Christmas cracker on the cards as Team Bath seek BUCS Super Rugby double over league leaders Hartpury
Team Bath men’s 1st XV will be looking to complete a rare BUCS Super Rugby double over local rivals Hartpury when they play their final home match of 2018 at the University of Bath Sports Training Village tonight (6.30pm, free entry).
The Fulkers-sponsored Blue & Gold, who are also supported by MJ Church, recorded a memorable 13-11 victory – their first away success against Hartpury – when the two teams met in Gloucestershire a fortnight ago.
Both went on to record eye-catching away wins last Wednesday, with Team Bath beating Loughborough 30-10 and Hartpury victorious in Exeter to go back to the top of the table.
Team Bath are just four points adrift of the league leaders, though, and will be looking to stay in the chasing pack with another positive result in front of their home supporters.
There are six changes to the team that won in Loughborough last week with Hugo Stiles moving to full-back, Will Stride taking his place on the wing and Brandon Bellamin starting at centre.
James Catlin returns at number 8, Jordan Martin comes into the second row and Austin Hay starts at tighthead prop.
Don’t forget, this is the last chance to watch the Blue & Gold at home before Christmas and entry is free so don’t miss out!
Team Bath starting XV: 15 Hugo Stiles, 14 Finn Murphy, 13 Brandon Bellamin, 12 Alex Nisbett, 11 Will Stride, 10 Alex Burrage (c), 9 Ed Rimmer; 1 George Cave, 2 James Hadfield, 3 Austin Hay, 4 Kas Eelman, 5 Jordan Martin, 6 Jack Kenningham, 7 Chris Barry, 8 James Catlin. Replacements: 16 Beck Cutting, 17 David da Costa, 18 Simone Ngeng, 19 Adam Thresher, 20 Cameron Keys, 21 George Wootten, 22 Miles Gilbert, 23 Ethan Hutt.
Hartpury starting XV: 15 Jack Johnson, 14 Evrin Murac, 13 Robbie Smith, 12 Jamie Forrester, 11 Dwayne Burrows, 10 Paul Morgan, 9 Ben George; 1 Luke Boon, 2 Will Biggs, 3 Nick English, 4 Tom Everard, 5 Angus Southon, 6 Aiden Burnett, 7 Max Clementson, 8 Harry Holland. Replacements: 16 Jordon Liney, 17 Oliver Adkins, 18 Brian Ncube, 19 Jack Ward, 20 Harry Short, 21 James Clancy, 22 Nathan Chamberlain, 23 Alex Forrester.
Referee: George Selwood.
Assistant referees: Andy Wigley, Stuart Dillon.
Fourth official: Brad Bignell.
