A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Muir: to start?
By Bath Supporter Jack
September 7 2026
A return to playing a couple of preseason matches building to the start of the Gallagher Premiership with the away match at Harlequins. I recall playing Bedford in the PREM Cup a couple of years ago when the Championship Clubs were admitted and we played Bedford and Ampthill. Their league has been rebranded “Champ Rugby”, presumably by the same marketing company that imaginatively rebranded the The Premiership Cup as the PREM Cup!
Two years ago, when we won the PREM Cup, we beat Bedford at Goldington Road 7 – 21 and then again at the Rec 43 – 26. So, in these two matches our young squad managed the double. Then in March of this year as part of a warm-up for the business end of the 2025 - 26 season we played a “friendly” and won 94 – 14! Not much of a friendly, and in contrast to the previous season Bath went full on, to put some game time into the senior players legs at the end of the Six Nations.
Bedford is an illustrious club with a long history. They have been in the top league on three occasions the last time being in the 1999 – 2000 season. They won the RFU Knockout Cup in 1975. But have now been a fixture in the second league for some time as I believe they have said they do not wish to be considered for promotion as they are stable, both on and off the pitch. They believe that joining the Premiership might well disrupt that!
A bit of interesting miscellany which piqued my interest, in 1905 Bedford played the All Blacks losing 41 – 0!
To the current day I believe the match against Sale on Sunday which Bath lost 50 – 28 whilst only losing 17 – 14 at half time having led for much of the first half, will prove to be very educational for a very young side. Any of these players could play in the Bath first team if they were playing with the bulk of the first team squad.
The match against Bedford will I believe have a combination of players returning from injury, Will Stuart and Will Muir, players who have joined the Club in the Summer, Dan du Preez and Jamie Bhatti and a blend of regular first team players and players who played against Sale on Sunday.
I am sure that the coaching team will be wanting to build to a team playing against Glasgow a week later which will look a lot like the squad selected to play away against Harlequins in the opening match of the Premiership.
So, my go at a squad to play Bedford on Friday night is as follows
1 Beno Obano
2 Tom Dunn
3 Will Stuart
4 Ewan Richards
5 Charlie Ewels
6 Jaco Coetzee
7 Miles Reid
8 Dan du Preez
9 Tom Carr Smith
10 Ciaren Donoghue
11 Henry Arundel
12 Cameron Redpath
13 Ollie Lawrence
14 Will Muir
15 Tom de Glanville
16 Dan Frost
17 Jamie Bhatti
18 Scott Kirk
19 Ted Hill
20 Will Jeanes
21 Bernard van der Linde
22 James Linegar
23 Charlie Griffin
There is no point loading the squad to win as in last March 94 – 14. What is needed is to give as many players as possible proper match time and ensuring that all that they have been working on in training in the past 6 weeks is put to the test. If it all works, the score “should be” 50 to 60 – 0, with the Nil being just as important as the 50 – 60!
A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2026 17:08
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:15:10:56:55 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:15:10:56:55 by P G Tips.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2026 17:10
Thanks BSJ
Are you sure we will go that strong?
I suspect we will keep quite a lot of powder dry until the Glasgow friendly.
It will be fun though to see how close your selection is.
PG
Are you sure we will go that strong?
I suspect we will keep quite a lot of powder dry until the Glasgow friendly.
It will be fun though to see how close your selection is.
PG
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2026 18:59
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2026 20:05
Quote:BathMatt53
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
Yep, they need a 'Griffin' in there somewhere.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2026 21:10
Or a Sela.
PG
PG
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 06:59
As an ex back I always get the porps messed up!!
I imagine the bench will all be brought on at half time so everybody gets at least 40 minutes.
I would imagine that the order of priorities are that everyone gets 40 minutes.
Defence works so they do not score.
Attacking units work and training field plans are implemented....and work
I imagine the bench will all be brought on at half time so everybody gets at least 40 minutes.
I would imagine that the order of priorities are that everyone gets 40 minutes.
Defence works so they do not score.
Attacking units work and training field plans are implemented....and work
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 10:00
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
Yep, they need a 'Griffin' in there somewhere.
I don't think Griffin or Obano are fit yet based on the last medical update
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 10:25
Quote:theredseatQuote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
Yep, they need a 'Griffin' in there somewhere.
I don't think Griffin or Obano are fit yet based on the last medical update
Which one Alfie or Archie?
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 10:37
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:theredseatQuote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
Yep, they need a 'Griffin' in there somewhere.
I don't think Griffin or Obano are fit yet based on the last medical update
Which one Alfie or Archie?
Archie
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 10:55
Quote:theredseatQuote:shipwreckedQuote:theredseatQuote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53
Agree PG, although they may have one strong half (and 15 subs) just to get 40 mins of match time in the legs.
Aren't Jamie Bhatti and Scott Kirk both looseheads?
Yep, they need a 'Griffin' in there somewhere.
I don't think Griffin or Obano are fit yet based on the last medical update
Which one Alfie or Archie?
Archie
Probably right and Alfie had a run out in Manchester, I'm not sure we will go that strong against Bedford, they are a decent Champ side and have their moments but how does it help pros if they dominate their opposite numbers in games like this.
Closer to parity and everyone knows what to work on. PG is probably on the money with Billy Sela.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/09/2026 12:56
I wouldn't be surprised to see a squad of 30 or more and three periods of 30 minutes.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 10/09/2026 14:42
It looks like this match will be on [www.clubbertv.co.uk] for £4.99
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 10/09/2026 15:21
Thing is we need to give the squad some game time.
We will pick our strongest team against Harlequins, and we will pick a very strong side against Glasgow......so the squad against Bedford should not be the PREM Cup side but a notch above that.
It would be logical to play Will Stuart, Bernard van de Linde and Will Muir.....next we should also play Jamie Bhatti and Dan Du Preez as the new boys.....
We will pick our strongest team against Harlequins, and we will pick a very strong side against Glasgow......so the squad against Bedford should not be the PREM Cup side but a notch above that.
It would be logical to play Will Stuart, Bernard van de Linde and Will Muir.....next we should also play Jamie Bhatti and Dan Du Preez as the new boys.....
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 08:28
Fixture in less than 12 hours and no "Team Up"??
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 08:56
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Fixture in less than 12 hours and no "Team Up"??
Yes, strange. Bedford have theirs up.
[bedfordrugby.co.uk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 10:15
From the club: team named today at noon. As a friendly, not tied by competition rules re timing of announcement.
PG
PG
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Tlacey90 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:17
Bath Rugby: 1 Claudius Wheeler, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Arthur Green, 7 Miles Reid (c), 8 Dan du Preez, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Ciaran Donoghue, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements (alphabetical): Jack Bennett, Ieuan Davies, Tom Dunn, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Jack Harrison, Louie Hennessey, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Linegar, Max Pearce, Ewan Richards, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Will Stuart, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Kieran Verden, Jack Woods
Players not yet played in pre-season or PREM Cup: Josh Bayliss, Jamie Bhatti, Jaco Coeteze, Tom DeGlanville, Charlie Ewels, Ted Hill, Billy Sela, Ben Obano. Along with Finn, Ben Spencer, Santi
Replacements (alphabetical): Jack Bennett, Ieuan Davies, Tom Dunn, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Jack Harrison, Louie Hennessey, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Linegar, Max Pearce, Ewan Richards, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Will Stuart, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Kieran Verden, Jack Woods
Players not yet played in pre-season or PREM Cup: Josh Bayliss, Jamie Bhatti, Jaco Coeteze, Tom DeGlanville, Charlie Ewels, Ted Hill, Billy Sela, Ben Obano. Along with Finn, Ben Spencer, Santi
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:23
Claudius Wheeler?
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:30
Not sure whether to laugh or cry for the Bedford backline facing that back 5!
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:32
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Claudius Wheeler?
Recently joined the academy having been part of the BUCS double winning set up at Uni.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:34
Shame no jaco.
Last update was that he was good to go.
Fingers crossed he gets a run out next week but giving him 20.mins this week seemed the obvious option if he is ok
Last update was that he was good to go.
Fingers crossed he gets a run out next week but giving him 20.mins this week seemed the obvious option if he is ok
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:55
So back line as I picked except JC instead of Horse.
Forwards only Reid and Du Preez.....3 or 4 on the bench
Forwards only Reid and Du Preez.....3 or 4 on the bench
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 13:05
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Claudius Wheeler?
On the team sheet it looks like I Claudius
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 13:08
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Bath Supporter Jack
Claudius Wheeler?
Recently joined the academy having been part of the BUCS double winning set up at Uni.
Ex Quins u18
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Teams up
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 12:15
Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Ciaran Donoghue, 9 Tom Carr-Smith; 1 Claudius Wheeler, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Arthur Green, 7 Miles Reid (c), 8 Dan du Preez
Replacements (alphabetical): Jack Bennett, Ieuan Davies, Tom Dunn, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Jack Harrison, Louie Hennessey, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Linegar, Max Pearce, Ewan Richards, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Will Stuart, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Kieran Verden, Jack Woods
Replacements (alphabetical): Jack Bennett, Ieuan Davies, Tom Dunn, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Jack Harrison, Louie Hennessey, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Linegar, Max Pearce, Ewan Richards, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Will Stuart, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Kieran Verden, Jack Woods
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 17:13
Quote:gaz59Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Claudius Wheeler?
On the team sheet it looks like I Claudius
That's what we thought! Are you allowed to number with Roman numerals? Then he really would be
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:40
Bath looking rusty in the first 10 minutes with multiple balls to ground. Bedford with one good possession and an unconverted try!
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:46
Second meaningful attack from Bedford and another try.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:47
Not very obvious which is the Prem team so far. Two tries for Bedford now
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:54
Sustained pressure in the 22 leads to a third Bedford try. 17-0 Eeek
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:19:55:15 by dcsh.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:19:55:15 by dcsh.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:55
Third try for Bedford. They’ve created three overlaps and had at least one clear break…we haven’t!
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 19:58
Bath held up over the line, but DdP scores from the base of the resulting scrum. 17-7
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:02
4th Bedford try after a ricocheting pass is deemed to have gone backwards. 24-7
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:06
Green gets Baths second from a nice lineout move. 26-12
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:08
Joe’s good form in the air continues, two box kicks well claimed. Oli and Cam not looking on the same wavelength.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:10
Arundell scores, 26-19
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:12
Cokanasiga get Baths 4th on the strike if half time, 26-24 Bedford
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:13
26-24 HT. much better last 5-10mins, Donoghue with some nice passing, easy try for Joe at the end.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:15
Quote:Agreed on both points. Several dropped passes between our centres and pretty sure the centre is where the Bedford breaks come from for 2 tries.Shadders
Joe’s good form in the air continues, two box kicks well claimed. Oli and Cam not looking on the same wavelength.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:20:16:46 by dcsh.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:32
Hennessey On for Redpath as the second half starts
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:34
de Glanville score after a glowing move to take a bath into the lead. 26-29
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:38
Frost scores from a line out catch and drive. 26-36.
Now a huge number of subs coming on for Bath.
Now a huge number of subs coming on for Bath.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:40
Arundell scores, Bath have woken up now. 26-41
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:44
Richards bursts through from a nice off load to score. 26-48
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:47
Arundell scores his third. 26-55 at 60 minutes
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:20:48:03 by dcsh.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:20:48:03 by dcsh.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:52
Woods with a 90+ meter sprint in for his try. 26-62
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:55
Bedford score from a cross field grubber. 33-62
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:21:00:47 by dcsh.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:21:00:47 by dcsh.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 20:57
Kepu playing at No 8…
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 21:01
van der Linde score following a dropped ball turnover. 33-69
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:21:07:50 by dcsh.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:11:21:07:50 by dcsh.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 21:08
Excellent to see Will Stuart on for a bit, only had 20mins or so. One nice off load. Almost three teams played tonight. BVDL looks sharp. Oli Lawrence had a better second half, one big hit in defense, but looks like he may have got a bit of pace back (sure he was struggling after Achilles at end of last season).
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 21:10
Linegar scores in the final play. FT 33-76
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 22:36
That was a really shaky start but the difference in class really showed in the second half. I thought Dan Du Preez looked good at 8, Joe excellent under the high ball and looked strong, Henry really pacey, lineout generally good. First 25 minutes need analysing, Bedford made scoring look easy.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 23:00
Any injuries to be concerned about?
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2026 23:13
Quote:Nothing noticeable, I think Roux was down at one point, but got up and played on. Likewise for Hennessy.OutsideBath
Any injuries to be concerned about?
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 08:27
Quote:Francis Allen
That was a really shaky start
Hmm, lets not be going back to that - the Prem teams won't allow us to come back from a 3 try headstart as has happened a few times in the past few seasons...we don't have the bomb squad any more. Hopefully a valuable wake up call before the important stuff starts.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 11:07
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 11:20
The Bedford tries seemed a little too easy, but time to tighten up the defence.
Some nice well worked scores from Bath, which is promising.
Special mention for the Bath shirt, absolutely awful and worse than it looks on the web site.
Some nice well worked scores from Bath, which is promising.
Special mention for the Bath shirt, absolutely awful and worse than it looks on the web site.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 11:26
Our attack looks interesting. Lots of nice shapes and well timed passes and decoys. Encouraging.
Large part of that is Donoghue’s talent to hold the ball and then pick the right option… fortunately his club mentor does that pretty well too!
JCok and Arundell look fit and powerful… bad idea offering Arundell the outside!
Large part of that is Donoghue’s talent to hold the ball and then pick the right option… fortunately his club mentor does that pretty well too!
JCok and Arundell look fit and powerful… bad idea offering Arundell the outside!
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 11:33
Quote:dr.bath1865
JCok and Arundell look fit and powerful… bad idea offering Arundell the outside!
He must be a nightmare to defend against, 2nd and 3rd tries he just created his own outside with sheer pace.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 13:30
Player Ratings:- [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: brands (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 14:13
The opening 20 minutes was a worry but it's the first run out for most of these players. I suspect they will have to step up a lot for Glasgow.
Seeing our home shirt in action for the first time and its awful. It looks like there are 3 teams on the park, Bath going forward, Bath defending and the opposition.
Seeing our home shirt in action for the first time and its awful. It looks like there are 3 teams on the park, Bath going forward, Bath defending and the opposition.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 14:48
Quote:Yup as soon as the players bend over or turns the shirt just looks black, with blue black and white stripes only visible then they are upright and facing you/the camera. I guess will get used to it, but a bit disappointing really.brands
Seeing our home shirt in action for the first time and its awful. It looks like there are 3 teams on the park, Bath going forward, Bath defending and the opposition.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 17:28
It's just such an odd design choice to not extend the hoops all the way around
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 19:14
It has to be the worst home shirt ever worn by a Bath team ......
................... by a mile.
Whoever signed off on it should be banned from ever having any involvement in kit design in the future.
................... by a mile.
Whoever signed off on it should be banned from ever having any involvement in kit design in the future.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2026 21:43
That was a dreadful start & although the players are rusty, though presumably Bedford are as well, we’ve seen that far too often, having to play catch up.
The other concern is our centres, both given a 5. Lawrence doesn’t seen to have regained any form. That’s concerning.
We need to get a lot better to have a chance against Quins.
The other concern is our centres, both given a 5. Lawrence doesn’t seen to have regained any form. That’s concerning.
We need to get a lot better to have a chance against Quins.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 13/09/2026 18:19
We need to go "full on" for Glasgow......in readiness for Quins.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 13/09/2026 19:04
Quote:Dorset Boy
It has to be the worst home shirt ever worn by a Bath team ......
................... by a mile.
Whoever signed off on it should be banned from ever having any involvement in kit design in the future.
+1
Do the muppets involved in the “design” of this shirt not realise that Bath play in blue, black and white? This shirt is basically black with a hint of blue and white.
As for the performance, let’s not put too much emphasis on a friendly.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/09/2026 23:46
Quote:OutsideBath
As for the performance, let’s not put too much emphasis on a friendly.
Let’s do, it was quite worrying.
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 14/09/2026 08:21
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
As for the performance, let’s not put too much emphasis on a friendly.
Let’s do, it was quite worrying.
We lost to Jersey pre-season before making a Prem final
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/09/2026 08:59
Quote:OutsideBath
Do the muppets involved in the “design” of this shirt not realise that Bath play in blue, black and white? This shirt is basically black with a hint of blue and white.
I am really pleased about it - it means that the money that I would have spent on Bath merch stays in my pocket for (yet) another year. Castore has been one of the best things to happen to my bank balance for years...
Now to make the retro kit last one more season. OK it may not have 'Aertek technology' whatever that is and it may not fit like a wetsuit on my fat middle aged body, but its comfortable, good quality and recognisably Bath kit.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 14/09/2026 11:43
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
As for the performance, let’s not put too much emphasis on a friendly.
Let’s do, it was quite worrying.
I expect the coaches will be concerned about defence. Hopefully they have systems and remedies in mind to improve it. On the other hand, attack in the second half looked pretty slick and also varied - a very valid criticism last year was predictability.
I think pre-season games are intended to expose issues. There would be little point in processional victories (I remember one against a Welsh club side some 20+ years ago which Bath romped.The following season was a disaster, with relegation only staved off by failure of the Championship winners to quality.
PG
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/09/2026 11:51
Bath have been defending narrow for a couple of seasons now.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: A RETURN TO FRIENDL(IES) AT BEDFORD. TEAM UP!
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/09/2026 11:51
Quote:P G Tips
On the other hand, attack in the second half looked pretty slick and also varied - a very valid criticism last year was predictability.
PG
I think defense for ALL clubs will be an issue with the try count increasing. The attack is of course the first-ish outing for Mike Prendergast. That for me is far more encouraging.
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