Bath came onto the pitch at the Rec looking to avenge last season’s quarter-final defeat and looked up for the challenge against the Irish side.
The first ten minutes were frantic, with both sides threatening each other without making any real breakthrough. However, Johnny Sexton managed to convert a penalty for the visitors giving them a 3-0 lead.
However, the home side battled back almost instantly after the Bath pack won a penalty in the scrum giving George Ford the opportunity to draw the two teams level. As if there was any doubt, Ford kicks his side level.
Both sides continued to show magnificent defensive work to keep the scoreline level until Chris Cook spun the ball out to Ford who successfully kicked a drop goal to finally give his side the lead.
Towards the end of the first half, Sexton attempted an ambitious penalty but was unsuccessful and so the sides went in at half-time with the home side leading by three points.
Half time: Bath 6-3 Leinster
Immediately from kickoff in the second half, Bath won themselves a scrum deep into Leinster territory and from the scrum, won a penalty. Ford calmly slotted the kick to give his side a six-point lead.
Leinster responded brilliantly, though, with Sexton converting two consecutive penalties to draw the sides level.
The bath pack, not content with the score being level, fought their way to the Leinster try line and were rewarded for their outstanding efforts with a penalty try. Ford then kicked the conversion and Bath led 16-9.
However, Bath’s lead didn’t last long as Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier eased his way over the line to score for Leinster. Sexton then added the conversion to draw the game level yet again.
From there, with minutes left on the clock, the Bath pack once again imposed their dominance on the game and earned yet another penalty right by the touchline. Ford lined up the very tricky kick and coolly slotted home to give his side the lead once more.
With two minutes left, Bath substitute Alafoti Faosiliva received a yellow card for a reckless tackle; adding drama to the closing stages of the match. From the lineout, however, Dave Attwood stole the ball and Bath held on to possession to see out the game and earn themselves an historic victory over the three-times European champions.
Full time: Bath 19-16 Leinster
