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Bath Rugby 38 - Leicester Tigers 27: End of season player ratings
The curtain came down on the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season on Saturday at the Rec, as the Blue, Black and White said a heartfelt goodbye to captain Stuart Hooper. Total Sport's Steve Tred was on hand to deliver his final player ratings of the season.
An emotional Recreation Ground bid farewell to a number of its players, including club captain Stuart Hooper. The game provided a fitting send off for Hooper and co as both Bath and Leicester wanted to run with the ball in hand. Bath made the most of their chances and after soaking up huge amounts of Tigers pressure in the second half, they pulled away at the end thanks to tries from Semesa Rokoduguni and Jeff Williams. The final score at a jubilant Rec was 38 - 27.
Nathan Catt - 7 - It's fantastic to see Catty back in the starting lineup and being given a good run of games, in the final few matches of the season. A crucial part of a scrum that asserted their dominance early on, winning numerous penalties against Leicester. Catt carried well in the loose and wasn't afraid to get stuck in during defensive duties, putting in a few big hits in the process.
Rob Webber - 6 - This was Webber's final game in a Bath shirt before he heads to Sale. He was part of a dominant forward pack that had the beating of Leicester from early on. Although there was some slight inaccuracy he generally threw into the line out well. Unfortunately he had to be taken off at half time and so wasn't given the standing ovation his time at Bath deserved.
David Wilson - 6 - Part of a Bath pack who were dominant throughout the game, sending the Leicester set piece backwards numerous times. Was sent flying backwards occasionally whilst defending but wasn't afraid to put his body on the line. A mixed season for the England international, who seems to have rediscovered his form near the end of season.
Charlie Ewels - 7 - Ewels has developed incredibly well this season and looked at home in the starting line up. Operated well in the line out and was part of a pack that were in control throughout. Offered himself on numerous occasions as a dynamic ball carrier, making hard yards and carrying the ball with pace when given the opportunity. Beautiful offload to set up William's late match winning try.
Dave Attwood - 8 - A massive performance from Attwood who was making his presence felt in more ways than one. Big hits in defence and big runs in attack, big Dave was absolutely everywhere. Constantly offered himself as a strong dynamic ball carrier, giving Bath much needed go forward and momentum. Committed in defence, putting in a number of big hits and literally driving Leicester players backwards. Was part of a line out that functioned relatively well, whilst adding his bulk to a fierce Bath pack.
Matt Garvey - 6 - Another fine performance from Garvey who has been a consistent figure in the side throughout this season. He made a nuisance of himself in the loose, challenging any ruck and pressuring Leicester players into making mistakes. Defended well, especially during a period of high pressure from Tigers in the second half but did occasionally get caught out by flying out of the defensive line. Performed well in a set piece that was generally on top.
Francois Louw - 7 - A hugely committed performance from Bath's skipper for the day. Wasn't afraid to stick his head in where others wouldn't dare, resulting in a few injuries. A few head clashes caused Louw to be taken off twice, he had visibly given his all to the cause as blood poured down his face. Made a nuisance of himself at the breakdown, slowing Leicester ball and causing players to hold on. Finished his try nicely after a strong carry from David Denton.
David Denton - 8 - His best game in a Bath shirt. The Scottish international played exceptionally well, now that he has been given time to gel with the team. Not only did he show his line out prowess with some high quality catches but also caused havoc amongst the Leicester defence with some strong carries. Defended well and was practically everywhere throughout the game, came back on late on after being substituted due to Louw's injury.
Will Homer - 5 - Was deservedly given a starting spot after impressive performances off the bench in recent games. Homer wasn't afraid to get stuck in defensively however he had a mixed performance in terms of kicking. He made numerous box kicks in the first half but some lacked accuracy and were slightly aimless. Sometimes he struggled to get quick ball to Ford and on occasion threw wayward passes but did his best to make amends with his defending.
George Ford - 7 - A faultless kicking display from Ford who converted all five of Bath's tries. He strategically kicked well, putting Leicester onto the back foot. When put on the front foot Ford was able to unleash the Bath backs and put together some nice moves, sometimes resulting in a try. However he did slightly struggle when put under pressure by the Leicester defence, forcing him and his team mates backwards.
Matt Banahan - 7 - A slightly quiet game from Banners who wasn't offered many opportunities to run with the ball in hand. He defended well and did fantastically well with any high ball that was hit his way. He made a number of fine catches in the air under immense pressure from the Tigers. Was recently awarded supporters player of the season and deservedly so, Banners has been fantastic this season.
Ollie Devoto - 7 - Devoto's final game for Bath before going to Exeter Chiefs. Unfortunately he had to come off in the second half due to injury but before that Devoto had played well. His tactical kicking put Bath on the front foot and he made some strong runs in attack. He also defended well, using his size to make some big hits. He finished his try well, running onto the ball with great pace and using his bulk to crash over the try line.
Jonathan Joseph - 8 - Combined well with Devoto and put together some nice flowing backs moves. JJ looks to have rediscovered his form from last season which made him such a devastatingly effective attacker. He defended well, pressurising the Leicester back line and flying out to halt any overlaps they may have created. Did incredibly well to create Rokoduguni's second try by playing what's in front of him. Carrying the ball in hand, taking his time, committing the Tigers defender and then offloading sublimely. Nearly set up Williams late on with a great kick through.
Semesa Rokoduguni - 9 - Bath's man of the match and another timely reminder to Eddie Jones that Rokoduguni's is one of England's best finishers. Brilliantly finished two tries, showing a quick turn of pace and a step for both. Went looking for work throughout the match, not just in attack but also in defence. Stopped a certain Leicester try by flying out of the line in the second half and wrapping up a Leicester attacker, when there was a Tigers overlap. Gave Bath go forward whenever he had the ball and looked dangerous throughout the match. The Bath faithful get excited whenever Roko gets his hands on the ball, a testament to how dangerous a player he is.
Anthony Watson - 8 - Showed how lethal of an attacker he is with some devastatingly effective runs. Set up Rokoduguni's first try with a great run from deep and continued to be a threat throughout the match. Watson was also capable in defence and generally kicked well from deep. Personally I think that Watson looks his best at fullback, instead of on the wing as it simply means he can attack from anywhere on the field. Frequently got Bath on the front foot with his quick feet and footwork.
Tom Dunn - 6 - Came on for Webber at halftime and carried on his good work. Dunn has developed into a great player and held his own in the second half. The set piece performed consistently well, with the line out providing a platform for the backs. The scrum also continued to be dominant in the second half, regardless of changes to the Bath front row.
Max Lahiff - 6 - Came on for Catt with 14 minutes left on the clock. Once on Lahiff continued to assert Bath's dominance at scrum time, a key element in providing the team momentum. He provided some bulk and go forward in rucks and mauls, whilst also defending well at the same time.
Kane Palma-Newport - 6 - Replaced Wilson after 45 minutes. Although he hasn't played much this season, Kane made the most of his chance. He defended incredibly well, putting in some big hits on Leicester forwards. He also scrummaged well, maintaining Bath's dominance at the set piece and added his power to rucks and mauls.
Dominic Day - 6 - Replaced Attwood after 57 minutes of the match. This was his final appearance for Bath before jetting off to play in Japan and Day put in another consistent performance. He performed well in the line out and defended well. He also frequently qoffered himself up as a ball carrier and was pretty effective in the loose.
Leroy Houston - 7 - Came on for Denton after 57 minutes of the match. However he did come on earlier on for a few minutes as a blood sub for Francois Louw. Gave his all to the cause and made a few trademark barnstorming runs. Leroy's ability to get Bath back on the front foot even when a scrum doesn't go according to plan is invaluable. Made a nuisance of himself around the Leicester breakdown, even intercepting the ball at a ruck at one point late on into the match.
Chris Cook - 6 - Replaced Homer after 66 minutes. Came on and managed the game well, looked more settled than Homer but this is partly due to experience. Maintained quick ball and was able to release the backs a few times in the second half. His monstrous left boot came into play at points as well when box kicks were needed. Defended well and made a nuisance of himself around the breakdown area.
Rhys Priestland - 6 - Came on for Devoto just after halftime. Provided Ford with a second distributing option, thus taking the pressure off the fly half. Played well with the ball in hand, creating numerous opportunities with his flat passes. However he did fly out of the line a few times in defence, missing tackles in the process. A strategy that only works when you get the man and so the fact he didn't let Leicester through the Bath defence a few times.
Jeff Williams - 7 - Replaced Banahan with 10 minutes to go. Deserved some time on the field after his fantastic try scoring performance against Northampton Saints. Williams played well, looking like a threat throughout the final ten minutes. Finished his try superbly and defended well, even though it appeared that he was wounded throughout. Williams has developed into a real threat on the wing, largely due to his phenomenal pace.
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