrum, but this is the one match up where I don't think we have a significant edge.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 14:50
Looks like Russell has done media today with Spencer and JvG so hoping we get a little update on the leg soon
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 15:17
I think that if he's being put in front of the media, everyone's feeling as if he'll be good to go.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 15:20
Quote:RawceQuote:Our scrum dominance seemed to be increasing as the game went on, but was largely negated by Ridley saying it’s there, use it rather than penalise or reset. So yes, great as a spectacle, but an area we should have seen more reward from.dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
Personally I don’t mind that too much. If the ball is out and the team putting in isn’t within striking distance of the line penalties should be quite rare. I’d prefer not too see 50m territory gains because a prop has just been out muscled or whatever
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 15:44
Russell confirmed as fit for the final.
[www.rugbypass.com]
“It was just cramp, it wasn’t anything else. It was quite an intense first half so that took it out of me a little bit. But I’m fine. I trained today and will train as normal on Thursday and will rip into the weekend.”
[www.rugbypass.com]
“It was just cramp, it wasn’t anything else. It was quite an intense first half so that took it out of me a little bit. But I’m fine. I trained today and will train as normal on Thursday and will rip into the weekend.”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 16:17
Quote:BathMatt53
all top officials in the English game aren't they?
Matt,
Dickson and Tempest are officials in the English game not sure IMHO I would describe them as Top!
No issues with Pearce or Leal.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 10/06/2025 16:36
According to Rugby Pass, Finn says he’s fit:
The Lions and Scotland fly-half limped off towards the end of Bath’s play-off win against Bristol Bears last Friday but he allayed any fears that he would miss the showpiece match at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
“It was just cramp, it wasn’t anything else. It was quite an intense first half so that took it out of me a little bit. But I’m fine. I trained today and will train as normal on Thursday and will rip into the weekend.”
Obviously we’ll need confirmation but fantastic if true.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:16:40:01 by Devonport Lad.
The Lions and Scotland fly-half limped off towards the end of Bath’s play-off win against Bristol Bears last Friday but he allayed any fears that he would miss the showpiece match at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
“It was just cramp, it wasn’t anything else. It was quite an intense first half so that took it out of me a little bit. But I’m fine. I trained today and will train as normal on Thursday and will rip into the weekend.”
Obviously we’ll need confirmation but fantastic if true.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:10:16:40:01 by Devonport Lad.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 08:35
Only other concern might be Barbeary's fitness then, have to say having our best half backs fit is a massive relief.
Do Tigers have any injury concerns?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Do Tigers have any injury concerns?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 08:44
Quote:tigersimon
Dickson and Tempest are officials in the English game not sure IMHO I would describe them as Top!
On the basis that the Referees Society have given them the most important game in the 24/25 Premiership season and they also get the top international fixtures (6N games etc) I would definitely describe them as top.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:06
Quote:theredseatQuote:RawceQuote:Our scrum dominance seemed to be increasing as the game went on, but was largely negated by Ridley saying it’s there, use it rather than penalise or reset. So yes, great as a spectacle, but an area we should have seen more reward from.dr.bath1865
I read somewhere that Bath v Bristol was the most watched Friday night event in Discovery+ history! And that's thanks, in part, to the "product" of the game, and that's down to the reffing.
Personally I don’t mind that too much. If the ball is out and the team putting in isn’t within striking distance of the line penalties should be quite rare. I’d prefer not too see 50m territory gains because a prop has just been out muscled or whatever
The purpose of a scrum is simply to restart the game. So, as i see it, if the ball can be played then unless there is no foul play that could be risky for player safety or the forwards winning the ball are significantly impeded then get the ball out and play with it
I've hated the 'old school' dogma that saw it as just a golden opportunity for a 16 man arm wrestle and a kick at posts for 3 points. A total waste of 3/4 minutes of tedious rugby dirge
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Blues (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:11
Fear this game will come down to the officials interpretation.
Dickson will miss lots.
The TMO will look at everything.
Small margins will determine who wins.
COYB
Dickson will miss lots.
The TMO will look at everything.
Small margins will determine who wins.
COYB
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Murty7 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:12
I would use the word 'favoured' I don't believe they are top based on performance.
The cynic in me wonders if Dickson wasn't an ex professional player would his performances warrant the level he referees at?
The cynic in me wonders if Dickson wasn't an ex professional player would his performances warrant the level he referees at?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:14
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:tigersimon
Dickson and Tempest are officials in the English game not sure IMHO I would describe them as Top!
On the basis that the Referees Society have given them the most important game in the 24/25 Premiership season and they also get the top international fixtures (6N games etc) I would definitely describe them as top.
You are, I strongly suspect, in the minority, but then in your eyes, all referees are superb and above any form of criticism....
Look across the sites of all the top clubs, and almost no one rates Dickson as a referee, and generally he is considered the worst of the panel. And it baffles fans that someone who makes so many glaring errors keeps getting rewarded.
However, here's hoping neither set of fans feels the need to comment on the performance of the officials on Saturday.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:16
Quote:Bath Blues
Fear this game will come down to the officials interpretation.
Dickson will miss lots.
The TMO will look at everything.
Small margins will determine who wins.
COYB
I just don’t agree with the whole trying to pin games on officials before the game has started. I don’t even really get the whole slating refs in general as they wouldn’t be getting consistent appointments if they really were as poor.
I do think certain refs have slight differences in the way they ref but barely at that. Dickinson has the feel that he slightly slows down the games. Whereas someone like Pearce lets it flow more. Do think it’s harsh on Pearce to not get picked, in my opinion the best ref in world rugby.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 09:23
On a selection note Barbs in training so should be 100% availability from the last 23 vs Bears.
Think Miles from the start suits this game more, combat the very work heavy backrow of tigers and matches very well to Cracknell. Barbs suited the Bears game and did well in his role.
Doubt any changes outside of that.
Think Miles from the start suits this game more, combat the very work heavy backrow of tigers and matches very well to Cracknell. Barbs suited the Bears game and did well in his role.
Doubt any changes outside of that.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:17
Quote:HK890
On a selection note Barbs in training so should be 100% availability from the last 23 vs Bears.
Think Miles from the start suits this game more, combat the very work heavy backrow of tigers and matches very well to Cracknell. Barbs suited the Bears game and did well in his role.
Doubt any changes outside of that.
I agree other than I think du Toit and Stuart may swap roles. If Barbeary is on the bench it probably makes this more likely as it keeps a similar balance to things.
Pretty relaxed about it either way though.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:22
I'd start Du Toit as well
He will set the tone
He will set the tone
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:25
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:BathMatt53Quote:tigersimon
Dickson and Tempest are officials in the English game not sure IMHO I would describe them as Top!
On the basis that the Referees Society have given them the most important game in the 24/25 Premiership season and they also get the top international fixtures (6N games etc) I would definitely describe them as top.
You are, I strongly suspect, in the minority, but then in your eyes, all referees are superb and above any form of criticism....
Look across the sites of all the top clubs, and almost no one rates Dickson as a referee, and generally he is considered the worst of the panel. And it baffles fans that someone who makes so many glaring errors keeps getting rewarded.
However, here's hoping neither set of fans feels the need to comment on the performance of the officials on Saturday.
+1 for this. The only conclusion I ever draw with Dickson is that - as an ex-player - he has to be given big games/not demoted for fear of damaging the player-ref pathway. He is well below virtually all other Prem refs, IMO.
'Tempo' as TMO worries me too. Of all the refs, he is the most likely to make it about himself. Loves a bit of airtime.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:26
So finally it is a full squad...well except for Underhill and Lawrence.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:26
Quote:A.M 180
I'd start Du Toit as well
He will set the tone
Nicky Smith will be delighted! Not sure he'll do that though.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:28
Quote:........ and CoetzeeBath Supporter Jack
So finally it is a full squad...well except for Underhill and Lawrence.
Considering the games we have played thats pretty impressive.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:31
Quote:Dorset Boy
You are, I strongly suspect, in the minority, but then in your eyes, all referees are superb and above any form of criticism....
Of course all of the pro refs are superb - otherwise they wouldn't be elite referees. The problem is that most fans really only have a basic understanding of the Laws (and more importantly how they are applied) compared with a professional referee - which is quite understandable.
But yes I am generally triggered by people slagging off referees before a ball is even kicked / passed. It sets a really bad example to age grade players and conflicts with Respect the Ref (and TREDS in general) in my view.
I am on record as not agreeing with some decisions made (such as the forward passes in the recent Saints / Sarries match) but certainly wouldn't criticise the integrity or general ability of a Pro ref.
Quote:Dorset Boy
Look across the sites of all the top clubs, and almost no one rates Dickson as a referee, and generally he is considered the worst of the panel. And it baffles fans that someone who makes so many glaring errors keeps getting rewarded.
Yes, and yet the group of refs and officials who go through each and every match on the monday consider that he is technically good. IMO he has definitely improved - as has the likes of Carley who was considered the antichrist a few years ago. I suspect that most people just don't like him because of his good looks, gelled hair and confident demenour.
Quote:Dorset Boy
However, here's hoping neither set of fans feels the need to comment on the performance of the officials on Saturday.
This we agree on. Mistakes will be made, lots of decisions will be made that one or other set of supporters don't agree with but hopefully it's just remembered for a brilliant game of rugby.
No Ref, No game.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:46
I agree about not assuming refs will have a poor game/unduly influence one, before a ball has even been passed or kicked. I recall some angst about Dickson a few matches back and he had a really good game.
Personally I am sad that Luke Pearce (whom I rate highly and, more importantly, would I believe bring the best out of Saturday's match up) has not made the final. I understand that some errors in a recent Prem match may be the reason, so the Referee authorities do assess form just as coaches do when selecting players.
PG
Personally I am sad that Luke Pearce (whom I rate highly and, more importantly, would I believe bring the best out of Saturday's match up) has not made the final. I understand that some errors in a recent Prem match may be the reason, so the Referee authorities do assess form just as coaches do when selecting players.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 10:50
Yes Luke Pearce has a great empathy for the game as well as manner with the players. Mind you he took charge of his first match in 2011 so he has 14 years of experience at the top level. I also thought he would be a shoe-in for the Final.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 11:05
The games I've seen Dickson ref recently he's been really good in all aspects of the job
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 11:08
Quote:Barfboy
'Tempo' as TMO worries me too. Of all the refs, he is the most likely to make it about himself. Loves a bit of airtime.
+1
If any of the officials are going to ruin the game it will be Tempest. Gets involved far too often, acts like he’s the man in charge and seems to want sanctions upgraded too often . Hopefully Dickson will be strong enough to put him in his place if required.
Bath are actually due a bit of luck with officials in Premiership finals.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 11:34
Quote:BathMatt53
Yes Luke Pearce has a great empathy for the game as well as manner with the players. Mind you he took charge of his first match in 2011 so he has 14 years of experience at the top level. I also thought he would be a shoe-in for the Final.
I think I read that the RFU Head of Professional Officials (his name escapes me but he’s doing the job that Tony Spreadbury used to) had acknowledged that the call regarding the forward pass leading to the try that won Northampton the match on 17 May was incorrect and that the decision process was deficient. Maybe that’s why Luke Pearce has been an AR in the last couple of games and hasn’t got the final. Just speculation and apologies if I’m doing him a disservice.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 12:09
That was what I was referring to DL. I think that may be the reason
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/06/2025 12:19
Quote:Devonport LadQuote:BathMatt53
Yes Luke Pearce has a great empathy for the game as well as manner with the players. Mind you he took charge of his first match in 2011 so he has 14 years of experience at the top level. I also thought he would be a shoe-in for the Final.
I think I read that the RFU Head of Professional Officials (his name escapes me but he’s doing the job that Tony Spreadbury used to) had acknowledged that the call regarding the forward pass leading to the try that won Northampton the match on 17 May was incorrect and that the decision process was deficient. Maybe that’s why Luke Pearce has been an AR in the last couple of games and hasn’t got the final. Just speculation and apologies if I’m doing him a disservice.
It's Paul Hull (formerly of Bristol), yes I posted it on another thread.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 06:41
I know there is far more to it than the perceived qualities of individual players but nevertheless it would be interesting if someone has the time to do a match up, player for player, between the two likely sides.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 08:47
At the end of the day all DoR's will state to their squad's you aim to take the officials out of the equation - I remember the great All Black's side had a real issue with Wayne Barnes and his interpretation of the game - Richie McCaw and Kieron Read both recalled the coaches just saying we must aim to take the officials out of the game, concentrate on the game not them.
In relation to the final I am always a great believert that the Favourites/Underdogs tag is absolute rubbish - it is a one off game and both teams have performed to get to the final, therefore there are no favourites it will be a shoot out and may the best team win.
Looks like possibility of rain in the morning which will mean a greasy fast pitch which may suit the extra pace of the Tigers wingers. We will be fully fit I guarantee that (bar the documented injured and suspended players) every player will be busting a gut to be fit and put their hand up to be included.
The question is do you start with TdT who had good success against Nicky Smith in the game at the Rec or bring him off the bench where he does appear to reap more damage. Personally I lean towards the latter along with Alfie being brought off the bench and starting with Miles.
I see on the Tigers board they expect Schrueder to be preferred to TCS - personally I cannot see the logic TCS has exceptional pace and power and has never let the side down. The other question is whether you play Will Butt to counter Kata - however I don't see it - both Cam and Max are big strong boys and can cope - additionally Cam is a huge jackling threat.
I can see JvG & Co going with the same line up as against Bristol. COME ON BATH
In relation to the final I am always a great believert that the Favourites/Underdogs tag is absolute rubbish - it is a one off game and both teams have performed to get to the final, therefore there are no favourites it will be a shoot out and may the best team win.
Looks like possibility of rain in the morning which will mean a greasy fast pitch which may suit the extra pace of the Tigers wingers. We will be fully fit I guarantee that (bar the documented injured and suspended players) every player will be busting a gut to be fit and put their hand up to be included.
The question is do you start with TdT who had good success against Nicky Smith in the game at the Rec or bring him off the bench where he does appear to reap more damage. Personally I lean towards the latter along with Alfie being brought off the bench and starting with Miles.
I see on the Tigers board they expect Schrueder to be preferred to TCS - personally I cannot see the logic TCS has exceptional pace and power and has never let the side down. The other question is whether you play Will Butt to counter Kata - however I don't see it - both Cam and Max are big strong boys and can cope - additionally Cam is a huge jackling threat.
I can see JvG & Co going with the same line up as against Bristol. COME ON BATH
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 09:12
Agree Ali, same agin including the bench. Kata is big and story but Cam coped with Williams and makes nice breaks.
TdT of the bench just destroy tiring pack so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
TdT of the bench just destroy tiring pack so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigerburnie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 09:45
Cheicka has got the Tigers to peak just right, I have every confidence of him getting the Tigers right physically and mentally to prevail.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 10:07
Quote:tigerburnie
Cheicka has got the Tigers to peak just right, I have every confidence of him getting the Tigers right physically and mentally to prevail.
Good for you TB, I would expect nothing less.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 10:09
Quote:Ali1969
The other question is whether you play Will Butt to counter Kata - however I don't see it - both Cam and Max are big strong boys and can cope - additionally Cam is a huge jackling threat.
I think that Butt has played better than Cam this season (both in attack and defence), but each to their own of course.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 11:10
Butt v Redpath is such a tough call.
Butt has the ability to be a real focal point in attack, for Russell and Spencer to always have the option of passing straight to 12 and more than likely generating front foot ball has a lot of appeal. I've also been really impressed with his support lines and has consistently found himself on the shoulder of his team mates to potentially take an offload (even if Ciaran always fails to notice him).
Redpath doesn't quite have the same carrying ability, but does a good job at drawing in several defenders to get him down with his footwork, and then looks for the offload. He's more capable of filling in as a playmaker than Will and looks like he's developed good chemistry with Finn and Max. And as others have said he's great at the breakdown and always seems to pop up with at least 1 turnover each game.
I personally think JvG will opt for Cameron, but I do think it's worth factoring in the centre partnership we'll be facing. Kata and/or Perese are both very physical, but their tackle technique has a tendency to waver when under pressure, I do wonder whether having Butt at 12 might influence how hard (and how high) they fly into tackles.
Butt has the ability to be a real focal point in attack, for Russell and Spencer to always have the option of passing straight to 12 and more than likely generating front foot ball has a lot of appeal. I've also been really impressed with his support lines and has consistently found himself on the shoulder of his team mates to potentially take an offload (even if Ciaran always fails to notice him).
Redpath doesn't quite have the same carrying ability, but does a good job at drawing in several defenders to get him down with his footwork, and then looks for the offload. He's more capable of filling in as a playmaker than Will and looks like he's developed good chemistry with Finn and Max. And as others have said he's great at the breakdown and always seems to pop up with at least 1 turnover each game.
I personally think JvG will opt for Cameron, but I do think it's worth factoring in the centre partnership we'll be facing. Kata and/or Perese are both very physical, but their tackle technique has a tendency to waver when under pressure, I do wonder whether having Butt at 12 might influence how hard (and how high) they fly into tackles.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 11:16
Redpath can be a bit of a windup merchant which can go one of two ways - against Bristol he kept it the right side of the line, just.
But in terms of ability, I do think he's a couple of levels above Butt
But in terms of ability, I do think he's a couple of levels above Butt
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 11:26
Quote:A.M 180
But in terms of ability, I do think he's a couple of levels above Butt
I'm with BBB - in terms of passing / playmaking maybe, but (for me) Butt definitely has the physical advantage. Horses for courses I guess.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:12:11:27:11 by BathMatt53.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 11:38
Heard very little out of the Tigers camp regarding player availability, are we expecting an unchanged 23 from them?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 11:48
We mustn't forget Will Butt played a full 80 minutes against Leicester recently, he had a great game scoring 8 on the local ratings. Cam played with him in the first half and was replaced by Max on 46 minutes. Based on that second half performance you might repeat that starting partnership keeping Max on the bench. However the problem with that means with a 6-2 split it would be unlikely Ciaran will get a place. JVG will make the right call, I'm happy with his options, sadly 1 of these talented players is going to miss out.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 12:14
Quote:Francis Allen
JVG will make the right call, I'm happy with his options, sadly 1 of these talented players is going to miss out.
Well said.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 12:15
I think JvG will want to keep young Ciaran on the bench he is such a balanced runner with exceptional pace and as shown recently he can be so effective against tiring defences.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 12:46
Quote:Ali1969
I think JvG will want to keep young Ciaran on the bench he is such a balanced runner with exceptional pace and as shown recently he can be so effective against tiring defences.
...and because with a 6-2 split he can play 10, 15 and wing.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 12:53
And he kicks 50:22s for fun!
I love how last Friday when Ciaran came on, the first thing Finn did off the back of the scrum was get the ball into the young lad's hands. Would have been tempting, given his youth, to try and hide him a bit and ease him into the game or just get through without getting him exposed. But clearly Finn made the call to get the guy into the game ASAP. Of course, Ciaran then banged an incredibly clever kick down into their 22, which was great, but more beneficial was the fact that he was then fully in the game. Love it.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
I love how last Friday when Ciaran came on, the first thing Finn did off the back of the scrum was get the ball into the young lad's hands. Would have been tempting, given his youth, to try and hide him a bit and ease him into the game or just get through without getting him exposed. But clearly Finn made the call to get the guy into the game ASAP. Of course, Ciaran then banged an incredibly clever kick down into their 22, which was great, but more beneficial was the fact that he was then fully in the game. Love it.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 13:32
Quote:dr.bath1865
And he kicks 50:22s for fun!
I love how last Friday when Ciaran came on, the first thing Finn did off the back of the scrum was get the ball into the young lad's hands. Would have been tempting, given his youth, to try and hide him a bit and ease him into the game or just get through without getting him exposed. But clearly Finn made the call to get the guy into the game ASAP. Of course, Ciaran then banged an incredibly clever kick down into their 22, which was great, but more beneficial was the fact that he was then fully in the game. Love it.
So much of that enthralling game was memorable but that moment is the one that will stay in my mind. In his short first team career Ciaran has demonstrated he is special.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 14:27
Quote:dr.bath1865
And he kicks 50:22s for fun!
Uh, let's not get too carried away and hype him up to an impossible level so early
He kicked one albeit, brilliant and brilliantly timed 50:22
Sure, it demonstrated an astute big game mind and great execution so, yep incredible that he can learn that skill so quickly but he won't be repeating it just for fun!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 15:48
Quote:dr.bath1865
And he kicks 50:22s for fun!
I love how last Friday when Ciaran came on, the first thing Finn did off the back of the scrum was get the ball into the young lad's hands. Would have been tempting, given his youth, to try and hide him a bit and ease him into the game or just get through without getting him exposed.
cf. Spencer and Bailey a couple of years ago. How Bailey must be yearning for a bit more game-time at 12 or 15 alongside Finn.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2025 15:56
I think Cam plays a similar role for us as Dingwall does for Saints by just knitting everything together in a way that JvG likes. Butt is hugely improved and offers better go forward but doesn’t have the all around game at the moment.
Playing Redpath also means he can come in at first receiver so Finn can drift out the back and has more time and options to attack from. If Butt plays then the 13 has to do that role more often and he shifts out a spot which means you don’t get Ojomoh’s pace and handling getting to the edge of the defence.
Playing Redpath also means he can come in at first receiver so Finn can drift out the back and has more time and options to attack from. If Butt plays then the 13 has to do that role more often and he shifts out a spot which means you don’t get Ojomoh’s pace and handling getting to the edge of the defence.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 07:53
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Francis Allen
JVG will make the right call, I'm happy with his options, sadly 1 of these talented players is going to miss out.
Well said.
Yeah jvg will make the right call.
Some v good players likely to miss out.
Griffin, richards, staddon, green, one of our 9s, bailey or CD, butt or cam.
I think it's a relatively tight call between cam and butt. If you go for butt is it then a tight call between cam and CD for the bench?
I think they will go the same again with cam to start and CD on the bench
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 07:56
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:tigerburnie
Cheicka has got the Tigers to peak just right, I have every confidence of him getting the Tigers right physically and mentally to prevail.
Good for you TB, I would expect nothing less.
Got to back your team TB, absolutely no reason they can't do it.
Think from a bath perspective it's a case of do they have one more massive game left in the tank , will the sheer volume of games take their toll , or do they just catch leic on the wrong day.
Imagine bookies will have us as favourites which is a tag we have earnt but feels a pretty 50:50 to me. Still a bit scarred by last yeat- 1cm misjudgement by someone and the game completely shifts.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 08:38
Anyone else infinitely calmer/less nervous than last week?
And I think, oddly, that's because I respect Tigers so much more. It'd be heartbreaking if we lose tomorrow, but we'd have lost to a team who were 2nd in the league, have a great set piece, world class half backs, big game players, good guys like Cole signing off etc. I also think the Bristol talk of "hate", unfortunately, despite it being a good "narrative" or whatever, just made me so desperate to win in order to beat them, not just wanting to win for the good of my team. If Leicester win tomorrow, given our history together and their history as a club, I'll likely just think, fair play.
I really believe we'll win, and our game is better suited to quashing what Tigers bring, arguably even at their best (eeeek), but for some reason, even though the stakes are even higher, I'm resigned this week to letting the rugby gods do their best/worst.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
And I think, oddly, that's because I respect Tigers so much more. It'd be heartbreaking if we lose tomorrow, but we'd have lost to a team who were 2nd in the league, have a great set piece, world class half backs, big game players, good guys like Cole signing off etc. I also think the Bristol talk of "hate", unfortunately, despite it being a good "narrative" or whatever, just made me so desperate to win in order to beat them, not just wanting to win for the good of my team. If Leicester win tomorrow, given our history together and their history as a club, I'll likely just think, fair play.
I really believe we'll win, and our game is better suited to quashing what Tigers bring, arguably even at their best (eeeek), but for some reason, even though the stakes are even higher, I'm resigned this week to letting the rugby gods do their best/worst.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 08:44
Quote:dr.bath1865
Anyone else infinitely calmer/less nervous than last week?
And I think, oddly, that's because I respect Tigers so much more. It'd be heartbreaking if we lose tomorrow, but we'd have lost to a team who were 2nd in the league, have a great set piece, world class half backs, big game players, good guys like Cole signing off etc. I also think the Bristol talk of "hate", unfortunately, despite it being a good "narrative" or whatever, just made me so desperate to win in order to beat them, not just wanting to win for the good of my team. If Leicester win tomorrow, given our history together and their history as a club, I'll likely just think, fair play.
I really believe we'll win, and our game is better suited to quashing what Tigers bring, arguably even at their best (eeeek), but for some reason, even though the stakes are even higher, I'm resigned this week to letting the rugby gods do their best/worst.
+1
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 09:04
I'm nervous, more so than Bristol. I think that the build up to this generally has been more cautious, thats something I prefer rather than complacency. Several head to head breakdowns have Tigers to win. Bench will probably decide it.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 09:16
I have to say weirdly less nervous for this one - just as excited though - Bears have had the wood on us for ages and to produce that type of dominant display when Bears played arguably the best they ever have was immense.
The normal worry is that when you win a game such as that in the semi-final is a drop off (final already played) but with JvG you just don't get that vibe, he is just so measured - the comment he made to Chris Jones from Rugby Union Weekly was just so poignant, when asked about Bristol's dominance in the first half he just said yep they went in 13-6 up and within a minute it was 13-13 so all their effort in the first half was wiped out in a minute. The importance of taking your chances when your having that dominance is so crucial. How psychologically deflating is that for the opposition.
The squad will be totally grounded that will be for sure and they will stick and trust their processes (borrowing a "JvGism") , Tigers will be totally fired up and emotional build up's such as theirs with all the legends leaving can actually be counter productive, exhausting and cause lethargy.
All I hope is that both teams perform and the officials let the game flow and the RIGHT team on the day win, obviously I pray it is us. COME ON BATH.
The normal worry is that when you win a game such as that in the semi-final is a drop off (final already played) but with JvG you just don't get that vibe, he is just so measured - the comment he made to Chris Jones from Rugby Union Weekly was just so poignant, when asked about Bristol's dominance in the first half he just said yep they went in 13-6 up and within a minute it was 13-13 so all their effort in the first half was wiped out in a minute. The importance of taking your chances when your having that dominance is so crucial. How psychologically deflating is that for the opposition.
The squad will be totally grounded that will be for sure and they will stick and trust their processes (borrowing a "JvGism") , Tigers will be totally fired up and emotional build up's such as theirs with all the legends leaving can actually be counter productive, exhausting and cause lethargy.
All I hope is that both teams perform and the officials let the game flow and the RIGHT team on the day win, obviously I pray it is us. COME ON BATH.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 09:26
Quote:I'm with you Ali - if we'd lost last week, then that would have been the bottlejobAli1969
I have to say weirdly less nervous for this one - just as excited though - Bears have had the wood on us for ages and to produce that type of dominant display when Bears played arguably the best they ever have was immense.
The normal worry is that when you win a game such as that in the semi-final is a drop off (final already played) but with JvG you just don't get that vibe, he is just so measured - the comment he made to Chris Jones from Rugby Union Weekly was just so poignant, when asked about Bristol's dominance in the first half he just said yep they went in 13-6 up and within a minute it was 13-13 so all their effort in the first half was wiped out in a minute. The importance of taking your chances when your having that dominance is so crucial. How psychologically deflating is that for the opposition.
The squad will be totally grounded that will be for sure and they will stick and trust their processes (borrowing a "JvGism") , Tigers will be totally fired up and emotional build up's such as theirs with all the legends leaving can actually be counter productive, exhausting and cause lethargy.
All I hope is that both teams perform and the officials let the game flow and the RIGHT team on the day win, obviously I pray it is us. COME ON BATH.
Lose on Saturday, and I think you can chalk that up to it being a final, against a very good team.
We've shown we can rise to the highest stakes occasions. Virtually this exact group played a final that felt like four finals in one, 12 months ago, so this isn't unknown territory for us
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigerburnie (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 10:49
Safe travels those of you in the big smoke, I'm stuck in the Scottish highlands waiting to go into the local hospital to see Sister Dracula, they're after my blood, not much chance of me parting with anything lol.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:39
TEAMS UP!
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath,13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Alfie Barbeary
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath,13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Alfie Barbeary
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:39
So Reid in for Barbeary (not a huge surprise) and TdT starting over Stuart.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:41
Both decent calls IMHO
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:41
Think I was on the same page as JVG!
Just shows the journey that we back the likes of TCS and Donoghue
Just shows the journey that we back the likes of TCS and Donoghue
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:41
Tigers team, unchanged 23
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:13:11:42:06 by boozeboozebooze.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:13:11:42:06 by boozeboozebooze.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:42
Quote:boozeboozebooze
TEAMS UP!
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath,13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Alfie Barbeary
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:13:11:43:34 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:46
Don't think we could have gone stronger.
Share the sentiment that I'm less wound up about this one - incredibly proud of what the whole squad have done this season and Leicester are worthy opponents for the final. I'm not getting excuses in early - this could genuinely go either way.
Come on you Bath! 🇪🇪
Share the sentiment that I'm less wound up about this one - incredibly proud of what the whole squad have done this season and Leicester are worthy opponents for the final. I'm not getting excuses in early - this could genuinely go either way.
Come on you Bath! 🇪🇪
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:49
Having not watched a tonne of Tigers this year, does Rogerson tend to fill in as replacement lock (always thought of him as a backrower)? Or would Liebenberg move into the 2nd row? Or are Chessum and Henderson both 80 minute players?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: SK 88 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 11:59
Quote:boozeboozebooze
Having not watched a tonne of Tigers this year, does Rogerson tend to fill in as replacement lock (always thought of him as a backrower)? Or would Liebenberg move into the 2nd row? Or are Chessum and Henderson both 80 minute players?
In the games we've done this Chessum & Henderson have played 80 minutes in all but one game (Newcastle at home) when Liebenberg went into the second row for the last half hour.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:07
As an aside, Rogerson going to Worcester after this game I understand.
Both Line-Ups pretty much as expected? Looking forward to a good game.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Both Line-Ups pretty much as expected? Looking forward to a good game.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A2O (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:12
With Martin and Wells injured our choices are limited but Rogerson has done ok when he’s played recently
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:13
Quote:SK 88Quote:boozeboozebooze
Having not watched a tonne of Tigers this year, does Rogerson tend to fill in as replacement lock (always thought of him as a backrower)? Or would Liebenberg move into the 2nd row? Or are Chessum and Henderson both 80 minute players?
In the games we've done this Chessum & Henderson have played 80 minutes in all but one game (Newcastle at home) when Liebenberg went into the second row for the last half hour.
Thanks SK 88, quite some engine on both of them by the sounds of it.
Have to say that I'm mightily relieved that we're not facing Martin, such a destructive player. I guess with both him and Wells injured there aren't many other options at lock/backrow, although from my totally uneducated standpoint I'm a little surprised Rogerson is favoured over the likes of Hatherell and Carnduff (I have no idea on their availability/form though).
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:27
Carnduff looks a v good player from the bits I have seen of him. Like you no idea on form/availability.
Ilione seems to have been going well off the bench so he will no doubt have an impact
Ilione seems to have been going well off the bench so he will no doubt have an impact
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:32
Always a fan of minor tweaks off the back of a win tbh.
Just enough to reward good performance, mix things up a bit, and keep the opposition guessing.
I genuinely had no idea who would bench vs start at tighthead and 8 but du toit and reid certainly had big games in the semi.
Was just reading an article where a handful of pundits leaned in favour of a bath win but all by less than 10 points.
Who knows but as others have said we have had a great season irrespective and if we lose due to a top performance by a fresher Tigers squad then fair enough.
Trying to work on being philosophical given my train home goes through Leicester!
Just enough to reward good performance, mix things up a bit, and keep the opposition guessing.
I genuinely had no idea who would bench vs start at tighthead and 8 but du toit and reid certainly had big games in the semi.
Was just reading an article where a handful of pundits leaned in favour of a bath win but all by less than 10 points.
Who knows but as others have said we have had a great season irrespective and if we lose due to a top performance by a fresher Tigers squad then fair enough.
Trying to work on being philosophical given my train home goes through Leicester!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:33
Always good to see the line up and just think ‘Yep’
LFG
LFG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:36
I would have held TDT back on the bench buuuuut I completely see the logic in this line up and what a great line up it is. No Unders, we've got Pepper. No Jaco, we've got Reid. No Ollie, we've got Mojo. What a squad. What a system JvG and his team have built.
Time to go all out once more tomorrow! I can't wait to see Twickenham decked out in blue, black and white. It doesn't get much more exciting than this! Allez allez allez.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Time to go all out once more tomorrow! I can't wait to see Twickenham decked out in blue, black and white. It doesn't get much more exciting than this! Allez allez allez.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 12:58
Quote:Susanne
Don't think we could have gone stronger.
Share the sentiment that I'm less wound up about this one - incredibly proud of what the whole squad have done this season and Leicester are worthy opponents for the final. I'm not getting excuses in early - this could genuinely go either way.
Come on you Bath! 🇪🇪
Much more relaxed about tomorrow.
I can’t see Bath losing. True Tigers are a good team, but are they a great team? Absolutely nothing to fear. Fear is always what I’m like going into football cup finals with my team Hibs.
I fully expect Bath to win this. Call it BB&W glasses but Leicester will have to have the game of their lives and Bath be off the boil (not going to happen) or there be a 2nd minute red card.
The team will feed off of last year. This is part of the process. 80 minutes of graft to define a season. We all knew it would have to come down to this.
Let’s roar them on and do this.
Had to post this from Friday Night Lights. It’s the exact team talk that JVG will do.
[youtu.be]
Speaking of Scottish football, see Aberdeen beating treble chasing Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final. Unlike Celtic, Bath and JVG will be locked in.
J
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:13:13:28:10 by ChippenhamRoman.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 13:18
Just a reminder to people, du Toit played the full 80 in the final last year, scored a try, and scrummaged on both sides
I wouldn't be surprised if he is the last player subbed off if all is going well
I wouldn't be surprised if he is the last player subbed off if all is going well
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 13:21
As expected, bar TdT. Have a sneaky suspicion - depending on score - he may hang on a while at loosehead when Beno departs.
They've got a great team but I just feel different that I did to last year. Saints were the best team in the league last year and we very nearly beat them with 14 men.
Fast forward a year and not much has changed for us, but we are now the best team in the league. Bar another early red or big injury, I just can't see us getting done over 80mins.
Probably guilty of being over confident but most of all I'm really looking forward to it! Going to be a cracker of a day. Come on you Bath!
They've got a great team but I just feel different that I did to last year. Saints were the best team in the league last year and we very nearly beat them with 14 men.
Fast forward a year and not much has changed for us, but we are now the best team in the league. Bar another early red or big injury, I just can't see us getting done over 80mins.
Probably guilty of being over confident but most of all I'm really looking forward to it! Going to be a cracker of a day. Come on you Bath!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 13:22
Safe travels to everyone heading to Twickers!
Let’s hope Rugby is the winner and we are talking about the players rather than the officials at the end!
Heart says 🐯, but Head says 🛁!
Let’s hope Rugby is the winner and we are talking about the players rather than the officials at the end!
Heart says 🐯, but Head says 🛁!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 13:36
Quote:Thanks Simon - same to you!tigersimon
Safe travels to everyone heading to Twickers!
Let’s hope Rugby is the winner and we are talking about the players rather than the officials at the end!
Heart says 🐯, but Head says 🛁!
Even last year, I had a great day, so hope the same for you!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 13:37
One difference to our squad this year, VV has been lethal from the bench and, with all due respect to Schoemann, gives us a much strong bench option. Almost an argument for him and Beno to rotate the same way that Stew and TDT do. So I'd rather VV comes on than TDT switching over.
Of course, it's a nice problem to have. I'd want TDT on the field as long as possible, but keeping the Lions starting 3 on the bench until the final 10 seems crazy! Oh well. In JvG we trust.
Thanks tigersimon. Happy travels to you and your lot, too. Can't wait to see you all there. Yeh yeh yeh the edge was good last week, perhaps due to the "hate" nonsense, but so much prefer this week and the respect being shown between the camps. The whole #rugbyvalues thing is sometimes laughed at, but it's still a game where you don't "hate" your opposition (Bristol and Wales seem to think they're exceptions to this) so delighted it's going to be a weekend filled with the best bits of our wonderful sport.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Of course, it's a nice problem to have. I'd want TDT on the field as long as possible, but keeping the Lions starting 3 on the bench until the final 10 seems crazy! Oh well. In JvG we trust.
Thanks tigersimon. Happy travels to you and your lot, too. Can't wait to see you all there. Yeh yeh yeh the edge was good last week, perhaps due to the "hate" nonsense, but so much prefer this week and the respect being shown between the camps. The whole #rugbyvalues thing is sometimes laughed at, but it's still a game where you don't "hate" your opposition (Bristol and Wales seem to think they're exceptions to this) so delighted it's going to be a weekend filled with the best bits of our wonderful sport.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 14:04
Quote:Charlieboa1
Was just reading an article where a handful of pundits leaned in favour of a bath win but all by less
I know it’s tempting fate to be over confident but I am expecting that if things go as I would expect them to we will win by a bigger margin than what those pundits expect!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 14:10
Quote:Barfboy
As expected, bar TdT. Have a sneaky suspicion - depending on score - he may hang on a while at loosehead when Beno departs.
That's an interesting prediction, I'd certainly be in favour of squeezing every last millimetre of performance out of TdT. I agree that FvW has been a real upgrade as backup loosehead, and I guess that's why Thomas has filled in on that side fewer times compared to last season (4 vs 8).
I also wonder whether JvG wants at least 1 heavy traffic ball carrier in both the starting XV and on the bench, with TdT and Barbeary fitting those roles. Perhaps starting/benching both would leave the team slightly less balanced? I'm probably splitting hairs, it's just such a privileged position to be in compared to the days of Rae and Jonker.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 14:41
Quote:theredseat
Always good to see the line up and just think ‘Yep’
LFG
Yep
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: WasBBWBaaBaa (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 15:30
I only wish that I could be as confident as some of you. I live in hope, with fingers firmly crossed!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 16:18
Also feeling weirdly calm about tomorrow, should be a cracker of a game and may the best team win.
Great bit of recognition in the press today about Ted as well.. comes across as just a really good guy
[www.theguardian.com]
Great bit of recognition in the press today about Ted as well.. comes across as just a really good guy
[www.theguardian.com]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 16:41
I think its brilliant that Tom Carr Smith and especially Ciarran Donoghue who was unknown 6 weeks ago are involved in Bath's most significant game in years!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 17:37
This time last Friday I was a nervous wreck, the enormity of the Bristol game weighing heavily on me. Today as others have alluded to there is relaxed end of term feeling about travelling to Twickenham and we have a greater respect for Leicester. We know the players are good enough, as always they will be well prepared by Farleigh and hungry to conclude an outstanding season with the ultimate prize. I agree with the team selection, it's hard luck on Will after his performance against Leicester and sad for Orlando and Louis S who have been overtaken by Ciaran and Tom CS. Hopefully Finn and Ben will lead us to a winning position without the need to blood Ciaran and Tom, though It would be nice if they had 5 minutes at the end.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Stopsy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 19:32
You deserve to be favourites and have enjoyed a great season. I suspect last year’s final will be enough to see you home. I hope not!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: PottyDave (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 19:35
Ticket? Check. Travel plan? Check (ish). Miscellaneous Bath logo merch including non-colour fast flag (it’s a bit blue, black and light blue tastic)? Check.
Ok. Let’s go….
Blue, black, white,
allez, allez, allez,
allez, allez, allez
Blue, black, white,
allez, allez, allez,
allez, allez, allez.
Underhill plays, we win, but now not so sure.
Enjoy everyone. Even tiggers!
Ok. Let’s go….
Blue, black, white,
allez, allez, allez,
allez, allez, allez
Blue, black, white,
allez, allez, allez,
allez, allez, allez.
Underhill plays, we win, but now not so sure.
Enjoy everyone. Even tiggers!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Brown Bottle (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 20:39
Quote:A.M 180
...
I'm with you Ali - if we'd lost last week, then that would have been the bottlejob
Lose on Saturday, and I think you can chalk that up to it being a final, against a very good team.
If you lose tomorrow I think you'll find the words bottle or bottling or bottlers being used for a few years at least.
If it was a final between two teams who'd been neck and neck and one was just pipped at the post during the regular season then fair enough. But you've made your point big time in the league - now you need to deliver.
I think you will.
BB
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 13/06/2025 20:49
Nice cold beer in the Twickenham Stadium Hotel…
But more chilled than coming up on the day. Quite a few fellow fans about!
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
But more chilled than coming up on the day. Quite a few fellow fans about!
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 00:45
Assuming that the traffic will be horrendous approaching the stadium what time would you advise leaving Bath?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 07:27
We came down last night. Overcast and rained a bit this morning, feeling very muggy but sun forecast later, should be a great day. Safe travels everyone!
BH - I'd give yourself plenty of time, a few speed restrictions on M4 as well, and always the chance of an accident delaying things further (normally near Reading...)
BH - I'd give yourself plenty of time, a few speed restrictions on M4 as well, and always the chance of an accident delaying things further (normally near Reading...)
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 08:09
On our way shortly , A303, M3, A316 obviously will be busy, take care everyone. 
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 08:26
Train for us, beyond nervous about today.. 🤞
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: hooker 72 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 08:35
Good luck today for West Country rugby, a safe journey to all of you off to the big smoke🤞🍀
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: HugoBosss (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 09:55
I think I'm the most nervous I've ever been about a match in truth. Last season I went to the final with my son and had the day and experience to enjoy, whereas it didn't work out this time around so I'm at home with time on my hands to keep mulling it over in my head!
Safe travels one and all for those departing this morning, here's hoping it's the cracker it has the potential to be. Head and heart do say Bath but I think Tigers will front up across the park. Enjoy everyone!
Safe travels one and all for those departing this morning, here's hoping it's the cracker it has the potential to be. Head and heart do say Bath but I think Tigers will front up across the park. Enjoy everyone!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 09:58
I fully endorse the safe and incident free travel sentiment. Good luck everyone!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Pulteney (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 09:59
dr.bath 1865: Yeh yeh yeh the edge was good last week, perhaps due to the "hate" nonsense, but so much prefer this week and the respect being shown between the camps. The whole #rugbyvalues thing is sometimes laughed at, but it's still a game where you don't "hate" your opposition (Bristol and Wales seem to think they're exceptions to this) so delighted it's going to be a weekend filled with the best bits of our wonderful sport.
+1
Sadly won’t be at HQ this time but will be watching on TV with massive passion and with beer in hand!…..
Safe travels everyone and have a great day.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:10:02:42 by Pulteney.
+1
Sadly won’t be at HQ this time but will be watching on TV with massive passion and with beer in hand!…..
Safe travels everyone and have a great day.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:10:02:42 by Pulteney.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BucksBBandW (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 10:32
Some numpty didn't clock the date when he made himself available for working today. Surreptitious and nervous glances at my phone this afternoon. Have a great day all who are going to Twickers. COYB!
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 10:36
Sat in my Daughters house with my beloved Bath shirt on cannot wait for the game - it is just so refreshing that whoever the media interviews from the Bath squad they all sound completely grounded and talk about belief in their process and belief in their mates. Not just team mates but mates - everyone outside our great club is always quick to accuse us of spending and buying a team, that is just so untrue so many of the squad have either been born and bred or been at the club so long it hurts.
Safe travels to all who have yet to arrive and let us loudly cheer our team and the South West to glory against a tremendous side.
Come on BATH.
Safe travels to all who have yet to arrive and let us loudly cheer our team and the South West to glory against a tremendous side.
Come on BATH.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 10:42
Life has been too hectic to get nervous this week, but I’m sat in the Bath coach on the M4 and I don’t think it’s the coffee that’s tying my stomach in knots. I think I’ll be like that squirrely thing with the acorn in Ice Age by the time we got to Twickers.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 10:47
Quote:Rawce
Life has been too hectic to get nervous this week, but I’m sat in the Bath coach on the M4 and I don’t think it’s the coffee that’s tying my stomach in knots. I think I’ll be like that squirrely thing with the acorn in Ice Age by the time we got to Twickers.
Great analogy! Scrat gets to eat the acorn!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: annie blackthorn (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 11:34
Safe journey to all, however long or short!
Whether you are a longtime oldie like me, or fairly new to this 'Twickenham' experience, just take it all in.
If you just have to down the pints, remember where your transport is parked, or even how to get there after the match. LOL!
Respect those from Leicester Tigers, they care about their club as much as we do.
Pretty optimistic that Bath will take the prize after monumental efforts.
Allez allez allez BATH BATH BATH!
Whether you are a longtime oldie like me, or fairly new to this 'Twickenham' experience, just take it all in.
If you just have to down the pints, remember where your transport is parked, or even how to get there after the match. LOL!
Respect those from Leicester Tigers, they care about their club as much as we do.
Pretty optimistic that Bath will take the prize after monumental efforts.
Allez allez allez BATH BATH BATH!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 11:35
If it helps those feeling edgy about today, as someone who doesn't like the format of these semis and finals, I do like to remember we finished clear top of the table.
Of course, winning the showcase event is a huge silverware moment for the club and the supporters who have been through some bad times.
Have a great day everyone, enjoy it if you can!
Of course, winning the showcase event is a huge silverware moment for the club and the supporters who have been through some bad times.
Have a great day everyone, enjoy it if you can!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 12:25
So much more nervous about this than I was last year.
Last year, Northampton were clearly the better team over the course of the year, so we felt like underdogs.
This year, Bath are clearly the better team over the course of the year, so we feel like favourites - even though I don't think that label applies in a 1-off match, and a best-of team would probably be 6v6, with 3 coin tosses.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:13:34:59 by Which Tyler.
Last year, Northampton were clearly the better team over the course of the year, so we felt like underdogs.
This year, Bath are clearly the better team over the course of the year, so we feel like favourites - even though I don't think that label applies in a 1-off match, and a best-of team would probably be 6v6, with 3 coin tosses.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:13:34:59 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 12:30
[quote shipwrecked][quote Rawce]Great analogy! Scrat gets to eat the acorn!
[/quote]
Hah brilliant. Let’s hope it is as prophetic!
Hah brilliant. Let’s hope it is as prophetic!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 13:37
Jaco Coetzee seemingly with the match-day squad and not with the non/playing supporting group who are wearing the famous purple TR bib.
Minor thing to note but very interesting considering he’s supposedly out for another 6 months or so.
Minor thing to note but very interesting considering he’s supposedly out for another 6 months or so.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 14:06
It's 3.30am and I'm v excited.
Cmon you Barrrrtttthhh!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Cmon you Barrrrtttthhh!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 14:14
The Rugby Network (who cover the Prem here) have a helpful countdown timer running to the start of the match. It's not doing my nerves any good!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 14:33
Here we go. Play well, boys.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 14:37
What The Heck?
Was kinda cool when Hendrix did that.
You're not Hendrix, it's not the 60s
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:14:39:11 by Which Tyler.
Was kinda cool when Hendrix did that.
You're not Hendrix, it's not the 60s
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:14:39:11 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:19
Knock on blue, played on ground by white!!
By the way, Sportnetwork clock is 23 mins slow
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:20:56 by Mike the Taxi.
By the way, Sportnetwork clock is 23 mins slow
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:20:56 by Mike the Taxi.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:31
13 v 7 HT
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:32
How are we ahead? We've played no rugby and spent 40 minutes dropping the ball. Hopefully we'll wake up soon.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: recman (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:34
Knock on... knock on... knock on...held up... knock on.. knock on...
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: 9215 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:36
The second half is when we win games, being up at half time is a bonus.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:48
I think Dickson has helped us on the scoreboard, but helped Leicester keep men on the field.
We've spent a tonne more time threatening them than the other way around though
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:56:01 by Which Tyler.
We've spent a tonne more time threatening them than the other way around though
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:56:01 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:56
Wow Finn! and exactly the right decision once he was getting caught
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:57:52 by Which Tyler.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:15:57:52 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 15:57
Finn/Max breakaway double act!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: 9215 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:00
Quote:Which Tyler
Wow Finn! and exactly the right decision once he was getting caught
Yeah, would have been so easy to go for the solo score and get turned over 2m out, great presence of mind.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:10
Oof, really?
After all they've let go?
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
After all they've let go?
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: 9215 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:11
Shame for Pepper, that was immense from him.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:20
Quote:Which Tyler
Oof, really?
After all they've let go?
He lost the ball but it didn't seem to go forward. They only looked one angle so not great work by the TMO.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:25
Healy, unbiased as ever, saying Cole Yellow wasn't
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:34
YYYEEEESSSSS!!!!! Memories of May 1996!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:35
Oh my poor heart. Our worst performance of the season was just about enough
Cmon you Baaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrtttttthhhhh!!!!!!!!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Cmon you Baaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrtttttthhhhh!!!!!!!!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:38
Nice one team, great all round effort that. A long time in the waiting but finishing clearly top of the table was my measure anyway. Getting the silverware makes for a better party. Guy MoM, excellent end to the season after his injury. Beer tonight!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:44
JvG sheds a tear, as he walks over to give James Dyson a hug. Wells deserved!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: w4rriorz1980 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:46
Well done Bath from Wuss! 👏 👏 👏
Eats,Shoots And Leaves
Eats,Shoots And Leaves
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Coalminer (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:50
After the season we've had the pressure was all on us so it is brilliant that the guys got over the line.
JVG has worked miracles and deserves every penny that Bruce Craig pays him. I am in awe of the transformation he has delivered.
JVG has worked miracles and deserves every penny that Bruce Craig pays him. I am in awe of the transformation he has delivered.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 16:51
Finn saying he'll have a couple of quiet ones.
No-one asking how many loud ones after that
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
No-one asking how many loud ones after that
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:06
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:14
8 of our 23 came through our academy. And 1 each rescued from Wuss & Wasps plus one converted from England 7s by us. So 11 of the 23 !!
All this talk of big spending is boring.
JvG has pulled together a good squad with a few gems to add to the team that finished bottom under Hooper.
All this talk of big spending is boring.
JvG has pulled together a good squad with a few gems to add to the team that finished bottom under Hooper.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:18
Regarding the disallowed try if you look at Muir’s body position relative to the pitch (he landed across the pitch if not with feet up the pitch & him facing his own posts slightly) he did not knock it on. The ball either moved across the pitch or backwards. Neither is a knock on.
Check it. The officials didn’t check from the right angle !!!!
Check it. The officials didn’t check from the right angle !!!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Barnoid (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:25
Quote:nigewing
Regarding the disallowed try if you look at Muir’s body position relative to the pitch (he landed across the pitch if not with feet up the pitch & him facing his own posts slightly) he did not knock it on. The ball either moved across the pitch or backwards. Neither is a knock on.
Check it. The officials didn’t check from the right angle !!!!
It did seem they were checking only whether he lost control (which he did) but as you say, that alone isn't enough to make it a knock-on. Thankfully it didn't change the result but certainly did precipitate more squeaky bums towards the end than I would have liked. (Also ruled out what would have been a blinding try by the Sergeant).
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: redmix (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:29
Just brilliant.
Well done to everyone involved, players, coaches, backroom staff and owner.
Well done also to Tigers for making it a ferouciously fought final.
I wish I could have been there.
Well done to everyone involved, players, coaches, backroom staff and owner.
Well done also to Tigers for making it a ferouciously fought final.
I wish I could have been there.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:38
Shame the final is often a disappointing game with everyone playing defensively and so many kicks and handling errors. Tigers played very well to keep the score down and keep in with a chance but it would have been very unfortunate if we had not ended up as champions. Now they have that monkey off their backs I hope they will prove even more effective next year.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: stephen4944 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:45
Quote:100% this.nigewing
Regarding the disallowed try if you look at Muir’s body position relative to the pitch (he landed across the pitch if not with feet up the pitch & him facing his own posts slightly) he did not knock it on. The ball either moved across the pitch or backwards. Neither is a knock on.
Check it. The officials didn’t check from the right angle !!!!
TV pundits busy saying Leicester were hard done by with decisions, when we had a try chalked off unnecessarily.
Good job a shaky day at the office for this team is still good enough to beat the second best team in the league.
Anyway, enough of the sour grapes.
We're Champions
🥳🥳🥳🏉🏉🏉🍾🍾🍾
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:48
Quote:shipwrecked
new banner
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:14:17:55:33 by Which Tyler.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:51
I thought before the playoffs that if we put in a pair of 8/10 performances we’d take the title.
Today was more like a 6 and Dickson was Dicksoning hard (in both directions to be clear)
Last ten minutes were a horrible watch.
But blimey that team deserves it. Just delighted for each and every one of them
Thanks, JvG
Today was more like a 6 and Dickson was Dicksoning hard (in both directions to be clear)
Last ten minutes were a horrible watch.
But blimey that team deserves it. Just delighted for each and every one of them
Thanks, JvG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 17:54
Quote:Montoya could easily have seen red, Smith should have seen yellow, Sarge's try chalked off...stephen4944
TV pundits busy saying Leicester were hard done by with decisions, when we had a try chalked off unnecessarily.
Both teams got away with a lot, generrin what seemed to be a desire to keep the game going.
But if you believed the comm.s (and some fans who listened to the comm.s) Dickson gave every single decision the way Bath would want it.
Dickson was Dickson. He's not biased, just very... lenient (trying to be diplomatic)
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 18:18
Finn Russell and Ben Spencer came for silverware and won it in a spectacular season.
I don’t think it will be easy to repeat by any club going forward.
JvG’s strength is that he is very clear on selection no sentiment. It’s a brilliant result but I can see changes ahead.
JvG has a long term plan to be South Africa coach let’s make hah while the sun shines.
Finn Russell threw that final pass apparently because he wanted a Bath man to score it, if true that is extraordinary to be able to do that in the heat of the moment in the Prem final.
Magnificent achievement.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I don’t think it will be easy to repeat by any club going forward.
JvG’s strength is that he is very clear on selection no sentiment. It’s a brilliant result but I can see changes ahead.
JvG has a long term plan to be South Africa coach let’s make hah while the sun shines.
Finn Russell threw that final pass apparently because he wanted a Bath man to score it, if true that is extraordinary to be able to do that in the heat of the moment in the Prem final.
Magnificent achievement.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 18:22
What an atmosphere. Bar the final few seconds, the best part was Finn nailing the penalty kick that Tigets fans were booing - apparently Cole should totally be allowed to jump in the air and lead with his shoulder into peoples faces.
Salty doesn’t even start to cover it.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Salty doesn’t even start to cover it.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 18:24
First 20 - Tigers, second - evens, third - Bath and fourth - evens. If Pepper’s stunner of a try stood, we would have pulled away, but instead it galvanised Tigers.
What a result! 17 years I’ve had a season ticket and I’ve seen some great wins and some doldrums stuff, but today makes it all worthwhile. Come on you Bath!
What a result! 17 years I’ve had a season ticket and I’ve seen some great wins and some doldrums stuff, but today makes it all worthwhile. Come on you Bath!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 18:26
[www.bathrugby.com] 16:30 from Pulteney St
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 18:46
Quote:Toast and Marmite
What an atmosphere. Bar the final few seconds, the best part was Finn nailing the penalty kick that Tigets fans were booing - apparently Cole should totally be allowed to jump in the air and lead with his shoulder into peoples faces.
Salty doesn’t even start to cover it.
It was absolutely a penalty just not a yellow to be fair
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:17
Quote:warrenball
Now they have that monkey off their backs I hope they will prove even more effective next year.
More effective in the final next year, hopefully.
More effective over the course of the season would be a tall order.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:22
The treble. Is. Won.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:29
40 years on from my first twickers final vs London Welsh. It's been a great ride!
Thought we were fairly dire for a lot of that game today tbh- absurd number of unforced handling errors.
I think we looked like a team who romped the regular season and were terrified of blowing it at the final hurdle (esp after last years heartbreak). Did well to close it out in the end.
Genuinely think we will back it up next season now the monkey is off our backs.
Thoroughly well deserved over the season and great credit and thanks to bruce, jvg and all the playing and non playing staff.
On a train home now with some quiet but rightly proud leic fans (including neil back!)
Thought we were fairly dire for a lot of that game today tbh- absurd number of unforced handling errors.
I think we looked like a team who romped the regular season and were terrified of blowing it at the final hurdle (esp after last years heartbreak). Did well to close it out in the end.
Genuinely think we will back it up next season now the monkey is off our backs.
Thoroughly well deserved over the season and great credit and thanks to bruce, jvg and all the playing and non playing staff.
On a train home now with some quiet but rightly proud leic fans (including neil back!)
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: wetside (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:46
Couldn't agree more with all those points CB1
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:48
Nerves shredded - Tick
TMO slagged off- Tick
Brilliant Bath performance- er not quite
Premiership champions- Oh Yes
What a season!
Absolutely ecstatic and now going to have far too many drinks.
TMO slagged off- Tick
Brilliant Bath performance- er not quite
Premiership champions- Oh Yes
What a season!
Absolutely ecstatic and now going to have far too many drinks.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 19:50
So happy to have got across the line! Montana very, very lucky to only get yellow. Laughable that the Pepper try was ruled out. But a great atmosphere and a few tears shed!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 20:27
At the end of the day it was all about being one point ahead of Leicester come full time and that was achieved.
Not a brilliant performance. Some salty Leicester fans on the way back. But the records will show.
Premier Cup - Champions
challenge Cup - Winners
League - Winners
Premiership - Winners
All in the bag.
Bring on next season.
J
Not a brilliant performance. Some salty Leicester fans on the way back. But the records will show.
Premier Cup - Champions
challenge Cup - Winners
League - Winners
Premiership - Winners
All in the bag.
Bring on next season.
J
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 20:37
Must say I had a cracking Tigers fan sat next to me.
Were laughing that the game was basically Bath drop
It, Leicester then kick to nowhere.
Shook hands at the end - proper rugby
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Were laughing that the game was basically Bath drop
It, Leicester then kick to nowhere.
Shook hands at the end - proper rugby
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 20:43
Bar a moist eye at the final whistle, I'm not sure it's hit me properly yet.
What a day. Leicester made it in an occasion and a game.
But the most important thing
WE DID IT
What a day. Leicester made it in an occasion and a game.
But the most important thing
WE DID IT
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 21:06
That was awesome! (Well, actually, the match wasn't great but I'll take the rest).
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: copester (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 22:14
So blumming happy tonight. What a day!. Enjoy my friends.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 22:38
Quote:All of this. Thank you to everyone at Bath and all our fellow fans who’ve played a huge part in this season.A.M 180
Bar a moist eye at the final whistle, I'm not sure it's hit me properly yet.
What a day. Leicester made it in an occasion and a game.
But the most important thing
WE DID IT
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 14/06/2025 23:09
A great day. Incredible support. Flt very nervous in the first ten but weirdly calm in the last 10. We just seem much more controlled and confident than a year ago. I thought Miles Reid was exceptional.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: rainbow (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 06:26
Couple of observations, previous weekend an absolutely fabulous night at the Rec' maybe that was their final PA system good for dance music but hopeless for comms, talk of a dynasty for years to come why not the incoming players will have to be very good just to get into the first 23 Santi will because he is so adaptable across the back line. De Toit scores not to much excitement gets a tap from a team mate fabulous worth his weight in gold and that's a lot of gold. Tigers good tryers on the day but yet another period of rebuilding coming up. The big tests next season will be the French and Leinster and Benneton away!!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 07:09
I find myself strangely reflective rather than euphoric this morning. JvG rightly talks about the journey and for many of us “of a certain age” that journey began nearly 3 decades ago and it’s been a damned hard road at times, so it’s emotional on a number of levels!
Come on Bath Councillors and planners. We’ve given you Premiership Champions, a European Challenge Cup and the Premiership Cup. The City of Bath is getting unbelievable value from Bath Rugby so make it a “quadruple” and give us the permissions for the stadium we deserve!
Come on Bath Councillors and planners. We’ve given you Premiership Champions, a European Challenge Cup and the Premiership Cup. The City of Bath is getting unbelievable value from Bath Rugby so make it a “quadruple” and give us the permissions for the stadium we deserve!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Wynners (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 07:12
For me one of the best things was the performances of a proper core of Bath lads - De Glanville, Ojomoh, Reid, Ewels and Dunn all played with massive heart. Reid in particular played brilliantly.
Pepper’s disallowed try was an incredible finish and should have stood because that wasn’t a knock on by Horse, who himself played a great game and showed awesome skill and determination to reclaim that ball. If that try had stood I’m certain we’d have pulled away as we had all the momentum at that point.
I had no issue with Dickson’s decisions on Montoya and Smith. To bin Cole though was such a bad call. It was a penalty but no need for the yellow - Cole didn’t deserve to go out like that.
Interesting to see the England squad when it’s announced. De Glanville was by far the better 15 on the pitch yesterday, but shouldn’t think that’ll be reflected in selection. If Big Joe was in the frame he might now be out. Muir, Ojomoh, Spencer, Reid, Pepper, Hill, Ewels, Dunn and Obano all enhanced their cases. Even just writing that makes you see what a squad we have and how well it’s been assembled and managed. The absolute core of our team are young, English non-internationals (add Barbeary, Butt, TCS, Donoghue, Bailey etc). It’s a joy. The challenge will be keeping them all together as their stocks rise (like Exeter and Saints), but in the meantime what a great thing for Bath and England.
Anyway, right now we’re the Premiership champions! Well done Bruce, JvG and all of the management, coaching and playing squad. Very proud to be a lifetime Bath fan 🔵🌑⚪️
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:15:07:14:20 by Wynners.
Pepper’s disallowed try was an incredible finish and should have stood because that wasn’t a knock on by Horse, who himself played a great game and showed awesome skill and determination to reclaim that ball. If that try had stood I’m certain we’d have pulled away as we had all the momentum at that point.
I had no issue with Dickson’s decisions on Montoya and Smith. To bin Cole though was such a bad call. It was a penalty but no need for the yellow - Cole didn’t deserve to go out like that.
Interesting to see the England squad when it’s announced. De Glanville was by far the better 15 on the pitch yesterday, but shouldn’t think that’ll be reflected in selection. If Big Joe was in the frame he might now be out. Muir, Ojomoh, Spencer, Reid, Pepper, Hill, Ewels, Dunn and Obano all enhanced their cases. Even just writing that makes you see what a squad we have and how well it’s been assembled and managed. The absolute core of our team are young, English non-internationals (add Barbeary, Butt, TCS, Donoghue, Bailey etc). It’s a joy. The challenge will be keeping them all together as their stocks rise (like Exeter and Saints), but in the meantime what a great thing for Bath and England.
Anyway, right now we’re the Premiership champions! Well done Bruce, JvG and all of the management, coaching and playing squad. Very proud to be a lifetime Bath fan 🔵🌑⚪️
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:15:07:14:20 by Wynners.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 08:50
on the big screen it looked like Cole led with his elbow out and away from his body which is why is was more than a penalty.
Stadium comms with Dickson were sh!te, you couldn't make out what he was saying.
We didn't think Muir knocked it on, and how many phases before the score was it?
A top, top winger would have been proud of Pepper's finish, in, out, step go, and the strength to hand off the remaining defenders.
Stadium comms with Dickson were sh!te, you couldn't make out what he was saying.
We didn't think Muir knocked it on, and how many phases before the score was it?
A top, top winger would have been proud of Pepper's finish, in, out, step go, and the strength to hand off the remaining defenders.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 09:04
Any suggestion that Bath got the better end of refereeing decision seems off the mark to me. Pepper's disallowed try, Nicky Smith's action on the floor, Montoya seeing yellow rather than red all favoured Tigers. Michael Cheika's comments were disappointing in my view.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 09:05
London was indeed calling, so glad I was there. There for one reason only, to see Ben lifting the ultimate prize for an outstanding campaign masterminded by the genius that is the loveable JVG. Across the forums the antagonists are having a field day, everything from Bruce Craig's bald spot to the pantomime villain, Karl Dickson. It was an error strewn game but that matters not, the majority of the 81K+ were there to celebrate Bath, they didn't let us down on a boiling hot day in a cauldron of noise and emotion, Leicester offered much but it was in vain, the stalwarts Cole and Youngs unable to provide a fairy tale ending. Today we can celebrate the achievement, for me the season ended on round 18 over in Mill Hill but two weeks later and after the Battle of the Rec, JVG'S heroes rubber stamped that success by giving us a day to remember. So proud of everyone involved, job well done and I really couldn't care less what the bigots think.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Stopsy (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 09:44
Francis, just because you disagree with someone else’s views doesn’t make them a bigot.
Enjoy what was a fabulous season and the pinnacle of yesterday, very well deserved.
Enjoy what was a fabulous season and the pinnacle of yesterday, very well deserved.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 10:53
OB made a comment about Finn Russell's importance to the team in winning the final, it has to be said that he outplayed Handre Pollard by a distance yesterday even having the temerity of intercepting a Pollard pass for 'that' try.
Had he not given that try to Max he would have scored 18 of the 23 points scored. His contribution to the season has been enormous. Thanks Finn.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Had he not given that try to Max he would have scored 18 of the 23 points scored. His contribution to the season has been enormous. Thanks Finn.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:17
Player ratings in the Chron
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Love the typo in Tom de G's rating "territory battle that allowed them to just eek ahead"! 😂Yes , it was a bit squeaky at times
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Love the typo in Tom de G's rating "territory battle that allowed them to just eek ahead"! 😂Yes , it was a bit squeaky at times
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: hemington (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:27
MOM - Miles Reid. What a (unsung) player. Raspberry Award to Michael Cheika (it's fine to be disappointed even distraught after a close loss but to not mention or congratulate the opposition...)
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:35
Quote:Stopsy
Francis, just because you disagree with someone else’s views doesn’t make them a bigot.
Enjoy what was a fabulous season and the pinnacle of yesterday, very well deserved.
True but Tigers fans are hilarious ..... Media are biased, Dixon is biased, Tempest is biased, Cole yellow unfair, Du Toit try illegal due to Obano crawling .....
I thought Tigers played really well upfront and there is a really good base for the future .... but if I was a Tigers fan then I would just want a 10/12/13 who gave the ball more often to Radwan. It felt like us last year when we came good too late in the season to have enough belief to close out such a tough game.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:42
Great day out, great game (result) , well done to all involved, Cheika not too pleased Here
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:55
Quote:Never In Doubt
True but Tigers fans are hilarious ..... Media are biased, Dixon is biased, Tempest is biased, Cole yellow unfair, Du Toit try illegal due to Obano crawling .....
.
TBF not all of them. Captain Darling notes that their forum usually blames the ref for a defeat & BxlTiger higjlights his teams errors & credits Bath’s successes.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 11:58
Just about calmed down. Now the dust has settled, I honestly don't get the narrative that the officials were harsh on Leicester. To me there were 4 important 50/50 decisions during the game, and Tigers got the rub of the green on 3 of them:
Montoya high shot - Tigers
Nicky Smith strip - Tigers
Pepper "try" - Tigers
Cole chargedown - Bath
The breakdown was the wild west, neither side profited/lost out significantly from how it was officiated.
Very nervy game all in all, our kicking game in the 2nd half was what got us over the line.
Montoya high shot - Tigers
Nicky Smith strip - Tigers
Pepper "try" - Tigers
Cole chargedown - Bath
The breakdown was the wild west, neither side profited/lost out significantly from how it was officiated.
Very nervy game all in all, our kicking game in the 2nd half was what got us over the line.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 12:04
Barely started recovering after the most unenjoyable 80 minutes of the season! What a day! What an occasion! What fabulous opponents! Most importantly, what a team we are. Could not be prouder to be a Bath Rugby supporter and, indeed, a Bathonian today.
Love analysing games after the final whistle (never a knock on by Muir on and never a yellow for Cole) but today I don’t care about any of it. We’re champions and treble winners. End of.
Only mind game I’m playing is to think how it plays out if you switched the 10s yesterday? We’ve an amazing team, a brilliant and deep squad, incredible coaches and support staff, and also Pollard is a World Cup winning 10 and brilliant player, but it still felt like Finn’s genius bits and pieces, and attitude, made the difference in the final.
Will be lying down and recovering and smiling… until the victory parade! COME ON YOU BATH!!!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Love analysing games after the final whistle (never a knock on by Muir on and never a yellow for Cole) but today I don’t care about any of it. We’re champions and treble winners. End of.
Only mind game I’m playing is to think how it plays out if you switched the 10s yesterday? We’ve an amazing team, a brilliant and deep squad, incredible coaches and support staff, and also Pollard is a World Cup winning 10 and brilliant player, but it still felt like Finn’s genius bits and pieces, and attitude, made the difference in the final.
Will be lying down and recovering and smiling… until the victory parade! COME ON YOU BATH!!!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 13:53
Our half backs outplayed theirs. A big plus for us.
Cole unlucky with yellow but it was a penalty & I need to review possibly how far offside he was too 🤔
Cole unlucky with yellow but it was a penalty & I need to review possibly how far offside he was too 🤔
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 17:14
Rewatching the game.Montoya definitely a red.
Nicky Smith incident - if we accept his actions were not deliberate, how can it be knock on by Quin Roux? Roux is trying to get the back back and Smith's hand take it towards Tigers' line, then Ewels grabs it and dots it down.
That has to be a Bath try sure.
Second half about to start!
Nicky Smith incident - if we accept his actions were not deliberate, how can it be knock on by Quin Roux? Roux is trying to get the back back and Smith's hand take it towards Tigers' line, then Ewels grabs it and dots it down.
That has to be a Bath try sure.
Second half about to start!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 18:24
Quote:Dorset Boy
Rewatching the game.Montoya definitely a red.
Nicky Smith incident - if we accept his actions were not deliberate, how can it be knock on by Quin Roux? Roux is trying to get the back back and Smith's hand take it towards Tigers' line, then Ewels grabs it and dots it down.
That has to be a Bath try sure.
Second half about to start!
That’s what was most frustrating. I think he absolutely knew what he was doing but if the officials see enough mitigation to call it an accident then whatever but it can’t possibly be a knock on.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 18:26
Now I've had a chance to recover from the sunshine highs of yesterday, I also find myself in a strangely reflective mood. The game itself was a win, that's all that counts; but it did seem like a first half of 'we can't catch and you can't kick!'
But.. taking my two boys along (now 12 and 15), to their 3rd final it was an incredible feeling to share that win with them. I vividly remember my dad taking me to all those finals in the 80s & 90s, and I still recall my surprise when I understood there was actually a competition... I had just assumed this is what we did each summer!
When JvG talks of family, and memories, and how important this is to the city... he really really gets it.
So, take a bow Miles, Finn, Ben, Max, Horse, TdT, Charlie, Pepper and Ted and the whole team. Take a bow JvG, Lee, Richard, JP and the backroom guys. Take a bow Andy and the academy players. Take a bow Bruce, James and Tarquin. And take a bow all those who post, contribute, share and laugh on this forum, and a special thanks for each and every match preview. Chapeau!
This whole weekend has been one long amazing memory.. same time same place next year lads?
PS. not sure I totally want to keep the memory of Alfie in swimming shorts on the bus today though.. you can keep that one!
But.. taking my two boys along (now 12 and 15), to their 3rd final it was an incredible feeling to share that win with them. I vividly remember my dad taking me to all those finals in the 80s & 90s, and I still recall my surprise when I understood there was actually a competition... I had just assumed this is what we did each summer!
When JvG talks of family, and memories, and how important this is to the city... he really really gets it.
So, take a bow Miles, Finn, Ben, Max, Horse, TdT, Charlie, Pepper and Ted and the whole team. Take a bow JvG, Lee, Richard, JP and the backroom guys. Take a bow Andy and the academy players. Take a bow Bruce, James and Tarquin. And take a bow all those who post, contribute, share and laugh on this forum, and a special thanks for each and every match preview. Chapeau!
This whole weekend has been one long amazing memory.. same time same place next year lads?
PS. not sure I totally want to keep the memory of Alfie in swimming shorts on the bus today though.. you can keep that one!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 18:27
Quote:theredseatQuote:Dorset Boy
Rewatching the game.Montoya definitely a red.
Nicky Smith incident - if we accept his actions were not deliberate, how can it be knock on by Quin Roux? Roux is trying to get the back back and Smith's hand take it towards Tigers' line, then Ewels grabs it and dots it down.
That has to be a Bath try sure.
Second half about to start!
That’s what was most frustrating. I think he absolutely knew what he was doing but if the officials see enough mitigation to call it an accident then whatever but it can’t possibly be a knock on.
Yeah thought this at the time too. It was either a penalty or a 5m scrum for Bath (or indeed a try) as everyone on the officiating team seemed to acknowledge it was Smith's hand which moved the ball backwards.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:15:18:28:15 by The Bear.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 18:49
Just rewatched the game. It was very hard fought stuff and the Tigs didn't give an inch but I genuinely didn't have any doubts at any point at the time we would win. We really didn't play any real attacking rugby but just stuck to a low risk kicking strategy that worked and to which the Tigs didn't adapt and it was enough. Stand outs for me were Spenno and Horse for the kicking game but
My MotM - Miles Reid. I've had my doubts about him at 8 this season and he emphatically proved me wrong with a magnificent display. It was our defence that won that match and Mo was the beating heart of it.
I thought Dickson was Dickson he made mistakes but he made them for both sides.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:15:20:31:23 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Miles Reid. I've had my doubts about him at 8 this season and he emphatically proved me wrong with a magnificent display. It was our defence that won that match and Mo was the beating heart of it.
I thought Dickson was Dickson he made mistakes but he made them for both sides.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:15:20:31:23 by joethefanatic.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 20:11
Quote:joethefanatic
My MotM - Miles Reid. I've had my doubts about him at 8 this season and he emphatically proved me wrong with a magnificent display. It was our defence that won that match and Mo was the beating heart of it.
I really think a back row of Hill, Pepper and Barbeary is as good as it gets as a balance of the individual positions - but having Reid around who can play any of them so brilliantly is huge. To say nothing of our other riches in this area through to the likes of Timmins who I'm sure would do a job in the Prem. Incredible position we're in.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Blues (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 20:18
Dickson was rubbish. As expected.
What a few weeks, what a season.
Thank you Bath Rugby.
What a few weeks, what a season.
Thank you Bath Rugby.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 20:35
Quote:Dorset Boy
Rewatching the game.Montoya definitely a red.
Nicky Smith incident - if we accept his actions were not deliberate, how can it be knock on by Quin Roux? Roux is trying to get the back back and Smith's hand take it towards Tigers' line, then Ewels grabs it and dots it down.
That has to be a Bath try sure.
Second half about to start!
Yeah rewatching myself - in the ground I thought YC an acceptable call, but watching back it was red all day.
Smith incident was laughable- Dickson just isn’t good enough for top level reffing
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 20:40
It's what makes Cheika's moaning all the more sweeter. Just complete head in sand stuff
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 21:12
Also baffled how it’s a ‘clear and obvious’ knock on from Muir.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 21:36
Tigers' board is laughable - Dickson gave Bath everything aparently,
Some think Montoya did nothing to warrant a penalty, let alone a card, that should have been red.
Only a couple mention the Nicky Smith incident.
And Pepper spent the afternoon on the wrong side of the breakdown, always illegal.
Some think Montoya did nothing to warrant a penalty, let alone a card, that should have been red.
Only a couple mention the Nicky Smith incident.
And Pepper spent the afternoon on the wrong side of the breakdown, always illegal.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 21:40
I know they have a reputation for being one eyed but atm they have to be blind!
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 22:23
Quote:Dorset Boy
Tigers' board is laughable - Dickson gave Bath everything aparently,
Some think Montoya did nothing to warrant a penalty, let alone a card, that should have been red.
Only a couple mention the Nicky Smith incident.
And Pepper spent the afternoon on the wrong side of the breakdown, always illegal.
So they presumably think that if the match had been refereed fairly they would have won? Cheika said as much so it’s not surprising.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2025 22:40
Insanely massive in the side directly ahead of Kata's try as well. Truly Dickson a terrible ref.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 00:11
Could we maybe have "League winners" for the team that finishes top of the table and "Prem champions" for the team that wins the playoffs?
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:01:17:59 by joethefanatic.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:01:17:59 by joethefanatic.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 06:02
I have a small concern in reviewing our outstanding performance, all be it narrow win, now all the justified euphoria is settling down. I thought throughout that the power of our pack was a bit less than Leicester’s. As a result we found it really difficult to prevent assaults on our line whilst mostly just managing to do so & to get over their line. That has been so unusual this season. Was it partly down to the omission of Underhill? Nicky Smith was particularly impressive I have to say.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:06:45:53 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:06:45:53 by Bath Hammer.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 06:06
Quote:joethefanatic
Could we maybe have "League winners" for the team that finishes top of the table and "Prem champions" for the team that wins the playoffs?
I definitely think so. At present it all depends on winning that game which caused excessive mental pressure on the team at the top, less so for the challenger which was probably the case last year.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 07:21
Quote:hasta
Insanely massive in the side directly ahead of Kata's try as well. Truly Dickson a terrible ref.
It’s not just Dickson, Tempest is just as complicit is some truly awful decisions against Bath.
Thought beforehand that Tempest would find a way to make himself feel important and he did.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 07:25
Well done to Bath for the (scrappy) win - a proper final played on emotion and effort for both sides and not a game of rugby that will live in the memory for anything other than the result. Every player gave it their all, some more succesfully than others - personally I wanted to highlight Quinn Roux who so often goes under the radar whilst having a huge influence, particularly in the set piece.
I thought that Karl Dickson was also fine - sure there were a few decisions that I saw differently (the Smith hand and the Cole yellow) but he explained what he saw very clearly to the players and crowd, I suspect that he was also told to keep it flowing for anything non-material as there were a few in the set peice and loose that he let go as long as the ball was able to be played. If he had blown up everything on Saturday he would have been criticised for being whistle-happy I'm sure, it was one of those scrappy games. In any event I don't think that the result would have been different.
Went to the parade and Rec yesterday - agree it waslovely to see so many young and old out on the streets and it was very enjoyable. The actual Rec event was a bit of a step too far mind you, I think that the players etc were on fumes by then (alcoholic ones).
Final memories are Alfie in his pants and that I never want to hearHendrix playing start spangled banner Sam Ryder playing God save the King at a cup final ever again...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I thought that Karl Dickson was also fine - sure there were a few decisions that I saw differently (the Smith hand and the Cole yellow) but he explained what he saw very clearly to the players and crowd, I suspect that he was also told to keep it flowing for anything non-material as there were a few in the set peice and loose that he let go as long as the ball was able to be played. If he had blown up everything on Saturday he would have been criticised for being whistle-happy I'm sure, it was one of those scrappy games. In any event I don't think that the result would have been different.
Went to the parade and Rec yesterday - agree it waslovely to see so many young and old out on the streets and it was very enjoyable. The actual Rec event was a bit of a step too far mind you, I think that the players etc were on fumes by then (alcoholic ones).
Final memories are Alfie in his pants and that I never want to hear
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 08:32
Just about come down to Earth! What a day with my family. Emotions all over the place before and after the game. Not a classic but nerves, the occasion, absentees and the heat played their part on one of our poorer performances and a few moments of magic and indiscipline brought us the W.
It is extraordinary that we felt Bath was not getting the rub of the green and it appears tigger fans feel they didn’t! I thought that the disallowed try galvanised them. Something is amiss that a conversion was allowed to be taken and then the try was scrubbed off. Poor Guy Pepper who was brilliant!
We did it!
It is extraordinary that we felt Bath was not getting the rub of the green and it appears tigger fans feel they didn’t! I thought that the disallowed try galvanised them. Something is amiss that a conversion was allowed to be taken and then the try was scrubbed off. Poor Guy Pepper who was brilliant!
We did it!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 08:59
Quote:CoochieCoo
Something is amiss that a conversion was allowed to be taken and then the try was scrubbed off.
That Law was originally changed in June 2022:
[www.world.rugby]
In addition, in the event of a try, should the footage relating to an infringement only be made available by the broadcaster after the conversion has taken place, but before the restart, then the referee and TMO may highlight the infringement and deal with it accordingly.
So after conversion, but before restart can be reviewed.
They also clarified the number of phases that the TMO was allowed to review in 2024 (increased from 2 before that to essentially anything from the previous restart that would affect the try being scored).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:09:02:01 by BathMatt53.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 09:17
I'm not just referring to the Muir knock on (no angle was shown across the pitch to judge if the ball moved forward), but when did a loss of contol, or separation but regathered before hitting the ground or another player become a knock on?
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 09:42
Quote:Dorset Boy
I'm not just referring to the Muir knock on (no angle was shown across the pitch to judge if the ball moved forward), but when did a loss of contol, or separation but regathered before hitting the ground or another player become a knock on?
That's a really interesting on DB, as before 2012 the Laws were that:
“Law 12, Definitions state: “A knock-on occurs when a player loses possession of the ball and it goes forward, or when a player hits the ball forward with the hand or arm, or when the ball hits the hand or arm and goes forward, and the ball touches the ground or another player before the original player can catch it.”
So the 'cricket catch', i.e. that it would not be a knock-on if the player who knocked the ball forward caught it before it touched the ground was OK. Although it is no longer in the Law (now Law 11 for knock ons doesn't mention the original player) it does seem to be the case that juggling the ball in the case or an interception is OK - hence the deliberate knock on being given if a player is going downwards with their hand rather than upward?
For example Max O's interception where he gave it to Joe C vs Tigers a month ago was him patting it forward with one hand before catching...but then I guess that wasn't a 'loss of control'?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:02
Quote:Bath Hammer
I have a small concern in reviewing our outstanding performance, all be it narrow win, now all the justified euphoria is settling down. I thought throughout that the power of our pack was a bit less than Leicester’s. As a result we found it really difficult to prevent assaults on our line whilst mostly just managing to do so & to get over their line. That has been so unusual this season. Was it partly down to the omission of Underhill? Nicky Smith was particularly impressive I have to say.
Watching the game back, I suspect that we were still feeling the effects of that match against Bristol the previous week.
I thought the same thing with Saints last year, they played a fired up and emotional Saracen's side where we had a pretty easy win against Sale and it showed the following week where we could have beat them with 14.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:19
Yes, season fatigue must also play a part. The key members of the pack who played a a lot of games albeit with rotation are listed,
Miles Reid 24 matches, Quin Roux 23 matches, Tom Dunn 28 matches, Beno Obano 24 matches, TDT 27 matches.
Finn Russell's time on the pitch is extraordinary 31 matches starting 30! Ben Spencer started 23 games.
That's what makes the treble so extraordinarily hard to achieve. No other club has ever won 3 trophies in a season. Which is another reason why quibbling over the treble composition is, I feel a bit harsh.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Miles Reid 24 matches, Quin Roux 23 matches, Tom Dunn 28 matches, Beno Obano 24 matches, TDT 27 matches.
Finn Russell's time on the pitch is extraordinary 31 matches starting 30! Ben Spencer started 23 games.
That's what makes the treble so extraordinarily hard to achieve. No other club has ever won 3 trophies in a season. Which is another reason why quibbling over the treble composition is, I feel a bit harsh.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:25
As a non-forward was the Bath scrum being overpowered? My (very amateur) view that it was being out-thought, the pens weren't them being pushed backwards but props being turned in etc.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:26
I see Leicester fans have now added Russell milking a penalty to their list of travesties ..... by the end of the week they will have been unlucky not to have won the Champions Cup.
I always believe that teams or coaches that seek to blame external factors just aren't ready to take responsibility for what it takes to be consistent winners. Some coaches use emotion (e.g. Cheika, Lam and Diamond) to push teams to the edge and others (Van Graan and McCall) stress control and process. The emotional coaches are usually the ones who find injustice and react to it on tv which sets the benchmark for players.
I think Parling is inheriting a very decent pack of forwards but he will need to find an attacking DNA and change the culture to be more controlled. A few years ago, we also relied on emotion and lost to outrageous decisions when in truth we were never in control of the game.
Dickson often annoys me intensely but I thought the decisions were marginal and most went the right way:
- Montoya - Correct but they have been given as red before. I would have been relieved as a Bath fan if this had been a Bath player but we have had yellows for similar offences so no problem with yellow.
- Smith - Marginal. I think it was a yellow but really hard to give with confidence so fully understand the decision and prefer the referee not to guess.
- Muir/Pepper try - Again marginal as not sure there was clear and obvious evidence of a knock-on but again fully understand the decision as it looked like it moved forward marginally.
- Cole - Correct as he just paints a terrible picture for the referee and the dropping of the shoulder makes it really hard for Dickson to give him the benefit of the doubt. Cole is the one at fault for this yellow not Dickson.
I always believe that teams or coaches that seek to blame external factors just aren't ready to take responsibility for what it takes to be consistent winners. Some coaches use emotion (e.g. Cheika, Lam and Diamond) to push teams to the edge and others (Van Graan and McCall) stress control and process. The emotional coaches are usually the ones who find injustice and react to it on tv which sets the benchmark for players.
I think Parling is inheriting a very decent pack of forwards but he will need to find an attacking DNA and change the culture to be more controlled. A few years ago, we also relied on emotion and lost to outrageous decisions when in truth we were never in control of the game.
Dickson often annoys me intensely but I thought the decisions were marginal and most went the right way:
- Montoya - Correct but they have been given as red before. I would have been relieved as a Bath fan if this had been a Bath player but we have had yellows for similar offences so no problem with yellow.
- Smith - Marginal. I think it was a yellow but really hard to give with confidence so fully understand the decision and prefer the referee not to guess.
- Muir/Pepper try - Again marginal as not sure there was clear and obvious evidence of a knock-on but again fully understand the decision as it looked like it moved forward marginally.
- Cole - Correct as he just paints a terrible picture for the referee and the dropping of the shoulder makes it really hard for Dickson to give him the benefit of the doubt. Cole is the one at fault for this yellow not Dickson.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:34
I still don't understand the reasoning for giving a knock on against Quin Roux in the Nicky Smith incident as the only reason the ball went towards the line was it hitting Smith's hand, intentionally or not.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:39
Thomas Du Toit's reaction to scoring was brilliant - Dot down, stand up, ball to Russell, march back to the halfway line. Composure!!!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 10:43
Quote:Never In Doubt
I see Leicester fans have now added Russell milking a penalty to their list of travesties ..... by the end of the week they will have been unlucky not to have won the Champions Cup.
I think that's only one person NID but yes not really sure its for Russell to somehow move out of the way when he is in the air and presumably was already committed to the kick by the time Cole was airborne. For me it was a pen but could see the KD train of thought.
I think that there has been a marked shift in the reds and head contact process where they are doing everything they can to mitigate them down (see Sam Underhill vs Lyon). In that case there was another player going in for the tackle so there was an opportunity to award the yellow as long as its not an act of thuggery.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 11:00
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Never In Doubt
I see Leicester fans have now added Russell milking a penalty to their list of travesties ..... by the end of the week they will have been unlucky not to have won the Champions Cup.
I think that's only one person NID but yes not really sure its for Russell to somehow move out of the way when he is in the air and presumably was already committed to the kick by the time Cole was airborne. For me it was a pen but could see the KD train of thought.
I think that there has been a marked shift in the reds and head contact process where they are doing everything they can to mitigate them down (see Sam Underhill vs Lyon). In that case there was another player going in for the tackle so there was an opportunity to award the yellow as long as its not an act of thuggery.
Totally agree with the change in decision process for head contact. This was a red last year and is a yellow this year .... at least I am now hoping TNT take that terrible bit off their intro where Beno has his head in his hands as I am sure he has seen that enough now.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 11:21
Perhaps Beno will be subbed on TNT for Cole swearing at Dickson as he trudges off to the sin bin?
Seriously, listened to Cole on his podcast and he's a good lad, of course, clearly upset about how the last 10 minutes of his career has panned out. Yellow card or not, Dickson aside, it's a silly and needless penalty, especially for a player who so rarely finds himself in those sorts of situations. So it was always going to be 3 points to us, and Leicester lost by 2.
However, of course, the game is full of alternative realities. What if Montoya was a red? What if Mojo had dropped it? What if Pollard hadn't missed his penalty? And, much as it pains me to say it (kind of like with last year’s final but in reverse kind of!), I’m just glad that a refereeing decision didn’t end up costing the best team over a 40-week season the title.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Seriously, listened to Cole on his podcast and he's a good lad, of course, clearly upset about how the last 10 minutes of his career has panned out. Yellow card or not, Dickson aside, it's a silly and needless penalty, especially for a player who so rarely finds himself in those sorts of situations. So it was always going to be 3 points to us, and Leicester lost by 2.
However, of course, the game is full of alternative realities. What if Montoya was a red? What if Mojo had dropped it? What if Pollard hadn't missed his penalty? And, much as it pains me to say it (kind of like with last year’s final but in reverse kind of!), I’m just glad that a refereeing decision didn’t end up costing the best team over a 40-week season the title.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 11:27
I have to say, it feels great to be sat here on Monday, and not care about referee decisions
Hope some sore heads are clearing this morning, especially for Stuart and Russell who I'm guessing are on their way to Portugal today
Hope some sore heads are clearing this morning, especially for Stuart and Russell who I'm guessing are on their way to Portugal today
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 11:32
Quote:A.M 180
I have to say, it feels great to be sat here on Monday, and not care about referee decisions
Hope some sore heads are clearing this morning, especially for Stuart and Russell who I'm guessing are on their way to Portugal today
Russell will need all the rest and recuperation he can get, 31 games nearly 40 hours of rugby played so far and a Lions tour to follow. What a season!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 11:55
The (non) strip on the floor was a ridiculous decision, but in fairness to Dickson he checked with both ARs who felt the same way.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:11
From the TV camera on the West Stand side it clearly looks that Cole is jumping up and towards Russell, he turns just before contact with elbow out and his shoulder into Russell's upper chest /throat
It was reckless. Clear yellow in my view and would have said the same had it been a Bath player on a Tiger
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
Youngs banging on and on about the 'unfair' 9 - 2 penalty count and the pens they should have had in the last play because 5 Bath players just killed the ball and held him from getting the ball away
Two very bitter, sad old men
Hearing all that I almost regret standing up and applauding them when they came on the field and when they got their medals. Their Loser medals
It was reckless. Clear yellow in my view and would have said the same had it been a Bath player on a Tiger
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
Youngs banging on and on about the 'unfair' 9 - 2 penalty count and the pens they should have had in the last play because 5 Bath players just killed the ball and held him from getting the ball away
Two very bitter, sad old men
Hearing all that I almost regret standing up and applauding them when they came on the field and when they got their medals. Their Loser medals
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:21
Quote:gaz59
Two very bitter, sad old men
Hearing all that I almost regret standing up and applauding them when they came on the field and when they got their medals. Their Loser medals
I just watched their podscat and considering it was the morning after the game I thought that they were pretty measured tbh - they are entitled to their view after all! They were certainly very gushing about Bath having a great season and deserving the title. Wish them all the best in their careers.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:24
Agreed - two proper rugby players with stellar careers. I have every respect for them and wish Cole could have had a better send off.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:30
That is disappointing & quite surprising. What a way to finish & such a contrast with the way JvG behaves. They evidently feel they were cheated out of a win & many of their supporters will feel the same way. We could have hone about Obamo’s red card last year & Watson being taken out against Sarries but most of us didn’t do so.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:32
That was a funy old game, but I had a great day out at HQ. I had a neutral with me who couldnt really getinto the game, all the TMO nonsense.
Its funny, but for a while i have avoided Twickenham because of logistics but with the advent of Lime bikes it was a breeze. I have now decided to bin Cardiff as that really is a nightmare
Its funny, but for a while i have avoided Twickenham because of logistics but with the advent of Lime bikes it was a breeze. I have now decided to bin Cardiff as that really is a nightmare
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:41
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
Two very bitter, sad old men
Hearing all that I almost regret standing up and applauding them when they came on the field and when they got their medals. Their Loser medals
I just watched their podscat and considering it was the morning after the game I thought that they were pretty measured tbh - they are entitled to their view after all! They were certainly very gushing about Bath having a great season and deserving the title. Wish them all the best in their careers.
The first mention of "congratulations to Bath" was 15 minutes in after constant wingeing and indirectly complaining of biased reffing. Youngs frequently saying "apparently you are allowed to do that" when referring to an alleged Bath illegal action
Not saying he isn't entitled to his views but keep it in house and off air. Completely lacking class in my view
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 12:55
What a day, night and following day - Well done boys - Tigers really dogged it out and it was hand on heart the worst game we have played this season - however credit to Tigers, the ball was like a bar of soap due to the humid and sweaty conditions - but who cares we won.
Many Tigers fan's moaning about Nicky Smith being penalised whilst it seemed he had dominance - it was interesting after the first 2 scrum penalties - TdT spoke to Karl Dickson about Smith hinging and then boring in.
Dickson stated he would look for it and then all of a sudden Smith was penalised on a number of occasions for exactly that. End of the day - Smith and the Tigers scrum coach will have taken real stock of how TdT put him under loads of pressure at the Rec a few weeks ago and forced a number of penalties so they came up with a plan - it worked initially then backfired.
Smith also incredibly lucky IMHO not to be yellow carded and have a Penalty Try given against him - no one is ever going to convince me that a seasoned International rugby player has accidently ripped the ball out of Roux's grasp - also if that is the case why was it given as a knock on?
It doesn't matter now all that pressure, expectation and stress is at an end - as Ben Spencer said upwards and onwards there is no limit for this squad - let's make it count boys.
Well Played.
Many Tigers fan's moaning about Nicky Smith being penalised whilst it seemed he had dominance - it was interesting after the first 2 scrum penalties - TdT spoke to Karl Dickson about Smith hinging and then boring in.
Dickson stated he would look for it and then all of a sudden Smith was penalised on a number of occasions for exactly that. End of the day - Smith and the Tigers scrum coach will have taken real stock of how TdT put him under loads of pressure at the Rec a few weeks ago and forced a number of penalties so they came up with a plan - it worked initially then backfired.
Smith also incredibly lucky IMHO not to be yellow carded and have a Penalty Try given against him - no one is ever going to convince me that a seasoned International rugby player has accidently ripped the ball out of Roux's grasp - also if that is the case why was it given as a knock on?
It doesn't matter now all that pressure, expectation and stress is at an end - as Ben Spencer said upwards and onwards there is no limit for this squad - let's make it count boys.
Well Played.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 13:05
I don't mind Cole's reaction because he wholly congratulated Bath on being the better team etc. Ok, it wasn't the first thing he said, but he's caught in the emotion, sitting in the grandstand at his boyhood club. No problem with him, and feel sorry for him as he made a mistake. Cheika on the other hand should've spoken better. Like Lam. And compare and contrast to JvG's response after last year's final: “I shook his [Ridley’s] hand afterwards and we’ll have no issue with the red-card decision that was made . . . [There is] nothing more to say on it, really.”
I'm SO glad we've got JvG in charge, for a myriad of reasons, but above all his standing as a person. Cheika or Lam aren't bad people, but they're figureheads in a game that claims to be special because of its values. JvG embodies them. Others just need to check that they are too. Yeh, the game needs characters and narratives etc etc etc, but only if they're serving the game we all love. The referee bashing, the talk of "hate" etc. Get rid of all of that and do better.
It's nice to know that, as with Saints last year, with Dowson and Vesty, it seems to see that in rugby, nice guys don't always finish last.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
I'm SO glad we've got JvG in charge, for a myriad of reasons, but above all his standing as a person. Cheika or Lam aren't bad people, but they're figureheads in a game that claims to be special because of its values. JvG embodies them. Others just need to check that they are too. Yeh, the game needs characters and narratives etc etc etc, but only if they're serving the game we all love. The referee bashing, the talk of "hate" etc. Get rid of all of that and do better.
It's nice to know that, as with Saints last year, with Dowson and Vesty, it seems to see that in rugby, nice guys don't always finish last.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 13:20
Quote:dr.bath1865
Cheika on the other hand should've spoken better. Like Lam. And compare and contrast to JvG's response after last year's final: “I shook his [Ridley’s] hand afterwards and we’ll have no issue with the red-card decision that was made . . . [There is] nothing more to say on it, really.”
I'm SO glad we've got JvG in charge, for a myriad of reasons, but above all his standing as a person. Cheika or Lam aren't bad people, but they're figureheads in a game that claims to be special because of its values. JvG embodies them. Others just need to check that they are too. Yeh, the game needs characters and narratives etc etc etc, but only if they're serving the game we all love. The referee bashing, the talk of "hate" etc. Get rid of all of that and do better.
It's nice to know that, as with Saints last year, with Dowson and Vesty, it seems to see that in rugby, nice guys don't always finish last.
Totally agree, all of this
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:02
Quote:dr.bath1865
Cheika on the other hand should've spoken better.
It was about 10 mins after the whistle. I would hope that in the cold light of day he has probably reflected on it and would phrase it a bit differently given that his has a duty to set an example to the players (of all ages) in the community game. Even if it was in his head he shouldn't be saying it out loud on TV but he's a passinate bloke so I'm not too surprised.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:16:14:03:49 by BathMatt53.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:05
Both Dan Cole and Ben Youngs really classy on their Pod Cast (For Love of Rugby) absolutely no sour grapes and just honest discussion.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:08
Quote:gaz59
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
...
Two very bitter, sad old men
Quote:Ali1969
Both Dan Cole and Ben Youngs really classy on their Pod Cast (For Love of Rugby) absolutely no sour grapes and just honest discussion.
Quite a range of opinions on this one!!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:18
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
...
Two very bitter, sad old men
Quote:Ali1969
Both Dan Cole and Ben Youngs really classy on their Pod Cast (For Love of Rugby) absolutely no sour grapes and just honest discussion.
Quite a range of opinions on this one!!
I'd say completely diametrically opposed
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:19
I tried to listen but you have to sign up for £40 a year, you can have it for 3 days free, but Ive been caught with that trick many times before so no- I ll just assume they are miserable gits
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:20
Quote:Woodpecker
I tried to listen but you have to sign up for £40 a year, you can have it for 3 days free, but Ive been caught with that trick many times before so no- I ll just assume they are miserable gits
It's free on youtube.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:26
Quote:BathMatt53
As a non-forward was the Bath scrum being overpowered? My (very amateur) view that it was being out-thought, the pens weren't them being pushed backwards but props being turned in etc.
Watching back without the nerves it appeared Dickson cottoned on to Leicester turning in. Tigers Certainly stopped getting much of anything there second half and got pinged themselves.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 14:42
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:dr.bath1865
Cheika on the other hand should've spoken better.
It was about 10 mins after the whistle. I would hope that in the cold light of day he has probably reflected on it and would phrase it a bit differently given that his has a duty to set an example to the players (of all ages) in the community game. Even if it was in his head he shouldn't be saying it out loud on TV but he's a passinate bloke so I'm not too surprised.
Yeh, fine, he's a passionate bloke etc, but JvG's a passionate bloke and his comments were about 10 minutes after the final whistle last year.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 15:02
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Woodpecker
I tried to listen but you have to sign up for £40 a year, you can have it for 3 days free, but Ive been caught with that trick many times before so no- I ll just assume they are miserable gits
It's free on youtube.
Ok thanks, I think what they said was fine
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 15:03
Quote:dr.bath1865
Yeh, fine, he's a passionate bloke etc, but JvG's a passionate bloke and his comments were about 10 minutes after the final whistle last year.
Agreed, very different styles. JvG more like a Mark McCall.
As an aside Pat Sanderson has grown on me, he seems to talk very measuredly and sensibly these days.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 15:08
I've not listened yet but plan to because I really enjoy hearing both of them.
I really don't blame Cole for thinking the way he does. It (as in his own decision) literally ended his career, and I'm sure in his head, feels it cost his team the victory. It's an incredibly human reaction to reach for something else to blame.
As for how gushing they are about us, I mean come on, who really cares. These are Leicester players after all.
I really don't blame Cole for thinking the way he does. It (as in his own decision) literally ended his career, and I'm sure in his head, feels it cost his team the victory. It's an incredibly human reaction to reach for something else to blame.
As for how gushing they are about us, I mean come on, who really cares. These are Leicester players after all.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 15:46
Critical missed opportunity for Tigers. Second half line break from Hassell-Collins makes 20/25 metres through the gap, takes TdG and throws very poor pass out to right wing. Bath scramble back
But, H-C had someone in support on his left just 3 or 4 metres behind him. That pass goes left on the inside and Tiger player [not sure who} has clear run to the line
That could have been a game changer
But, H-C had someone in support on his left just 3 or 4 metres behind him. That pass goes left on the inside and Tiger player [not sure who} has clear run to the line
That could have been a game changer
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 15:57
Quote:gaz59
Second half line break from Hassell-Collins
The only actual attacking line break of the match I think?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 17:08
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 18:00
Fact is what Cole did was judged a yellow card.
However nobody could deny it was not a penalty.
OK Finn kicks it and we are up against 15 instead of 14 for the last 8 minutes....would it have made any difference....WHO KNOWS
However nobody could deny it was not a penalty.
OK Finn kicks it and we are up against 15 instead of 14 for the last 8 minutes....would it have made any difference....WHO KNOWS
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 18:01
Quote:gaz59
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
Then he's not using his head much when it's not in the scrum is he? Ben Spencer could simply step up instead and bench replacement Donoghue has barely missed all season.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 18:09
Quote:P G TipsQuote:gaz59
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
Then he's not using his head much when it's not in the scrum is he? Ben Spencer could simply step up instead and bench replacement Donoghue has barely missed all season.
PG
Agree PG, Donoghue's place kicking is a point of difference Finn's kicking has gone up a notch in these last few weeks but CD is our only back with a kicking pedigree (I know Ben Spencer kicks).
I think that was the weak link in Orlando Bailey's armoury.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 18:57
Bailey’s kicking was very good until Callard messed with his technique. I suppose we don’t know how is kicking is now as he’s hardly played.
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:P G TipsQuote:gaz59
But the Cole and Youngs video podcast is a disgrace. Cole especially for saying it was never a yellow, he was only looking to charge down but he wished he'd gone full on with his elbow, got a red card and taken Russell out of the game coz we wouldn't have scored the 3 points that won the game
Then he's not using his head much when it's not in the scrum is he? Ben Spencer could simply step up instead and bench replacement Donoghue has barely missed all season.
PG
Agree PG, Donoghue's place kicking is a point of difference Finn's kicking has gone up a notch in these last few weeks but CD is our only back with a kicking pedigree (I know Ben Spencer kicks).
I think that was the weak link in Orlando Bailey's armoury.
Widcombe Garçon
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 19:16
There have been no losers this season for us. They’ve all contributed and I love the JvG quote about this season’s colour being “purple” because that’s the colour bibs worn by the non playing members of the squad during the week.
But… weird one for Bailey. Bet he trains hard. Bet he lets no one down. But weird feeling knowing that a young lad has usurped you, pretty much, without you firing a shot. Can’t remember a performance of his in the Prem at 10 (he played more at 15?) and must be a sense that his days are numbered with the arrival of Carreras.
You don’t have to be a prodigy. You don’t even have to go on to be a superstar. But you’ve got to play to have a good career. In some ways, this season, Butt has done exactly what Bailey wanted to do. I really hope Bailey stays, buys into the project, and is here for the long term as part of our squad. But I also see why he may well up and leave and go and play 10 with more regularity elsewhere.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
But… weird one for Bailey. Bet he trains hard. Bet he lets no one down. But weird feeling knowing that a young lad has usurped you, pretty much, without you firing a shot. Can’t remember a performance of his in the Prem at 10 (he played more at 15?) and must be a sense that his days are numbered with the arrival of Carreras.
You don’t have to be a prodigy. You don’t even have to go on to be a superstar. But you’ve got to play to have a good career. In some ways, this season, Butt has done exactly what Bailey wanted to do. I really hope Bailey stays, buys into the project, and is here for the long term as part of our squad. But I also see why he may well up and leave and go and play 10 with more regularity elsewhere.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 19:25
To be fair, he got injured when just about to start for England A, then again almost immediately after his return. Meanwhile Donoghue seized his chance.
As WG says, he is a reliable goalkicker (100% this season according to one stat I found). He played well at centre in the recent Sarries match & is still young.
Early next season when Finn has to rest he may get his chance. If he decides to leave he won’t lack offers. Leicester said to be interested but he coukd IMO be a better fit for Exeter who are rebuilding around youth.
Woukd prefer him to stay though.
PG
As WG says, he is a reliable goalkicker (100% this season according to one stat I found). He played well at centre in the recent Sarries match & is still young.
Early next season when Finn has to rest he may get his chance. If he decides to leave he won’t lack offers. Leicester said to be interested but he coukd IMO be a better fit for Exeter who are rebuilding around youth.
Woukd prefer him to stay though.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 19:28
Quote:BathMatt53
As an aside Pat Sanderson has grown on me, he seems to talk very measuredly and sensibly these days.
His brother's good, too.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 19:39
When did Finn change and drop the full sized kicking tee? Looks like he kicks off something resembling a horseshoe now.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 16/06/2025 20:15
After the Calcutta Cup.
He now uses the old fashioned technique of digging a horseshoe divot in the pitch with his heel.
PG
He now uses the old fashioned technique of digging a horseshoe divot in the pitch with his heel.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 07:42
I keep seeing the Cole and Young's headlines and thinking they are a bit classless then reaching the article and finding it probably wasn't really the tone of what was said.
It was a yellow, it was at least liable to be yellow all day. You can't just jump into people with no arms in that way. Suppose Finn dummied that kick and Cole "tackled" him in that manner, no one would be wondering about the subsequent yellow. What could be do about it? Charge the ball down not the player.
I get youngs decision to kick. Could have turned out right, could have turned out wrong, but they needed something to go their way regardless. Complaining about a ruck offense as only being let go on that one occasion isn't great, but neither player wanted that ending and I guess their disappointment is understandable.
It was a yellow, it was at least liable to be yellow all day. You can't just jump into people with no arms in that way. Suppose Finn dummied that kick and Cole "tackled" him in that manner, no one would be wondering about the subsequent yellow. What could be do about it? Charge the ball down not the player.
I get youngs decision to kick. Could have turned out right, could have turned out wrong, but they needed something to go their way regardless. Complaining about a ruck offense as only being let go on that one occasion isn't great, but neither player wanted that ending and I guess their disappointment is understandable.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 08:11
Youngs kicked because it was in his DNA to kick, it was too long and Radwan's chase was half hearted. Once Muir caught that catch it was game over.
Bath then recycled the ball for the best part of a minute going backwards. Not once did Spencer look to kick.
Just a point, that recycling was perfect, I remember under Hooper we tried the same in one game and messed it up and lost. (Can't remember the game). A mark of what JvG and the coaching team have drilled into the team.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Bath then recycled the ball for the best part of a minute going backwards. Not once did Spencer look to kick.
Just a point, that recycling was perfect, I remember under Hooper we tried the same in one game and messed it up and lost. (Can't remember the game). A mark of what JvG and the coaching team have drilled into the team.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 08:36
A lot of the players in the squad on Saturday were also in the squad in Hooper’s disastrous regime.
Got to thank everyone involved at the club for getting JvG and the rest of the coaching team in to fix our broken team and for JvG himself for giving us so much happiness. Long may it continue.
Got to thank everyone involved at the club for getting JvG and the rest of the coaching team in to fix our broken team and for JvG himself for giving us so much happiness. Long may it continue.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 08:46
The recycling was good, but it needed to be. Tiggers were really going for it and it would only take one of our players losing their footing and we've give them a chance to win the game. Think about that, a man down in a game they rarely looked like winning and we could have lost it.
We gave up masses of ground, going from a non-kickable position to a potentially kickable one (I'd accept difficult). Probably clever and sensibly kept it pinned to the touch line without going too close.
On the other hand, as he said, had they not kicked: they'd mess up their drills/Bath players were lying all over the ball, deep in their own half with no shape they'd need to go through several phases just to get that shape back before they could think of attacking. That attack would be a one off shot to nothing in an area of the pitch where Bath could take the risk in defense.
Kicking wasn't the only option, but it wasn't that bad a choice.
We gave up masses of ground, going from a non-kickable position to a potentially kickable one (I'd accept difficult). Probably clever and sensibly kept it pinned to the touch line without going too close.
On the other hand, as he said, had they not kicked: they'd mess up their drills/Bath players were lying all over the ball, deep in their own half with no shape they'd need to go through several phases just to get that shape back before they could think of attacking. That attack would be a one off shot to nothing in an area of the pitch where Bath could take the risk in defense.
Kicking wasn't the only option, but it wasn't that bad a choice.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 08:48
You begin to wonder if Hooper years were a necessary sacrifice to allow the flowering of the majority these players under JvG. Attaining success is one thing, maintaining success is another. This is where the coaches *really* earn their corn. I am reminded of the Alex Ferguson strategy of changing a proportion of his coaches every year within a well defined structure. JvG seems to me to have the objectivity and strength of mind to be able to take such an approach. It will be fascinating to see what he chooses to do. And I don't doubt the Boks will be watching, too.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 08:58
Quote:joethefanatic
I am reminded of the Alex Ferguson strategy of changing a proportion of his coaches every year within a well defined structure. JvG seems to me to have the objectivity and strength of mind to be able to take such an approach. It will be fascinating to see what he chooses to do. And I don't doubt the Boks will be watching, too.
Sincerely hope he DOES NOT follow Ferguson's approach, as it only worked when Alex Ferguson was around . Look at them now, disastrous form and a succession of failed and sacked coaches. Ferguson left no legacy.
JvG has built a Bath identity that must be sustained now, you do that by leaving coaches behind steeped in that philosophy. Brilliant as JvG is he will leave as I believe his goal is to coach South Africa.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 09:36
One of the things I remember hearing that JvG changed was to knock together the changing rooms at Farleigh. He didn't want a 1sts, a 2nds and an Academy. He wanted a squad, a family, or what have you. I remember thinking it was a small thing but doing many things in order to get all +50 players and however many staff, to buy in, all in, all the time, is the "marginal gain" that has compounded into this season's success. You definitely don't win 3 trophies without everyone being focused, as you need the deep squad, but you might not even win 1- in that the levels of excellence needed at the top end, to drive superstars like Finn and TDT and Lawrence to higher levels is led by the Donoghues and Verdens and Hennessy showing up every single day in every single moment.
In addition to my point yesterday above about the colour purple being so important to JvG, I heard something nice on a podcast today about how it's the non playing group (Kirk, Graham, Cowan, Jeanes, Verden, Cordwell etc) who have driven the energy and the noise for the Tunnel of Noise, both at the Rec and at HQ. A tiny thing. But actually really signifcant, showing how everyone is bang into it, focused on doing whatever they can to get the team over the line.
I remember a few years back, in the doldrums, one of the age old ERE posters, a negative type and forgive me for forgetting his name, and he had good reason to be negative to be fair... kept on about how when Exeter or Saracens ran onto the field, their subs lined the tunnel, cheered them out, slapping them on the back. Whereas we under Hooper and Blackadder drifted onto the pitch, the subs nowhere in sight. A small, insignificant thing, I thought. But, the Tunnel of Noise, the subs lining the tunnel as we run out at the Rec, the non playing team all sat together in the stand... it adds up.
From man 1 to 50. In, all in, all of the time. And it's why when JvG knocked down the wall between the dressing rooms, it was probably one of the most important small things that led to the very big things we've achieved this season and might go onto to achieve in future years.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
In addition to my point yesterday above about the colour purple being so important to JvG, I heard something nice on a podcast today about how it's the non playing group (Kirk, Graham, Cowan, Jeanes, Verden, Cordwell etc) who have driven the energy and the noise for the Tunnel of Noise, both at the Rec and at HQ. A tiny thing. But actually really signifcant, showing how everyone is bang into it, focused on doing whatever they can to get the team over the line.
I remember a few years back, in the doldrums, one of the age old ERE posters, a negative type and forgive me for forgetting his name, and he had good reason to be negative to be fair... kept on about how when Exeter or Saracens ran onto the field, their subs lined the tunnel, cheered them out, slapping them on the back. Whereas we under Hooper and Blackadder drifted onto the pitch, the subs nowhere in sight. A small, insignificant thing, I thought. But, the Tunnel of Noise, the subs lining the tunnel as we run out at the Rec, the non playing team all sat together in the stand... it adds up.
From man 1 to 50. In, all in, all of the time. And it's why when JvG knocked down the wall between the dressing rooms, it was probably one of the most important small things that led to the very big things we've achieved this season and might go onto to achieve in future years.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 12:24
Quote:dr.bath1865
One of the things I remember hearing that JvG changed was to knock together the changing rooms at Farleigh. He didn't want a 1sts, a 2nds and an Academy. He wanted a squad, a family, or what have you. I remember thinking it was a small thing but doing many things in order to get all +50 players and however many staff, to buy in, all in, all the time, is the "marginal gain" that has compounded into this season's success. You definitely don't win 3 trophies without everyone being focused, as you need the deep squad, but you might not even win 1- in that the levels of excellence needed at the top end, to drive superstars like Finn and TDT and Lawrence to higher levels is led by the Donoghues and Verdens and Hennessy showing up every single day in every single moment.
In addition to my point yesterday above about the colour purple being so important to JvG, I heard something nice on a podcast today about how it's the non playing group (Kirk, Graham, Cowan, Jeanes, Verden, Cordwell etc) who have driven the energy and the noise for the Tunnel of Noise, both at the Rec and at HQ. A tiny thing. But actually really signifcant, showing how everyone is bang into it, focused on doing whatever they can to get the team over the line.
I remember a few years back, in the doldrums, one of the age old ERE posters, a negative type and forgive me for forgetting his name, and he had good reason to be negative to be fair... kept on about how when Exeter or Saracens ran onto the field, their subs lined the tunnel, cheered them out, slapping them on the back. Whereas we under Hooper and Blackadder drifted onto the pitch, the subs nowhere in sight. A small, insignificant thing, I thought. But, the Tunnel of Noise, the subs lining the tunnel as we run out at the Rec, the non playing team all sat together in the stand... it adds up.
From man 1 to 50. In, all in, all of the time. And it's why when JvG knocked down the wall between the dressing rooms, it was probably one of the most important small things that led to the very big things we've achieved this season and might go onto to achieve in future years.
Ballsout!
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 17:43
Quote:WoodpeckerQuote:dr.bath1865
One of the things I remember hearing that JvG changed was to knock together the changing rooms at Farleigh. He didn't want a 1sts, a 2nds and an Academy. He wanted a squad, a family, or what have you. I remember thinking it was a small thing but doing many things in order to get all +50 players and however many staff, to buy in, all in, all the time, is the "marginal gain" that has compounded into this season's success. You definitely don't win 3 trophies without everyone being focused, as you need the deep squad, but you might not even win 1- in that the levels of excellence needed at the top end, to drive superstars like Finn and TDT and Lawrence to higher levels is led by the Donoghues and Verdens and Hennessy showing up every single day in every single moment.
In addition to my point yesterday above about the colour purple being so important to JvG, I heard something nice on a podcast today about how it's the non playing group (Kirk, Graham, Cowan, Jeanes, Verden, Cordwell etc) who have driven the energy and the noise for the Tunnel of Noise, both at the Rec and at HQ. A tiny thing. But actually really signifcant, showing how everyone is bang into it, focused on doing whatever they can to get the team over the line.
I remember a few years back, in the doldrums, one of the age old ERE posters, a negative type and forgive me for forgetting his name, and he had good reason to be negative to be fair... kept on about how when Exeter or Saracens ran onto the field, their subs lined the tunnel, cheered them out, slapping them on the back. Whereas we under Hooper and Blackadder drifted onto the pitch, the subs nowhere in sight. A small, insignificant thing, I thought. But, the Tunnel of Noise, the subs lining the tunnel as we run out at the Rec, the non playing team all sat together in the stand... it adds up.
From man 1 to 50. In, all in, all of the time. And it's why when JvG knocked down the wall between the dressing rooms, it was probably one of the most important small things that led to the very big things we've achieved this season and might go onto to achieve in future years.
Ballsout!
Hush! Naming calls...
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 17/06/2025 21:32
[quote Dan Wiley]I keep seeing the Cole and Young's headlines and thinking they are a bit classless then reaching the article and finding it probably wasn't really the tone of what was said. .[/
Nevertheless I agree with the following :-
Sometimes it is not in your control and sport tends not to empathise. As with so many other moments, you just have to deal with it. It’s not easy. But the reaction of Ben Youngs and Dan Cole to their disappointing career climaxes at Twickenham on Saturday was unedifying to say the least.
But a podcast in which both players took aim squarely at the referee decisions – to the extent of Youngs blaming the referee for a poor playmaking decision – and in which Cole said he wished he’d taken Finn Russell out instead of just jumping into him (there’s no tongue-in-cheek there), isn’t really the right way to go?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:17:21:34:45 by Bath Hammer.
Nevertheless I agree with the following :-
Sometimes it is not in your control and sport tends not to empathise. As with so many other moments, you just have to deal with it. It’s not easy. But the reaction of Ben Youngs and Dan Cole to their disappointing career climaxes at Twickenham on Saturday was unedifying to say the least.
But a podcast in which both players took aim squarely at the referee decisions – to the extent of Youngs blaming the referee for a poor playmaking decision – and in which Cole said he wished he’d taken Finn Russell out instead of just jumping into him (there’s no tongue-in-cheek there), isn’t really the right way to go?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:17:21:34:45 by Bath Hammer.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 08:46
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:Dan Wiley
I keep seeing the Cole and Young's headlines and thinking they are a bit classless then reaching the article and finding it probably wasn't really the tone of what was said.
Nevertheless I agree with the following :-
Sometimes it is not in your control and sport tends not to empathise. As with so many other moments, you just have to deal with it. It’s not easy. But the reaction of Ben Youngs and Dan Cole to their disappointing career climaxes at Twickenham on Saturday was unedifying to say the least.
But a podcast in which both players took aim squarely at the referee decisions – to the extent of Youngs blaming the referee for a poor playmaking decision – and in which Cole said he wished he’d taken Finn Russell out instead of just jumping into him (there’s no tongue-in-cheek there), isn’t really the right way to go?
He will surely regret this, you can't unsay these things and you can't unhear them.
This is how many fans of both clubs will remember them now, it's just embarrassing for them.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 08:55
I have great sympathy for them, coming less than 24 hours after their retirement, and loss.
Pretty sure the loser of every side feels aggrieved after any match for a good 24-48 hours before letting it go.
Which IMO means that they simply should have postponed the show by a day or two.
I'm absolutely sure that Cole didn't go up with the intention of receiving a yellow card - I'm sure he went in with the intention of charging down a kick - something he's quite possibly never done before; and he screwed up - he got his body position wrong, and his angle of jump wrong, then he compounded it by leading with his elbow - as shown in their own youtube video.
Sometimes, you screw up - and it hurts, but after a little time to reflect, you put your hands up and say "yeah, I shouldn't have done that" or "I should have done it differently" - he hadn't really had that time to reflect at the time of recording.
As for Youngs and his box-kick - he can give all the rationale he likes; and quote as many other SHs who do the same as he likes - if you're behind in the last minute of a match, you are always going to cop flak if you just give the ball away to your opponents.
In the context of the match, it was a classic example of not learning. You comment on how good Muir had been in the air all day; then you drop the ball on top of him with no real chasers. You comment on how Bath had only given away 2 penalties all day, both at scrum time; and your gambit is that, with 50 seconds to go, you'll get a kickable penalty? That's never the right decision - however much programming you've had to box-kick from a ruck in your own half, 5m from the sideline.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Pretty sure the loser of every side feels aggrieved after any match for a good 24-48 hours before letting it go.
Which IMO means that they simply should have postponed the show by a day or two.
I'm absolutely sure that Cole didn't go up with the intention of receiving a yellow card - I'm sure he went in with the intention of charging down a kick - something he's quite possibly never done before; and he screwed up - he got his body position wrong, and his angle of jump wrong, then he compounded it by leading with his elbow - as shown in their own youtube video.
Sometimes, you screw up - and it hurts, but after a little time to reflect, you put your hands up and say "yeah, I shouldn't have done that" or "I should have done it differently" - he hadn't really had that time to reflect at the time of recording.
As for Youngs and his box-kick - he can give all the rationale he likes; and quote as many other SHs who do the same as he likes - if you're behind in the last minute of a match, you are always going to cop flak if you just give the ball away to your opponents.
In the context of the match, it was a classic example of not learning. You comment on how good Muir had been in the air all day; then you drop the ball on top of him with no real chasers. You comment on how Bath had only given away 2 penalties all day, both at scrum time; and your gambit is that, with 50 seconds to go, you'll get a kickable penalty? That's never the right decision - however much programming you've had to box-kick from a ruck in your own half, 5m from the sideline.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 08:56
I have not heard the podcast yet so will reserve judgement until I have, but if the comments were sincere I find that very sad.
By contrast, I spoke in passing to many Tigers supporters while leaving the ground - commiserating, commending their fightback. Their answers invariably were "cheers mate", "well done" etc. Noone there mentioned any controversies or sour grape points.
PG
By contrast, I spoke in passing to many Tigers supporters while leaving the ground - commiserating, commending their fightback. Their answers invariably were "cheers mate", "well done" etc. Noone there mentioned any controversies or sour grape points.
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 09:15
IMHO Cole's comments about Finn was not malicious it was his wanting to explain that in his opinion it was not anything other than an attempted charge down - All he was trying to point out that if he was going to commit foul play then surely he would have made it count and Finn would not have been able to take the kick which eventually won us the cup.
I personally as an ex-player do not see an issue with that comment? it is a guy who I believe genuinely did not intend foul play - everyone is entitled to their opinion - his is that he was trying to charge down a kick.
Unfortunately for Cole the letter of the law as explained by Ian Tempest states that if you miss the kick then it becomes foul play and because he turned and tucked his shoulder it is also by the letter of the law a yellow card.
Less we forget this is how his illustrious career has been ended and only 24 hours post match.
I personally as an ex-player do not see an issue with that comment? it is a guy who I believe genuinely did not intend foul play - everyone is entitled to their opinion - his is that he was trying to charge down a kick.
Unfortunately for Cole the letter of the law as explained by Ian Tempest states that if you miss the kick then it becomes foul play and because he turned and tucked his shoulder it is also by the letter of the law a yellow card.
Less we forget this is how his illustrious career has been ended and only 24 hours post match.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 09:20
You could argue that a clumsy late challenge on a fly half was about the most "porpish" thing a retiring porp could possibly do.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 09:28
Quote:Ali1969
IMHO Cole's comments about Finn was not malicious it was his wanting to explain that in his opinion it was not anything other than an attempted charge down - All he was trying to point out that if he was going to commit foul play then surely he would have made it count and Finn would not have been able to take the kick which eventually won us the cup.
I personally as an ex-player do not see an issue with that comment? it is a guy who I believe genuinely did not intend foul play - everyone is entitled to their opinion - his is that he was trying to charge down a kick.
Unfortunately for Cole the letter of the law as explained by Ian Tempest states that if you miss the kick then it becomes foul play and because he turned and tucked his shoulder it is also by the letter of the law a yellow card.
Less we forget this is how his illustrious career has been ended and only 24 hours post match.
Completely disagree. The tone and content of what he said was clearly that he wished he had taken Finn out, got him off the park so we wouldn't have got the winning 3 points even if it meant he got a red. He's perfectly entitled to that view but should have kept it off camera
And take a look at the TNT photo from behind Finn. He has both feet off the ground, off balance with the ball out of shot. Cole is looking at him with his elbow away from his body and into Finn's throat. The video then shows him turning his body so his shoulder and full 123kg thumps into Finn's upper chest. Cole is not much off the ground
It was a deliberately clumsy move designed to hopefully take man and ball but if not then just the man
Cynical and reckless
Concrete yellow card
A great player and clubman, true. So sad he had to leave the stage that way
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 09:34
Quote:This is the only bit above I don't think I agree with.gaz59
It was a deliberately clumsy move designed to hopefully take man and ball but if not then just the man
I'm not sure he was deliberately clumsy, or just clumsy in attempting a skill he's not built for and quite possibly never practised, or attempted before.
Being clumsy and unintentional doesn't absolve him of anything though; he still hits the kicker, making it an automatic penalty, and turns to lead with his elbow / forearm, which makes it a yellow.
Having looked at the video from the touchline again - Finn is also pretty lucky to escape with his ankle intact
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 09:47
Quote:Which TylerQuote:This is the only bit above I don't think I agree with.gaz59
It was a deliberately clumsy move designed to hopefully take man and ball but if not then just the man
I'm not sure he was deliberately clumsy, or just clumsy in attempting a skill he's not built for and quite possibly never practised, or attempted before.
Being clumsy and unintentional doesn't absolve him of anything though; he still hits the kicker, making it an automatic penalty, and turns to lead with his elbow / forearm, which makes it a yellow.
Having looked at the video from the touchline again - Finn is also pretty lucky to escape with his ankle intact
Possibly though, for me the angle of his jump is clearly up but forward and towards Finn. For a straight forward charge down you just go vertical to make yourself as tall as possible. He's a very seasoned pro and knew exactly what he was doing but I accept others see it differently
And you are right Finn was very lucky to escape injury
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 11:28
I do think the main reason for the mild hysteria around the Cole sin bin was because of when it occurred during the match, allowing people to build a narrative that it "cost Leicester the game", even though:
1. ignoring the YC, it was still a stonewall penalty, and therefore it would always have been 3 points
2. a win or loss never comes down to a single moment/decision, if they'd played better for the preceding 70 mins then they'd have stood a way better chance of winning
On the flipside, it amazes me how little airtime has been given to the Montoya high shot, Tigers fans should be feeling mightily relieved that it was officiated so leniently. Zero wrap, leading with the shoulder, hitting in an upwards motion with force, can't see how the refs managed to find mitigation, given the tackle technique was always illegal.
1. ignoring the YC, it was still a stonewall penalty, and therefore it would always have been 3 points
2. a win or loss never comes down to a single moment/decision, if they'd played better for the preceding 70 mins then they'd have stood a way better chance of winning
On the flipside, it amazes me how little airtime has been given to the Montoya high shot, Tigers fans should be feeling mightily relieved that it was officiated so leniently. Zero wrap, leading with the shoulder, hitting in an upwards motion with force, can't see how the refs managed to find mitigation, given the tackle technique was always illegal.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 11:37
I agree about Montoya, but mainly in that we're being so inconsistent with these reds (or not) that they've no hope of establishing behaviour.
We've been through it on here not that long ago, it seems it was the case that: no arms, no wrap, always illegal, whatever else might be the case, no mitigation. That seems not to be the case now, I'm sure the laws still say it, but its the refs that matter. I think Sam was very lucky in our Euro final, not because it was always illegal, just that a year ago it was a red every day of the week. Similarly there was a Lyon card/no card that I thought was quite generous. Maybe its the "it the final" effect (didn't save Beno) but I hope not.
As ever, I still don't think red cards are the way to deal with this, but if you are going to use cards you've got to give them out consistently. Come on WR, pull your finger out, lower the tackle height. Do something that might actually work.
We've been through it on here not that long ago, it seems it was the case that: no arms, no wrap, always illegal, whatever else might be the case, no mitigation. That seems not to be the case now, I'm sure the laws still say it, but its the refs that matter. I think Sam was very lucky in our Euro final, not because it was always illegal, just that a year ago it was a red every day of the week. Similarly there was a Lyon card/no card that I thought was quite generous. Maybe its the "it the final" effect (didn't save Beno) but I hope not.
As ever, I still don't think red cards are the way to deal with this, but if you are going to use cards you've got to give them out consistently. Come on WR, pull your finger out, lower the tackle height. Do something that might actually work.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 11:41
Quote:boozeboozebooze
I do think the main reason for the mild hysteria around the Cole sin bin was because of when it occurred during the match, allowing people to build a narrative that it "cost Leicester the game", even though:
1. ignoring the YC, it was still a stonewall penalty, and therefore it would always have been 3 points
2. a win or loss never comes down to a single moment/decision, if they'd played better for the preceding 70 mins then they'd have stood a way better chance of winning
On the flipside, it amazes me how little airtime has been given to the Montoya high shot, Tigers fans should be feeling mightily relieved that it was officiated so leniently. Zero wrap, leading with the shoulder, hitting in an upwards motion with force, can't see how the refs managed to find mitigation, given the tackle technique was always illegal.
+1
This exactly.
If they look back at the match as a whole they should consider that they were lucky to be that close in the last 10 minutes. We had 2 tries chalked off for "knock ons" despite neither actually being clear. The first probably should have also involved a yellow card for Nicky Smith who was otherwise one of their most influential players. Coming back from between 18 and 25 points down at 60 minutes is quite a different game psychologically to 13.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:18:11:42:32 by Benisjammin.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 13:13
I’ve never really heard Cole speak much in the past but have heard Youngs quite often. For me, regardless of any subsequent mitigating comments, the damage was done & surprising when they should be thinking about media opportunities following rugby. They both came across as really bad losers & Cole as a bullying thug to even think of making that comment about Fin. I’m afraid if either of them are involved in punditry at Bath matches in the future I will find it hard to listen to them as they are highly likely to be biased. Clearly the influence of Cheika has had an adverse effect on some of their players. Hopefully their new DOR will have a more sportsmanlike approach like JvG had instilled.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:18:13:15:46 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:18:13:15:46 by Bath Hammer.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 15:59
I've now listened to the passage where Cole reacts to his card. To be honest, I think he's trying to be ironic with his comments about taking Russell out and he did say he was just being a sore loser moaner and would feel differently in 24 hours. Both he & Youngs spent several minutes later complimenting Bath as deserving winners and "best team all season."
I believe he misjudged and sadly, it is not a good look. His comments can be taken too literally and out of context. You would think that a player of his experience would know better. I know it was a long time ago, but IMO all pro players should be aware of the furore after Will Carling's unguarded 1995 "old farts" remarks.
I've not found the Cheika interview -presumably noone wants to be associated with it?
PG
I believe he misjudged and sadly, it is not a good look. His comments can be taken too literally and out of context. You would think that a player of his experience would know better. I know it was a long time ago, but IMO all pro players should be aware of the furore after Will Carling's unguarded 1995 "old farts" remarks.
I've not found the Cheika interview -presumably noone wants to be associated with it?
PG
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 16:18
That's how I saw it PG, once I actually looked at the interview itself and not just at the headlines and even relatively out of context quotes. The headlines surprised me as, as you say, Tiggers in general seemed to take it pretty well.
I would say, with over 100 caps each, these two shouldn't really need to go looking for work. Their England matches fees alone will probably top a couple of million.
I would say, with over 100 caps each, these two shouldn't really need to go looking for work. Their England matches fees alone will probably top a couple of million.
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 16:57
[www.independent.co.uk]
It’s a bit further down PG
Widcombe Garçon
It’s a bit further down PG
Quote:P G Tips
I've now listened to the passage where Cole reacts to his card. To be honest, I think he's trying to be ironic with his comments about taking Russell out and he did say he was just being a sore loser moaner and would feel differently in 24 hours. Both he & Youngs spent several minutes later complimenting Bath as deserving winners and "best team all season."
I believe he misjudged and sadly, it is not a good look. His comments can be taken too literally and out of context. You would think that a player of his experience would know better. I know it was a long time ago, but IMO all pro players should be aware of the furore after Will Carling's unguarded 1995 "old farts" remarks.
I've not found the Cheika interview -presumably noone wants to be associated with it?
PG
Widcombe Garçon
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 17:16
Sour grapes are background noise, anyone stopped smiling yet? I know I haven’t.. 🏆🏆🏆😎
Re: LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS....PREMIERSHIP FINAL
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/06/2025 17:30
Quote:OutsideBath
Sour grapes are background noise, anyone stopped smiling yet? I know I haven’t.. 🏆🏆🏆😎
This x 1000
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
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