Bath Rugby League

Bath Rugby League and York City Knights RLFC have seized an opportunity to work together for the greater good of Rugby League. The partnership is win win for both clubs. Bath have the opportunity to provide players with a pathway into the professional game which is hoped will enhance recruitment/retention and York City Knights have access to potentially unearthing a few hidden gems and give them a shot at being a professional in the upper echelons of the Kingstone Press Championship 1.
Jon Flatman, Owner of York City Knights Ltd, said “York City Knights have a key objective as a club to add to the GDP of the Sport. We believe the support and this symbiotic relationships is to the benefit of the game and to both clubs.

We are excited to enter into this partnership and look forward to working with Chris to grow the game.”
Chris Chatten, Club Coordinator, Bath Rugby League, said “As I am connected with both clubs the offer of a mutually beneficial partnership seemed like a fantastic opportunity which should not be missed and can aid in the development of the Rugby League player pathway in Bath and surrounding area. York City Knights will also share best practice to help Bath Rugby League grow and sustain Rugby League playing opportunities in an area that is still relatively untapped for the sport”.

Chatten, only set up Bath Rugby League at the beginning of the 2017 season but has managed to attract some young and talented players by aiming to create the most professional environment possible within a community club. He has combined the establishment of Bath Rugby League with the appointment of Matchday Manager of York City Knights.
Bath Rugby League are still looking to add players to the 2017 squad, if you would like to play Rugby League please attend training at the excellent Chippenham Rugby Club facilities Wednesday night 7pm, no experience required you would be joining a squad of great players and people.

Photograph: Darren Crake, Commercial Director, York City Knights Ltd (left), with Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator (right).

#newera #differentleague #getinvolved #greatplayersgreatpeople

Bath Rugby League welcomed Southampton Spitfires to Allington fields on Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways after the previous weeks defeat away to high flying Swindon St. George.

Before the game kicked off the crowd and players paid tribute to young Evan Hawksworth, the Under-14 Stanley Rangers Rugby League player who tragically passed away after sustaining a head injury during a game with a minutes applause, similar scenes also took place across all rugby league fixtures over the weekend to celebrate Evan’s life.

With good preparations during the week Bath were set to take everything to the visitors and this was evident from the kick off with only a few minutes passing before Leigh Wheatley crossed over, Alex Burns added the extras (6-0). Southampton used there forwards well and were able to snipe from a ruck to get across the line although were unable to convert (6 – 4)

Bath didn’t let up the intensity throughout the game and hard yards by Shaun Allen and Frome based Stevan Randall took the home side further into the Spitfires half, it was Loose Forward Randall who was on the score card next with barns storming run and carry over the line, Burns was able to add the extras. (12 -4)

Another laps at the ruck and markers being caught out the Spitfires crossed again, with kick went wide. (12 – 8) This was the last laps Bath would have as Southampton didn’t cross the whitewash again, further try’s from Shaun Allen – showing once again his ability to be able to break tackles crossed over followed by Club Captain Tom Plance who sniped from a tackle to sprint and score, and Alex Burns converting both. (24 – 8)

In the dying minutes of the of the first half Bath’s defence was tested heavily and Southampton went a full set before a knock forward from Bath and Southampton regain for another set of six within 5 metres of the line, stand out try saving tackles from Joe Andrews, a new recruit who during term time plays his Rugby League with University of Nottingham and Cieran Chester, former University of Gloucestershire and South West Universities student Rugby League player, helped keep the defence firm and with a turnover Bath saw out the half, much to the frustration of the Spitfires.

Half Time: Bath Rugby League: 24 – 8 Southampton Spitfires Rugby League

The Half Time break didn’t slow down Bath’s intensity and from the kick off showed they were looking to put all there hard work from the first into effect and continue to build and put the Spitfires to the sword. After a strong build up again It was Alex Burns that was able to cross over from close range and covert. (28 – 8) Southampton continued to push hard with strong carries from there forwards but with injuries and a limited bench they were beginning to show signs of tiring. It was forward Shaun Allen who dominated the tackle area again and making breaks through the Spitfires line to cross twice again and complete his hat trick – Alex Burns converting both. (42 – 8)

After an offload from James Noott It was centre Josh James who was able to speed through a gap in the Spitfires line and cross over, again Alex Burns was on from to convert. (48 – 8) Bath continued to dominate and were able to cross over twice more before the final whistle – both from Alex Burns, who had a fantastic day with the boot for his final kick to go just short, kicking 9 from 10 and scoring a hat trick of tries himself to finish the game in style. (58 – 8)

Final Score: Bath Rugby League 58 – 8 Southampton Spitfires

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “It was really pleasing for the squad to get back to winning ways after making such a good start to the season, with a few close losses in between. I am proud of everyone who has put on a shirt for the club this season we have come such a long way in such a short space of time after only launching the club in pre-season. The lads are really buying into the culture of the club and enjoying themselves on the pitch. We will now push for a position in the end of season play offs, with two league games left and a possible further two play off games the league is still wide open with lots still to play for in 2017, exciting times ahead!”

With play off spots still available, Bath Rugby League travel to US Portsmouth Seahawks on Saturday hoping to continue winning ways and finish off the domestic season in style.

If you would like to know more about the club call Chris Chatten on Tel: 07810 552196 or email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk for players in particular come along to training on Wednesday evenings at the fantastic Chippenham RFC facilities from 7pm. For further details regarding the club check out www.bathrugbyleague.co.uk, Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague and Twitter: @bathrugbyleague

On Saturday 8th July, Bath Rugby League made the short journey to Supermarine RFC to take on Swindon St. George to stay in the hunt for a play off place, St. George are top of the league only loosing one fixture all season. After travelling light and with a number of players making their club debut went down 84-4.

Unfortunate for Bath, Swindon St. George just had too much power in the forwards and creativity in the backs. Connor Tomley ran the show for St. George from half-back and prop forward Paul Boglar carving holes up centre field. Bath Rugby League stuck at the task in hand for the full 80 mins and were rewarded with a try late in the second half with an unconverted try from James Simons, an excellent move from a scrum with Frome based league convert Jordan Talbot breaking down the wing for a long pass to go back inside to half-back James Simons for him to go over the whitewash uncontested. Jarvis Conybear and Joe Andrews both impressed on there Bath Rugby League debut after having returned to the area on completion of their studies for the summer with University of Nottingham, where they play for the University Rugby League team. Incidentally the University of Nottingham overpowered University of Bath Broncos Rugby League side in the end of season finals day at the end of term where Bath Rugby League captain also Tom Plance plays. Jimmy Godfrey also made his Bath Rugby League debut but was unfortunate to go off injured in the second half with a suspected broken wrist, along with frome based Kieran Storey.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “It was disappointing not to have been more competitive, but I have to congratulate all players who turned out for the club on Saturday for sticking at it for the full 80 minutes, they never once gave up. We must look forward not back and we still have a great opportunity to qualify for the end of season play offs and potential opportunity to play in the minor grand final for 3rd and 4th place finishers which would still be a spectacular achievement in the clubs first ever season. We would also like to freshen things up a bit as we go into the run in with a few new players, so if you would like to give Rugby League a try please come along to training at Chippenham RFC, 7pm on Wednesdays, exciting times ahead and further developments to be released next week”.

Bath Rugby League would like to give everyone the opportunity to playing Rugby League in a fun, friendly and social environment with professionalism in how the club operates and personnel conducts themselves. If you would like to give Rugby League a try and are aged 16+ please contact Chris Chatten Tel: 07810 552196

Bath Rugby League would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting and developing the club. Training is 7pm on Wednesday at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities and we encourage players of all abilities to come and join in the excitement of being involved with the club. The club are also looking for advisory board members, potential sponsors, and personal who might be interested in establishing youth, junior and women’s playing opportunities.

On Saturday 1st July, Bath Rugby League took on Portsmouth Navy Seahawks in the hunt to stay in the race for the vital top two play off places. After being all square at 16 a piece at half time they just ran out of steam in the last 10 minutes of the game when Portsmouth got a couple of scores in front, the final score was Bath Rugby League 24, Portsmouth Navy Seahawks 38 and a lot closer than the score suggests.

Portsmouth were first to score going in for a soft unconverted try out wide, but not long after that debutante Shaun Allen powered his way over close to the posts which was successful converted by another debutante Leigh Wheatley. However, a further Portsmouth converted try meant Bath Rugby League were chasing the lead again 6-10 down, but Bath centre Henry Lyons showed some great footwork to go over half way out but Leigh Wheatley failed with the conversion which saw the scores locked at 10 a piece. Half back and Player-Coach James Fox showed some Rugby brains by cleverly scooting over from short range near the posts, this time Leigh Wheatley was successful in the conversion putting Bath Rugby League ahead for the first time in the game, 16-10. Unfortunately, Bath let in a soft converted try for Portsmouth after failing to deal with a short kick off, the half time whistle was blown straight after the score.

Unfortunately after the break Portsmouth maintained the moment they had going into half time scoring two converted tries without reply, 16-28. Lightening winger Steven Grant then went over for two unconverted tries for Bath in only his second ever Rugby League game. Portsmouth scored another try in between Grants efforts bringing the score to 24-32, as in the first half Portsmouth scored just before the final whistle bring the final score to Bath Rugby League 24, Portsmouth Navy Seahawks 38.

Second row Tom Culshaw was given captain’s man of the match after putting in a typical 100% effort performance always making 10 metres with the ball in hand and solid tackles in defence, while in only his second outing for the club former University of Gloucestershire and South West Universities Rugby League player Cieran Chester had a great game from full-back making some great yards coming out of defence, prop Henry Beer was also making some fantastic barnstorming runs making inroads in the Portsmouth defensive line.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “It was disappointing not to get the win again this week, but for the neutrals this West of England League pool is highly competitive where anyone in the group is capable of beating anyone on their day, more people should come and watch the sport in this part of the country, I think they would be surprised by the standard. Most games we have lost have been fine margins, we have a good team but also have the makings of an excellent team if they stick together, buy into the culture and continue learning the sport. Saturday’s fixture saw us give the best defensive effort of the season, we don’t seem to have a problem with our attacking game, but we were possibly more conservative in some areas of the pitch than our usual flamboyant style. There are opportunities for players to progress in Rugby League too by representing the West of England League side and an opportunity to get picked up by the expansion semi-professional clubs in the area. We now look towards next week looking to get back to winning ways against Swindon St. George but they don’t get any easier after Swindon have been early season pace setters and only lost once to Portsmouth at home this season, it should be another cracking fixture”.

Bath Rugby League would like to give everyone the opportunity to playing Rugby League in a fun, friendly and social environment with professionalism in how the club operates and personnel conducts themselves. If you would like to give Rugby League a try and are aged 16+ please contact Chris Chatten Tel: 07810 552196

Bath Rugby League would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting and developing the club. Training is 7pm on Wednesday at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities and we encourage players of all abilities to come and join in the excitement of being involved with the club. The club are also looking for advisory board members, potential sponsors, and personal who might be interested in establishing youth, junior and women’s playing opportunities.

Bath Rugby League had a run out across the bridge in Wales at Cwmbran against Torfaen Tigers Development 13 on Saturday in their second development friendly of the season playing there first ever Anglo-Welsh fixture in what proved to be an entertaining exhibition game. Chris Chatten, said “Players who were keen to get more game time really benefited from the game and Dan Blake scored his first Rugby League try in his second ever game of Rugby in either code. Torfaen are a really friendly and helpful club, hopefully they will come and play us at home later in the season”

BRISTOL SONICS produced a strong second half performance to overturn an eight-point deficit and defeat BATH RUGBY LEAGUE 38-34 in a thrilling West Country derby at Landseer Avenue.

In front of a large and vocal crowd, the home side picked up their first West of England League win of the season, though they were made to work hard for it by a Bath Rugby League side who beat them in another topsy-turvy derby game earlier in the season.

Under blue skies, a blazing sun and 30 degrees of heat, the two sides put on a demonstration of committed, free-flowing Rugby League. Defence dominated the opening exchanges, before Bristol took their first opportunity to open the scoring. With the Sonics camped deep in Bath territory, the ball was thrown to scrum-half Dan Brooker, who picked out a defender and barged over from ten metres out. Player-coach Dom Swann made no mistake with the extras.

The home side continued to push forward, but Bath battled hard in response. After 15 minutes they leveled the scores when full-back Josh Frost broke free of some weak attempted tackling to cross under the posts, Louis Ayliffe adding the conversion.

This seemed to jolt the Sonics into action, and two tries in as many minutes saw them take control of the game for the first time. Once again, it was scrum-half Dan Brooker who did the damage. First, he scored an almost identical try to his first. Swann again converted. In the next set of six Brooker scored a further try, breaking through the line on half way and sprinting down the touchline to complete a hat-trick.

At this point, Bristol led 16-6 and were in command of the game. However, it wouldn’t be long before the momentum shifted in Bath’s favour and the visitors began to enjoy more possession. With a fresh wave of sizeable forwards entering the field of play from the Bench, Bath started making serious yards with ball in hand.

The pressure told on the home side, with three Bath tries in under 10 minutes changing the complexion of the game completely. A penalty for offside against Bristol on the final tackle gave Bath another set of six to attack. Loose forward Rob Fox took full advantage, bursting through to touch down beneath the posts for a try converted by Louis Ayliffe. Three minutes later, and following a penalty on half way after Dom Swann’s kick off went dead in goal without bouncing in the field of play, Bath scored again. This time it was Louis Ayliffe crossing the whitewash with a sublime passage of interplay. He calmly converted to edge the visitors in front for the first time, 16-18.

It got worse for the home side three minutes later. When Bristol full-back Jonny Mawer spilled a high kick close to the half way line, Bath took the opportunity of a free play to put on a dazzling display of off-the-cuff rugby league. The move involved numerous offloads, a short grubber kick, and some brilliant support play. The result was a memorable try for replacement Aran Schofield, converted by second-rower Alex Burns.

Having previously looked the better of the sides, Bristol were now struggling to keep up with their opponents. Bath’s forwards ran hard, looked for offloads at every opportunity, and played a brand of rugby that caused numerous problems for Bristol’s defence.

The Sonics fashioned an opportunity to reduce the arrears before half time. This time, it was prop forward Byron Edwards who picked out a weak link in Bath’s defence and forced his way over from close range. Swann’s conversion made it 22-24 at the interval and all to play for.

Bath started the second period with some strong momentum. After 48 minutes they extended their lead to eight points via a try from centre Shai Bonnick, converted by Alex Burns. Soon the Sonics were back in the ascendency, though. After 53 minutes and with Bristol deep in Bath territory, Dom Swann put in an inch perfect grubber kick that bobbled before holding up nicely in Bath’s in-goal area. Winger Harry Brooker, won the chase to touch down. Swann couldn’t convert from the touchline, but the Sonics were now only four points behind.

The momentum was now with Bristol. Occasional gaps began to appear in Bath’s defence, allowing loose forward Lawrence Roycroft and hooker Charlie Geary to make significant breaks. While they were regularly foiled by full-back Josh Frost, they created the positions for the home side to ram home their growing advantage.

Bristol finally went in front again with 20 minutes remaining. Byron Edwards once again forced his way over from short range for a try coolly converted by Dom Swann. Five minutes later, Edwards completed his hat-trick, this time stretching out to touch the ball down with one hand. Swann once again converted, leaving the Sonics eight points up with less than 15 minutes remaining.

Bath upped their work rate and started to cause problems for Bristol once again. The home side repelled these attacks until five minutes from time, when Tom Plance broke free and touched down to the right of the posts. Surprisingly, Alex Burns couldn’t convert, leaving the Sonics with a four-point lead to defend in the closing stages.

A tense and thrilling finale followed. Possession changed hands a number of times in the final minutes. With less than a minute to go, a Bath error deep in their own half offered Bristol a chance to see out the game. Following the scrum, Sonics forwards slowly trundled the ball in, mindful that any errors could be costly. After four tackles, referee Holmes signalled for full time.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “This was a great game for the neutral to watch, we are playing a really good brand of Rugby League and on balance probably deserved to win the game with the creative plays we were putting on in attack and it was pleasing to see tries been scored by different players across the park. However, defence wins games, but is was pleasing to see us defend back to back sets near our own line when we might have crumbled earlier in the season. We are improving week on week and Luke Cador was unfortunate to have his interception brought back for offside which could have been the difference on the night. The league table is still very much open with anyone capable of beating anyone on their day, it is all to play for in what is turning out to be a great season, exciting times ahead.”

A Bristol Sonics spokesperson, said: “It’s brilliant to get a win after losing a couple of very close games earlier in the year. Bath are a top side with some big forwards and talented playmakers, so to hold on for the win was very satisfying. There were some excellent performances throughout the team, so I won’t single anyone out for special praise. It was a brilliant collective effort. Now I hope we can kick on and win a fair few more games before the season’s out.”

BRISTOL SONICS 38
T: Dan Brooker 3, Byron Edwards 3, Harry Brooker
G: Dom Swann 5 (from 7)

BATH RUGBY LEAGUE 34
T: Josh Frost, Rob Fox, Louis Ayliffe, Aaron Schofield, Shai Bonnick, Tom Plance
G: Louis Ayliffe 3 (from 4), Alex Burns 2 (from 3)

Bath Rugby League are back in West of England League action on Saturday when they take on Portsmouth Navy Seahawks at their Chippenham RFC home, kick off 2.30pm. Portsmouth managed to beat Swindon St. George last week who have been the early season pace setters in the league so will no doubt be another tough contest with everything to play for. The club would like to inspire people with the excitement of Rugby League and are always looking for new players, advisory board members and valuable sponsors who are interested in working in partnership with the club to develop Rugby League in the area. Training is every Wednesday evening 7pm at the fantastic Chippenham RFC facilities, for further details contact Chris Chatten Club Coordinator on Mob: 07810 552196, Email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk Website: www.bathrugbyleague.co.uk or follow the clubs social media channels, Twitter: @BathRugbyLeague, Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague

On Saturday 17th June, new rugby league team Bath Rugby League made history by being the first Rugby League team to enter Frome 7’s held at Frome RFC, it was a challenging afternoon as the squad were given a place in the open competition against a number of experienced and established 7’s teams. The club enjoyed the festival vibe of the competition in a group with teams such as Moth in a China Shop, NAKELO and Gogerddan Raiders. Bath Rugby League’s Josh Frost played for Moth in a China Shop and a number of other Bath Rugby League players were playing for other teams in the competition too.

Former University of Gloucestershire and South West Universities representative Rugby League player Cieran Chester impressed on his debut fixture with Bath Rugby League scoring a couple of tries, but it was Tom Culshaw who scored Bath Rugby League’s first try in the competition.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “We were pleased to be offered the opportunity to enter the Frome 7’s and we thank event organiser Mike Rutt for his support in making it happen. It was a great opportunity to raise the profile of Bath Rugby League and also give some of our squad the opportunity to have some fun away from the more important West of England League competition, hopefully this is just one of many firsts in an exciting season”.

Bath Rugby League squad have a busy week getting back into West of England league action on Wednesday 21st June 2017 in an away fixture against the Bristol Sonics, 7.30pm kick off at Dings RFC, where a win would put them back in contention for the vital top two league places. Bath Rugby League have also organised a friendly/development fixture for Saturday 24th June 2017 which is also away at Cwmbran RFC against Torfaen Tigers reserves/development side, kick off 1pm as a curtain raiser to Torfaen Tigers 1st team squads Welsh League fixture. Torfaen Tiger were playing in Conference League South until this season, when the competition was pulled which made the Welsh and Regional Leagues stronger. Plans are afoot to develop a Western and Eastern Premier League in 2018 which Bath Rugby League have expressed an interest in joining.

Bath Rugby League would like to give everyone the opportunity to playing Rugby League in a fun, friendly and social environment with professionalism in how the club operates and personnel conducts themselves. If you would like to give Rugby League a try and are aged 16+ please contact Chris Chatten Tel: 07810 552196 for an opportunity to play in the clubs development fixture on Saturday at Torfaen Tigers, Cwmbran RFC, kick off 1pm.

Next league game:
Wednesday 21st June 2017
West of England Pool 1 – KO 1930
Dings RFC
Bristol Sonics V Bath Rugby League

Next friendly/development fixture:
Saturday 24th June 2017
Cwmbran RFC
Torfaen Tigers V Bath Rugby League development

Bath Rugby League would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting and developing the club. Training is 7pm on Wednesday (apart from this week when we are away @ Bristol Sonics for the West of England League fixture) at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities and we encourage players of all abilities to come and join in the excitement of being involved with the club. The club are also looking for advisory board members, potential sponsors, and personal who might be interested in establishing youth, junior and women’s playing opportunities.

You can contact the club via the following methods:
Phone: Chris Chatten on 07810 552196
Email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk
Twitter: @BathRugbyLeague,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague
Website: www.bathrugbyleague.co.uk

On Saturday 10th June, new rugby league team Bath Rugby League welcomed Oxford Cavaliers to their Chippenham RFC, Allington Fields home ground looking to do the double over them after a hard fought 32-30 away win earlier in the season. After a close first half with the score being 14-10 to Oxford at half time it was all to play for in the second half, but the Oxford forward power told in the end after Bath suffered a number of injuries to forwards in the first half which didn’t aid their cause.

Oxford, dropped down from Conference League South a couple of years ago, and have a link with the Oxford semi-professional side which operates in Championship League 1. However, like Bath they are building a new squad in 2017 and both clubs a competing in a very strong West of England League group where any club is capable of beating anyone on their day.

The opening first quarter of the game was scoreless, and it was Bath’s Max Ojomoh in only his second game of Rugby League made a break in centre field, then rounding the full-back to score a great try underneath the posts for Alex Burn’s to convert. Jay Patterson fresh from his representative debut for the Prison Service Rugby League team in their fixture against the British Police in Rochdale on Thursday night, managed to barge his way over for a typical try for him using his speed and power. Oxford went over for 3 first half tries but only managed to convert one for a half time lead of 14-10.

Oxford gained more momentum in the second half with their forward power making carving holes in the defence, but Bath did start well and scored a sublime try in a well worked move for Alex Burns to go in out wide. Alex successfully converted his own try, Burns also scored a second try this time converted by Luxembourg Rugby Union international Full-back Ciaran Keane. At this point the score was 32-22 to Oxford with an opportunity for Bath to come back and win the game but that wasn’t to be as Bath gave away possession from a tap penalty and Oxford scored two further tries. However, Captain Tom Plance gained some consolation racing away to score a try out wide after a 50 metre run.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “It was a tight game in the first half, much like our away encounter with Oxford. However, Oxford pulled away in the later part of the second half using their experienced forwards to punch holes down centre field. While Oxford won the forward battle aided by numerous Bath forward injuries Bath backs dominated with some great interplay, exciting times ahead with all still to play for in the league. It is also pleasing that people are contacting the club wanting to be part of what we are doing with Bath Rugby League, please come and learn more about Bath Rugby League by attending training on Wednesday night at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities 7pm start, new players of all abilities always welcome with no experience of Rugby League necessary.”

With the final score of 42-26, Bath remain in 3rd place in West of England Pool but will look to make amends in their next West of England League fixture when they play Bristol Sonics at Dings RFC on Wednesday 21st June, 7.30pm kick off. Bath beat local rivals Bristol Sonics at home in their inaugural fixture so the Sonics will be looking to make amends after they are still without a win this season. There is all to play for in the league with a number of teams including Bath still capable of making the important top two in the group which is important for the top tier play off series with the other West of England group.

Bath Rugby League would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting and developing the club. Training is 7pm on Wednesday at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities and we encourage players of all abilities to come and join in the excitement of being involved with the club. The club are also looking for advisory board members, potential sponsors, and personal who might be interested in establishing youth, junior and women’s playing opportunities.

You can contact the club via the following methods:
Phone: Chris Chatten on 07810 552196
Email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk
Twitter: @BathRugbyLeague,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague
Website: www.bathrugbyleague.co.uk

On Saturday 3^rd June, new rugby league team Bath Rugby League travelled to Southampton’s Five Acres Ground, looking to continue their great start to the season; Bath have won their first two fixtures against Bristol Sonic’s and Oxford Cavaliers and went into the game sitting on top of the West of England Pool 1. However, the winning streak would not continue with the Spitfires proving to be too stern a test on their home soil.

Southampton, who moved across from the London leagues last season, have dominated strongly since joining the West of England division – this was evident from the outset as they scored in quick succession catching Bath napping. Southampton used their backs effectively and were able to spread the ball wide and counter on multiple occasions; Bath were starved of possession and it took some time for the side to build sets.

Once Bath regained possession, Captain and halfback Tom Plance was able to bring in the strong Bath forwards with Stevan Randall and Liam Cashman, Welsh Student Rugby League International, on his Bath RL league debut, making big yards and carrying strong.

Bath got onto the scoreboard in the second half when Captain Plance, with quick thinking, spotted the gap and crossed over, and with Luxembourg rugby union international Ciaran Keane just pulling the conversion wide of the posts, Ciaran was also making his Bath Rugby League debut.

With the final play of the game it was debutante centre Shai Bonnick who moved quickly wide, handing off multiple would be tacklers to break up the field and managing to get the offload away in the Spitfires half to Second Row Jay Patterson who couldn’t be brought down.  Patterson was able to cross the line under the posts with the conversion being added this time successfully by Ciaran Keane.

Chris Chatten, Bath Rugby League, Club Coordinator, said “We were starved of possession in the first half by a well drilled Spitfires side which probably cost us the game. The majority of our squad are still learning how to play Rugby League and we will continue to improve as a group during the course of the season. We have an excellent group of people and players at the club, if we can start games how we finished we will get some more success, the interplay between Bonnick and Patterson for the last try was simply breathtaking. Exciting times ahead, come and be part of something special with the club in 2017 and beyond. “

With the final score of 64 – 10, Bath dropped to 3rd place in West of England Pool but will look to make amends at home this Saturday when they welcome Oxford Cavaliers to Allington Fields. Bath played away to Oxford in Round 2 and came out winning 32-30, so another tough yet exciting battle is on the cards.

Bath Rugby League would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting and developing the club. Training is 7pm on Wednesday at the excellent Chippenham RFC facilities and we encourage players of all abilities to come and join in the excitement of being involved with the club. The club are also looking for advisory board members, potential sponsors, and personal who might be interested in establishing youth, junior and women’s playing opportunities.

You can contact the club via the following methods:

Phone: Chris Chatten on 07810 552196

Email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk

Twitter: @BathRugbyLeague,

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague 

Website: www.bathrugbyleague.co.uk

Bath Rugby League made it two wins from two in their debut West of England League campaign in a tight 32-30 win at Oxford Cavaliers. Bath were light on forward replacements against a strong Oxford pack but the creativity from the exciting young backs won the game for Bath Rugby League.

In the early stages of the game Bath went 10-0 down and it looked like it could be a tough day at the office in the torrential rain, then debutante Steven Grant got his first of three tries going over in the corner, with 16 year old Ruben Moxham converting having an all round successful day with the boot in the wind and rain. Once Bath got on the score sheet Oxford didn’t score again in the first half and Bath pulled the lead back to 20-10 in front at half-time. However, Oxford started the second half strong with their big forward pack making inroads down the middle and they scored 4 tries without return to go ahead 30-20, but Bath had a revival in the last quarter to go in for two converted tries and hold on for the win. Both sides scored 6 tries so Ruben Moxham’s 4 conversions from 6 attempts won the game as Oxford only converted 3 tries. Bath try scorers were Steven Grant 3, Gabe Hamer-Webb 2, Steve Morris another debutant scored one who darted over from acting half back close to the line.

Chris Chatten, Club Coordinator commented “It was tough in the forwards, there will be some battered and bruised bodies this week, but they put their bodies on the line for the club in a 100% effort performance. I am really proud of how far the squad and the club have come in a short space of time, they are all great people as well as players. The spirit and desire around the club is excellent. It took strength of character to come back to win from being behind on the scoreboard both early on in the game and at the mid-way point in the second period, exciting times ahead for this club, come and get involved training on Wednesday evening 7pm at Chippenham Rugby Club”.

Please take the opportunity to contact the club as a player, potential sponsor or volunteer via email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk or call Chris Chatten tel: 07810 552196. Player sponsorship is £100 per player, be part of something special. The club are really interested in establishing a youth/junior and ladies sections, please get in touch if you feel you could help with this to further develop a really strong Rugby League community at the club. Please follow us on Twitter @BathRugbyLeague and Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague.