Bath suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Newcastle Falcons this weekend. Prior to the match, Newcastle had not won a single game in the Aviva Premiership all season and yet they capitalised on Bath’s incredibly poor form in order to earn their first victory of the campaign.
Newcastle’s Craig Willis missed an early penalty that might have been down to the poor weather on the day. Following this, Bath’s impressive pack forced Guy Mercer over the line for the first try of the game after a driven lineout. The conversion was missed.
However, Newcastle replied almost instantly with Willis successfully kicking a penalty and then converting Rob Vickers’ try shortly afterwards.
Newcastle were then penalised at a ruck for going off of their feet and Rhys Priestland calmly slotted a penalty, but almost instantly, Willis kicked another penalty for the Falcons to maintain their lead over Mike Ford’s side.
Newcastle then looked to have scored a second try but referee Matthew Carley ruled that they were held-up in the process and then took play back for a penalty and sent off Bath’s Henry Thomas.
Half-time: Newcastle Falcons 13-8 Bath
Bath looked to have come out in the second-half with a point to prove and swiftly claimed the lead with two Rhys Priestland penalties and their pack maintained their dominance for the majority of the game.
However, Bath’s lead wasn’t permanent and Newcastle battled back with yet another penalty after Bath were adjudged offside.
With only 10 minutes left on the clock, Bath continued to battle away with the Newcastle defence but remained unable to find a breakthrough. Then, out of nowhere, Newcastle earned another penalty and slotted home to increase the difference between the two sides.
Full-time: Newcastle Falcons 19-14 Bath
