Bath Rugby snatched a heart-stopping victory from the jaws of a dispiriting draw, scoring a last-minute try to break Exeter Chiefs' hearts in a 33-26 Gallagher Premiership classic at the Recreation Ground.
Bath's Blistering Start and Exeter's Red Card Woes
The reigning champions, needing a lift after a Christmas defeat, exploded from the blocks. Their ferocious start was aided by Exeter's Campbell Ridl receiving a 20-minute red card in just the third minute for a dangerous aerial challenge on Henry Arundell. Bath took full advantage, running in four tries within the first 20 minutes to secure the season's fastest bonus point.
Beno Obano powered over for the first, followed by a similar effort from Alfie Barbeary. The brilliant Santiago Carreras finished a superb break by Louie Hennessey for the third, before Ben Spencer sent Ollie Lawrence over from an attacking lineout. With the score at 26-0, a rout seemed imminent.
The Chiefs' Stunning Fightback Levels the Match
The momentum shifted seismically once Exeter were restored to 15 players. The Chiefs began to dominate territory and possession, scoring two tries before half-time through Joseph Dweba and Olly Woodburn, both converted expertly from the touchline by Henry Slade.
Bath had a try for Spencer chalked off in the 48th minute for a blocking offence, and Exeter continued their charge in the final quarter. The outstanding Greg Fisilau crashed over for their third try, and five minutes later, his break set up a move finished by the electric Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Slade's conversion from the touchline tied the scores at 26-26, completing an incredible comeback from 26 points down.
Green the Hero in Dramatic Finale
With the clock in the red, Bath launched one final, desperate assault on the Exeter line. After a mammoth 38 phases of relentless pressure, replacement Arthur Green finally burrowed his way over to touch down the winning try, sparking scenes of sheer relief and jubilation among the home players and supporters.
The victory was Bath's fifth try of a breathless afternoon, but their first points since the 20th minute. It was a victory carved out the hard way, having seen a seemingly unassailable lead completely erased by a resilient and talented Exeter side. The result provides a massive psychological boost for Bath's title defence, while Exeter are left to rue a comeback that ultimately fell just short.
