Bath Rugby secured a thrilling 33-26 victory over Exeter Chiefs at the Recreation Ground, holding off a remarkable comeback to claim their seventh Premiership win of the season. Arthur Green’s try in the dying seconds capped a 38-phase attack, ensuring Bath escaped with all five points after Exeter had drawn level from a 26-0 deficit.
The result moves Bath two points clear of Exeter in the fiercely contested top four, signaling their intent to remain in the title conversation.
Early Bath Dominance After Red Card Shock
Exeter were reduced to 14 men just two minutes in when winger Campbell Ridl received a 20-minute red card for a dangerous challenge on Henry Arundell. Bath capitalized immediately, scoring four tries before Exeter had returned to full strength.
- Beno Obano crossed first, finishing off sustained pressure on the Chiefs’ line.
- Alfie Barbeary doubled the lead with a well-timed spin over the line.
- Santiago Carreras added Bath’s third after a dazzling run down the wing by Louie Hennessey, who had come on for Arundell during a head injury assessment.
- Ollie Lawrence completed the bonus-point fourth try in the corner, marking his 50th Premiership appearance.
By the 28th minute, Bath led 26-0, dominating possession, territory, and pace.
Exeter Fightback Turns Game Into Classic Thriller
Despite the early setback, Exeter showed remarkable resilience. Hooker Joseph Dweba and winger Ollie Woodburn crossed the line before half-time, reducing the deficit to 26-12. Exeter’s momentum continued in the second half with Greg Fisilau and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scoring in quick succession to level the game at 26-26.
Exeter’s comeback was fueled by a combination of tactical kicking from Henry Slade and precise handling, showcasing the Chiefs’ ability to adapt under pressure. The team’s relentless effort drew comparisons to a sporting epic: a true “Great Escape.”
Green’s Last-Minute Heroics Seal Bath Victory
After 38 intense phases of ball retention and continuous pick-and-go play, Bath finally broke through Exeter’s defensive line. Replacement Arthur Green powered over near the posts, securing the dramatic winning try and ensuring Bath took the full five points.
“What I’m most pleased about is we got the ball back from the kick-off and kept it for 38 phases, scoring right next to the sticks. That’s how you want to finish a game,” said Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter praised his side’s resilience but acknowledged Bath’s finishing strength:
“It was like watching ‘The Great Escape.’ It was compelling viewing, but we haven’t quite got there in the end.”
Key Performances
Bath Rugby: Carreras; Arundell, Lawrence, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Obano, Dunn, Sela, Opoku-Gyamfi, Molony, Hill, Pepper, Barbeary
Replacements: Tuipulotu, Kirk, Du Toit, Roux, Underhill, Carr-Smith, Hennessey, Green
Tries: Obano, Barbeary, Carreras, Lawrence, Green
Conversions: Russell 4
Exeter Chiefs: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, E Roots, Fisilau
Replacements: Yeandle, Goodrick-Clarke, J Roots, Tuima, James, Chapman, Haydon-Wood, John
Tries: Dweba, Woodburn, Fisilau, Feyi-Waboso
Conversions: Slade 3
Red Card: Ridl (20 minutes)
Referee: Luke Pearce
Dramatic Implications for the Premiership
Bath’s win demonstrates their capacity to dominate under pressure and their ability to capitalize on opposition mistakes. Exeter’s remarkable comeback highlights the Chiefs’ determination, but the loss leaves them trailing Bath in the Premiership standings.
This match will be remembered as one of the season’s most thrilling contests, with early dominance, a spirited comeback, and a final-minute score creating edge-of-your-seat rugby drama.
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