Dominant first half sets four-try Team Bath up for first win of BUCS Super Rugby season at Leeds Beckett

Team Bath recorded their first win of the 2022-23 BUCS Super Rugby season in fine style as they beat Leeds Beckett 24-5 in Yorkshire on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bath Building Society-sponsored men’s 1st XV got off to a strong start as co-captain Tom Williams and England U20 international Jasper Spandler both scored tries from driven lineouts in the opening stages.

Bath Rugby Academy winger Byron Lloyd-Gilmour then finished off some good wide attacking play and Alfie Garside added the conversion to put the visitors 17-0 up at half-time.

They quickly stretched that to 24-0 when Sam Mercer finished off another good move in the corner and Garside again added the extras.

Team Bath had more chances to add to their total but couldn’t take them and it was Leeds Beckett who notched the only other points when they grabbed a late consolation try.

Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University of Bath, said: “It’s always a tough game when we come to Leeds so it’s great to get five points on the road. The defence was outstanding and I was really pleased with the level of work rate right throughout the team. We will definitely take confidence from this performance and result, and build on it.”

Next up for Team Bath is a short trip to Hartpury on Wednesday 12th October before they return to the Sports Training Village on Wednesday 19th October to face Cardiff Met (6.30pm, free entry).

They then head to The Rec, the city-centre home of Bath Rugby, on Wednesday 26th October for the return of the Rengen-sponsored Anniversary Game. League champions Durham will provide the opposition for the University of Bath student-sport showcase and free tickets are available now – go to teambath.com/Anniversary-Game to register.