Bath Rugby Ladies faced Bristol Ladies II at home at Lambridge in Bath on Sunday, in a game which showed their ever developing skill.
Bath came out firing, and put pressure on the visitors from the start.
The forwards worked tirelessly at the breakdown to secure a number of turnovers, while centre Sarah Holloway was in good touch with the boot, kicking well into space and pushing Bristol back into their own half, providing a strong attacking platform.
Bath forced a number of early knock-ons and earned a first penalty after five minutes, kicked by Holloway.
Bath were dominant in the opening scrums and earned another penalty at 20 minutes, kicked to bring the score to 6-0.
Despite difficult weather conditions, the forwards continued to win ball at the set piece and quick link play from the backs put centres Holloway and Kyat Southwell into space on a number of occasions.
The home side continued to earn reward in the first half, with Holloway kicking two further penalties to lead 12-0 at the break.
Bristol attacked fiercely in the opening of the second half and Bath defended with control, until 55 minutes when Bristol ran in for the first try of the game, unconverted to make the score 12-5. Shortly afterwards, Bath prop Caryl Thomas was sin-binned for not rolling away.
A second try for Bristol followed a few phases later with a chip and chase inside Bath’s 22, touched down by Bristol Ladies’ Jen Lander and bringing the score to 12-12. Despite brave defence from Bath and a number of phases of attacking play in the final stages, Bristol added a third try with five minutes remaining, bringing the final score to 12-17.
Captain Jane Youdan explained that the side will take positives from a strong performance, particularly in the first half.
Hooker Emily Hunter and scrum-half Del Tupuhi were named Forward and Back of the Match respectively. Bath Ladies will next face Saracens Ladies II at Lambridge on 17th November.
