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Search forNo need for Blues after cup defeat
Wednesday, November 05, 2008, 17:26
But while many would debate the value of the Anglo-Welsh competition within an already packed fixture schedule, the opportunity to give first-team fringe players and those returning from injuries a run-out must have been of huge benefit to Bath.
There may not be too much disappointment amongst fans at missing out on a place in the last four but it must surely have been a worthwhile campaign for the club and presents Steve Meehan with some good options for the rest of the season, staring with that mouth-watering visit of Leicester Tigers to the Rec on Saturday, November 15.
Friday night's encounter at the Arms Park saw a number of promising displays from the men in white, full-back Jack Cuthbert, scrum-half Scott Bemand and centre Shontayne Hape among them, while the return from injury of forwards Danny Grewcock and Andy Beattie was pleasing to witness.
But the failure to finish some fine approach play cost the men from the West County and all too often, turnover ball and wasted opportunities in the Blues' 22 meant attacks failed to bear fruit, something Meehan will be keen to address on the training paddock.
The Arms Park on a bitingly-cold Friday night is not inviting to any English side, especially one about to face a Welsh region riding high following victories over Sale and Leciester in the competition and keen to add the Premiership leaders' scalp to that list.
Cuthbert gave Bath the lead within minutes courtesy of a penalty but, following a poor missed tackle by Daniel Browne, the home side struck back with a try by Maama Molitika, Ben Blair adding the conversion.
The Blues continued to pressure the visitors in their own half as Blair added another three points before they were forced to defend, with Hape, Bemand, Browne and Berne looking to break through.
However, another Blair penalty took the interval score to 13-3 as Bath, for all their effort and willingness to attack, saw the finishing touch of previous victories evaporate in the cold Welsh air.
With Stuart Hooper replacing Grewcock at half-time, Bath again began the second period with purpose but Cuthbert, after unusually failing to find the safety of the touchline with a kick, was involved in a heavy collision and the impressive full-back had to be replaced by Tom Cheeseman.
Jonny Faamatuainu came on for Beattie shortly afterwards and Berne continued to look for options to ignite his back-line.
And, when Tom Shanklin was shown a yellow-card for a professional foul, Joe Maddock slotted home the penalty, only for Blair to cancel that out with one of his own less than a minute later.
With the 14-man Blues giving away possession, Maddock was dangerously tackled high two metres out and referee Nigel Owens awarded Bath a penalty try to close the gap to 16-11. However, he opted not to send scrum-half Jason Spice to the bin for the infringement, to the dismay of the Bath coaching staff and supporters.
The final quarter saw both teams step up a gear, with Bath seeking to score a try through their back-line and midfield breaks, while the Blues continued in their dogged determination to take the game beyond their visitors.
A charged-down clearance attempt saw the Blues gain a scrum five metres out and it was former Bath man Taufa'ao Filise who barged his way over the line as the Blues extended their lead to 21-11.
Andrew Higgins, who looked dangerous with ball in hand, added a try for Bath following another excellent burst through the Blues' back-line, with Berne adding the two points to set up a thrilling finish at 21-18.
But, after regaining possession from the restart, the Blues had the final say as they pressurised the Bath line – Hooper being sent to the bin on 79 minutes – and Blair sealed the victory with a successful penalty.
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