Bath Rugby’s academy lead coach Mark Lilley spoke of his pride at masterminding a PREM Rugby Cup derby victory in front of a full house at The Rec.
Bath Rugby’s academy lead coach Mark Lilley spoke of his pride at masterminding a PREM Rugby Cup derby win over Bristol Bears here at The Rec on Saturday 14th February | Photo © Richard Briggs
Lilley has been given the reins for the current block of PREM Cup matches – and on Saturday 14th February he oversaw a 33-24 home win against Bristol Bears in Round 8.
When asked by the Echo at Bath’s post-match press conference how he felt, Lilley said: “I’m very proud.
“I’ve played here, I’ve coached all across the system, and to have this opportunity is big for me.
“I appreciate the pathway that the club’s given me, and given me opportunities like this.
“Just very proud and really enjoying it.”
The victory over Bristol gave Lilley his second success on the trot as de facto head coach, following the Blue, Black & White’s 60-19 triumph at Sale Sharks in Round 7 on Sunday 8th February.
And they have a great chance of qualifying for the PREM Cup semi-finals, with games against Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby to come.
But this cup is not the only competition on Lilley’s mind – because Bath’s under-18s will be playing at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester on Sunday 22nd February in the PREM’s Next Gen academy league Finals Day.
Lilley told the Echo: “We’ve got a fair bit coming up.
“We’ve got the under-18s final next Sunday and we’ve got Exeter away on the Saturday.
“It’s going to be a big week, one we’re looking forward to.”
Lilley acknowledged that Bath were not at their best in the first half against the Bears, who led 17-14 at the turnaround.
He said: “A game of rugby is never going to be perfect.
“First half, a little bit off in a couple of areas, the line-out and just looking after the ball, but we were creating chances, we were being physical.
“I thought we had a really good half-time. It was composed and calm, and then we executed in that last half.
“We’ve got two games left [in the PREM Cup].
“We’re focused on Exeter first. That’s always going to be a tough game going down there. And then Gloucester at home.
“So over to us and we’ve made a big focus on ourselves as per usual.”
Lilley praised Ewan Richards, who was making his return after injury, and two-try Charlie Griffin for their contributions against Bristol.
“Ewan is an outstanding player, gives us lots of energy,” said Lilley.
“Although the line-out was tough for the first 20 minutes, I thought we took great control in the rest of the game.
“Just a big heart to come out and play 80 minutes, his first game back.
“That shows what he’s all about.
“Charlie’s progressing really well. He’s had opportunities, and he keeps taking them.
“He’s got lots of people that he learns from at Farleigh [House, Bath’s training base at Farleigh Hungerford], and he’s very good at that, always picking people’s brains.
“He’s getting better and better, and it creates competition in the squad.
“We look at him, he’s comfortable in the centre, he’s comfortable on the wing also.
“The way we like to utilise the bench, it’s important that we’ve got those utility players.”
