In case you missed it see what’s in this section
We recommend
Let's Talk
Your Total Guide To sport
The Bath Rugby Column: 150th year, a year to forget?
Celebrating 150 years of glorious existence, this season should have been a joyous, nostalgia tinged one for Bath Rugby. Instead, it has been somewhat of a torment, as the team have struggled and consistency has been non-existent. Total Sport's Stephen Tred discusses.
On a crisp Friday night at a floodlit Recreation Ground the overwhelming sense of relief swept throughout the stadium as Greg Delany's third drop goal attempt fell short. Every season Bath fans seem to be treated to one nail biting game, and although tense I love watching them. The tension, emotions and ultimate ecstasy of winning a game you thought was lost is a feeling that's hard replicate. For me it's the pure essence of sport, a completely unpredictable affair where fans are put through numerous emotions before ultimately leaving jubilant.
There might have been a sense of triumph after Bath's victory over Newcastle but fans were still left scratching their heads as to why they had seen the same mistakes and problems. Indiscipline seems to be the club's primary problem, with another two men shown yellow cards against Newcastle. Overall Bath conceded 14 penalties against Newcastle, twice as many as the Falcons. Indiscipline not only offers the opposition points but it also stops any momentum you may be trying to gain.
The West Country club struggled to gain a foothold in the game due to their indiscipline and almost lost the match because of it. It's a factor of their game that Mike Ford has highlighted in numerous post match press conferences however the problem still seems to be there. Many are questioning why it still remains and although a lot of the penalties against Newcastle were in the scrum, it is clearly an issue running throughout the team.
Penalties generally occur through pressure being applied and the immense scrutiny Bath are under must be a primary factor. Although some mistakes made during the Newcastle game just seemed to be simple errors, these basic mistakes can be easily made when a player is trying to force the way they play due to the pressure they are applying on themselves.
Unfortunately the pressure of this season isn't going to be released until the club comes to the end of their 150th year. Many fans already have an eye on next season and have consolidated their losses on what has ultimately been a disappointing one. Players, fans, coaches and the owner all want to see Bath challenging for silverware and so to be nowhere near it this year has been a blow. A further one could be delivered if they do not qualify for the European Champions Cup by finishing in the top six of the Aviva Premiership.
So what can Bath look to realistically achieve in their final six games of the 2015/16 season? The goal for the players and coaches seems to be a top six finish, securing qualification to the European Champions Cup instead of the Challenge Cup. With six premiership games to go a top six finish isn't impossible for the West Country club however it will be a tough ask due to their upcoming fixtures.
Bath still need to play Gloucester, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks away. Whilst Saracens, Sale and Leicester Tigers are all still to visit the Rec. These games are all quite hard propositions and to win the majority of them would be an incredibly impressive achievement, even for the most in form of premiership sides.
On Twitter, Paul Finch (@kingshiny13) isn't too confident of his clubs chances of gaining a top six finish, he said: "With the fixtures we have got I don't think we can make top 6, as someone said it is a funny old game though."
However fellow user Ian Liddell (@liddell_ian) believes that winning ways can continue at the Rec, he said: "Once the England boys have settled in, if we get no more end of the world weather, win every game."
There is currently an 11 point difference between Bath and the top six, although the club has a game in hand and so do the side directly above it - Sale Sharks. Sale are a tough side to beat, especially at home and unfortunately a top six finish does look like a hard achievement due to the remaining games Bath have. However with the return of their Six Nations heroes the squad could become galvanised, inspiring a string of victories.
For many fans this season will be quickly forgotten, with many already looking ahead to the 2016/17 campaign. If premiership safety is secured but a top six finish can't be achieved, then this seems the best option. Bath need to consolidate their losses, learn from this season and start afresh in September. The club as a whole will have learned a lot from this campaign and a new season will offer everyone a clean slate, an opportunity to make up for this year's disappointing campaign.
On Twitter, when asked about what he expects for the rest of the season, Mr H (@HenryWindsor79) said: "Maybe a couple of wins, the rest probably losses, prepare for next season."
However Graham Busson (@gbusson) has larger concerns over this season and the coaches, on Twitter he said: "Survival and changes in personnel in the summer!"
Many fans are sighting changes in personnel once summer arrives, the extent of this varies from fan to fan however many see Mike Ford's position as head coach the most vulnerable. Although Bath are near the bottom of the Aviva Premiership table, languishing in ninth, they have good win rates against the three teams below them. Real worry would start to set in if Bath weren't able to beat Worcester, London Irish and Newcastle especially at home.
This is a subject I have previously written about and one where I can understand fans' frustration but ultimately I would stick with the current coaching set up. This season will only add to their experience as coaches, while the foundation and culture that the current set up are instilling would be destroyed if they were to be removed.
The season should now be used as an opportunity to blood young, promising talent such as Charlie Ewels, Max Clark and Tom Ellis. The LV cup would usually be used to do this however, due to the scheduling of this year's season, there was no room for the competition. Using the remaining games to introduce talented youngsters would be a useful tactic, especially with the following season in mind.
On Twitter, when asked what he expected from the remainder of this season, Hugh Walker (@HughWalker15) said: "Highest possible position. Ewels and Ellis given plenty of time on the pitch. Cut out needless pens. Obano in for Wilson."
Personally I think that a top six finish is possible, however it is quite unlikely. Bath need to consolidate their losses and look forward to next season when they can start afresh, having learnt from their mistakes.
Although fans won't want to see Bath in Europe's second tier competition, the Challenge Cup. It may provide the team with the perfect opportunity to boost their confidence, rest players and focus on the league while also giving a serious opportunity of some silverware.
To completely write off a season is sad and disappointing however it may be the best thing for Bath to do if they are to see success next year.
You can follow Stephen on Twitter, for more Bath Rugby news and views, here.
Weather in Bath
Listings