Bath comeback falls just short but bonus points provide consolation after narrow BUCS Super Rugby defeat at Loughborough
A late surge from the University of Bath men’s 1st XV wasn’t quite able to complete a turnaround victory at Loughborough on Wednesday but it did secure two well-earned bonus points.
Buoyed by a big home win over Durham in their opening match of the 2024-25 BUCS Super Rugby season, Bath went toe to toe with their old rivals during a fiercely-fought contest which eventually ended 31-29 in the home side’s favour.
Just two points separated the sides at half-time too as both sides scored two tries, with one missed conversion by Bath proving the difference. The visitors’ tries came from prop Claudius Wheeler – his third of the season – and full-back Oli Sedgwick (pictured), with Jack Woods converting the latter.
Bath went ahead for the first time early in the second half when Raff Weston slotted over a penalty and they had chances to extend their lead but were thwarted by determined defending on the line.
Loughborough made the most of that as they scored two converted tries to seemingly put the game to bed but Bath were not going down without a fight and struck twice in the last three minutes through Kepu Tuipulotu and George Doel, Weston converting both.
Next up for Bath – sponsored by Bath Building Society and Rengen – is a trip to early league leaders Cardiff Met on Wednesday 9th October.
Their next ‘home’ match is taking place at The Rec, the eagerly-anticipated Anniversary Game against Hartpury on Wednesday 16th October. Tickets for the big match, sponsored by Colour Studios, are free – click here to register.
University of Bath starting XV: 1 Claudius Wheeler, 2 Max Pearce, 3 Alfie Griffin, 4 Max Mayor, 5 Tom Hilton, 6 Harry Breeze, 7 Iwan Coyle, 8 Connor Treacey; 9 Ieuan Davies, 10 Jack Woods, 11 Tom Hughes, 12 Kit Evans, 13 Chris Streater, 14 Tyler Offiah, 15 Oli Sedgwick. Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Oban Baird, 18 Henry Mountford, 19 Remi Siebanga, 20 George Doel, 21 Archie Friend, 22 Raff Weston, 23 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi.
