Bath get in the mood for restart

By JAMES EVANS

Bath ……………………………. 59pts 

Tries: Reid 10, 35; Coetzee 13, Stewart 22, Wright 40, Richards 55, Gallagher 62, de Glanville 65, Faiva 70

Conversions: Bailey 11, 14, 36, 41, 56, 63, 66

Gloucester ………………….19pts

Tries: Tuisue 16, Dunn 32, Morris 76 Conversions: Atkinson 17, 32

Bath got their preparations for the return of the Premiership underway with a big win against Gloucester in a special Foundation Day derby.

Johann van Graan’s side ran in nine tries with captain Miles Reid impressing with a double. Orlando Bailey kicked seven conversions, while Welsh cross-code winger Regan Grace made his debut for the club.

Openside Reid scored the first try in the 10th minute from a driving maul and Bailey, who had shifted to his usual position of fly-half following an early injury to Sam Harris, added the extras. Back row partner Jaco Coetzee following that up three minutes later with a strong carry.

Gloucester replied in the 16th minute when Albert Tuise crashed over with a pick and go, converted by Charlie Atkinson.

Further tries followed, first via John Stewart for Bath from another maul and then Gloucester

academy graduate fullback Reece Dunn intercepted in his own 22 and raced 90 meters to score, gassing former Rugby League star Grace and England 7s flyer, Ruaridh McConnochie to the line.

Reid grabbed his second in the 35th minute, breaking through midfield and beating Dunn to the line.

Max Wright’s try just before the break, converted by Bailey, made the half-time score 33-14.

The one-way traffic continued after the break as Ewan Richards scored in the corner for the first try of the second half in the 55th minute before Matt Gallagher danced inside off the wing to score, quickly followed by replacement Tom de Glanville who brought up the 50 with an easy run in down the blindside.

At the double: Miles Reid led the way for Bath with two tries

PICTURES: Getty Images

Replacement hooker Hame Faiva scored Bath’s ninth try from another powerful driving maul with Jake Morris grabbing a late consolation for Gloucester in the left corner after a drifted pass wide from Atkinson.

Bath host Leinster in their second friendly on Friday March 15 before the return of the domestic campaign against Sale on Sunday March 24.

Gloucester host Leicester in the Premiership Cup Final on Friday and then restart their league campaign the Friday after with a rematch at Leicester’s Welford Road.