Sam Underhill seemed to be everywhere in Bath's dominant performance. Photo: Patrick Hachfe/Getty Images Bath 41 Exeter 24
C Christmas markets are booming in the heart of the Roman city, on the fields of Bath. Rugby itself is starting to flourish well in the Gallagher Premiership.
Johann van Graan's side are back in the top two with ease. , delivering a powerful performance that drew the attention of West Country rivals Exeter Chiefs.
On a bright day at the famous Rec, the Blue, Black & White revived past glories to highlight that they will likely have something to say in the title shakeup in the New Year.
Young striker Alfie Barberi scored two of the home side's six tries on the day, but it was back-row colleague Sam Underhill who stole the show with a dominant performance.
Alfie Barbery scores the first of his two tries and the first of Bath's six tries. Photo: Bob Bradford/CameraSport via Getty Images
The England international – called up late in Steve Borthwick's Rugby World Cup plans – seemed to be everywhere in both attack and defense and his work in overcoming the disruption was crucial throughout the match.
After the game, Van Graan was quick to praise his “Magnificent Seven”, saying: “I thought Sam was really good and had some big moments, not just in defense but also in attack. I think some of his running lines, his offloading, his decision making, all of it was very good. I think he's great today.”
Having made a host of changes to his starting line-up ahead of kick-off, Van Graan would have been delighted with the way his side got going. They dominated the early exchanges, breaking the deadlock on seven minutes when Barberi was able to clear the maul from close range.
They doubled their lead soon after when a deft attack down the right flank sent Cameron Redpath into space. Although the Scot was stopped by the Chiefs covering defence, the hosts worked the ball back into the middle after a couple of phases and the young center reappeared and happily took possession before stepping onto the try line.
< p>The Chiefs were hardly threatening at this stage, with a growing number of penalties hampering their best efforts. Bath, on the other hand, were squeaky clean in the eyes of referee Tom Foley. However, when they finally infringed, Rob Baxter's side made them pay immediately.
Elliott Stoke's indiscretion resulted in the visitors retaining possession deep in Bath territory, resulting in the Chiefs coming from the top of the lineout and in the blink of an eye releasing Henry Slade, who slid under the post for a much-needed goal. /p>
It appears that Slade, like Underhill – a notable omission from England's World Cup plans – has taken it upon himself to remind head coach Borthwick of his undoubted talents. His start to the season was certainly impressive and this game saw him again as one of Exeter's brightest stars.
He converted before adding a penalty just before the turnaround to put little between them seats as they headed to break.
Henry Slade is crucial to Exeter's successful youth rebuild. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire
Slade's experience in this young Exeter team is essential to progressing forward, but the newcomers in the visitors' ranks were mercilessly exposed by Bath's more experienced rivals after the break.
Home captain Ben Spencer raced for Bath's third goal immediately after the restart, beating Exeter's cover as he struck into the blind spot before half-back partner Finn Russell further extended their lead with a routine penalty.
Exeter parried the effort. . at the other end Stu Townsend – making his first start of the season – is working his way under the posts. However, just moments later the scrum-half scribbled his notebook and received a yellow card, which Bath dealt with well.
As he watched from the sidelines, tries from Joe Cocanasiga, Barberi and substitute Will Butt effectively sealed the contest as the contest of the moment.
Chiefs battled valiantly to the death, even claiming a late conversion from substitute Eren Paynter. but this is little more than consolation for them and their traveling tribe of supporters.
For Bath, the feel-good factor is back in place and Europe is on the agenda. for them, who knows what the New Year will bring in the form of rich rewards.
Match details
BatGallagher; Cokanasiga, Ojomo (Butt 70), Redpath, Muir; Russell (Harris 72), Spencer (Carr-Smith 75); Obano (Shuman 70), Dunn (Annett 70), Stewart (Griffin 70); Stock, Ewels; Reid (van Velze 70), Underhill, Barbery (Coetzee 75).
Exeter ChiefsWyatt; Woodburn (Armstrong 64), Slade, Hawkins (Devoto 72), Hammersley; Skinner, Townsend (O'Loughlin 72); Abuladze (Hepburn, 40), Yandle (Nori, 52), Josepha-Scott (The Artist, 40); Jenkins (Tuima 70), Pearson; Roots, Vermeulen, Fisilau (Davis 72).
Sin BeanTownsend.
Referee T. Foley. Attendance 14,509.
Scoring sequence Barbery tries 5-0, Redpath tries 10-0, Russell scores 12-0, Slade tries 12- 5, Slade con 12-7, Slade Pen 12-10, Spencer 17-10, Russell Pen 20-10, Townsend try 20-15, Slade con 20-17, Cokanasiga try 25-17, Russell con 27-17, try Barbeary 32 -17, Russell con 34-17, butt attempt 39-17, Russell con 41-17, Painter attempt 41-22, Slade con 41-24.
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