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The Bath Rugby Column: Hoops' send off and time to look ahead
Bath Rugby brought an end to their disappointing 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season at the Rec on Sunday, with a resurgent 38-27 victory over Leicester Tigers. Life long fan Stephen Tred takes stock of the season, and looks ahead to things to come.
So that's it, another season of Aviva Premiership Rugby done and dusted...well for 8 of its teams anyway. The end of the season always creeps up on me, even when I played junior rugby I started enjoying playing in the sun and before I knew it we were all going on our Summer holidays. The final match of the season is always a special one. It's a chance to say goodbye to departing players and the season as a whole, all usually soaked in sun.
The final game of the season is always one of mixed emotions. Fans go through so many during the day but usually leave with a smile on their faces. This weekends match against Leicester Tigers was no exception. The tribute to Stuart Hooper was spine tingling. Blue, black and white cards placed along the Dyson stand spelt Hoops, whilst the former Bath skipper ran out for a final time in front of a packed Recreation Ground.
It was everything that Hooper deserved, a fantastic servant to the club who has been a testament to Bath on and off the field. Some of those leaving were playing against Leicester and fans were able to thank them during the match.
Unfortunately Rob Webber came off at half time and so fans weren't able to give him the same ovation they gave Ollie Devoto and Dominic Day. However the final huddle at the end of the match, along with one final walk around the pitch, was a touching tribute for all the players who were leaving, including the ones who didn't play. The atmosphere was one of the best it's been during this frustrating season and to see every stand full after the match showed fans support for both the players but also the club as a whole.
On Twitter, Chris (@ccallaway1979) said: "There was a good atmosphere - more of that! Celebrations similar to last year, difference being the league position..."
Many fans have already been looking ahead to next season for a while however with Bath's season coming to an end the mind jumps to September and what will be expected of the club. Personally this season hasn't really changed what I would expect from Bath. However you could argue that there is more pressure on the side to perform come September, due to the season they have just had.
The fact that the team finished 9th in the Premiership means that fans will be watching European Challenge Cup Rugby instead of the European Rugby Champions Cup. As I've previously written this presents the club with a fantastic opportunity to win silverware, especially as Champions Cup sides don't drop into the Challenge Cup anymore. This was the case when the Heineken Cup format was in place as a few seasons ago.
On Twitter, Bill Mitchell (@bafa35) said: "I loved the second half sunshine rugby and no cards. As for next year, no expectations only hopes."
You can't blame supporters for changing the wording of the phrase from expectations to hopes. Before the start of the season Bath fans would have expected a top four finish however after it went they way it did many now simply hope.
This is completely understandable and on paper Bath's form would indicate another mid table finish however in my eyes this season should just be treated as a write off. Yes this campaign has been a disappointment but the club played too well last season for that quality just to disappear. Bath have shown mass improvement over the last few games and have looked to be returning to their old ways. With a fresh start next season I am sure that winning ways will return to the club.
After this season's bizarre scheduling due to the World Cup, the LV cup also returns - a competition again I believe Bath can perform well in. This season has shown what promising youngsters the club has to offer and when given a shot in the LV cup I'm sure they will thrive. Overall I believe Bath will be aiming for a top four finish in the Premiership and then the semis or the final in both the Challenge Cup and the LV Cup.
Recruitment is still a word being bandied about the terraces and question marks still hover over some areas of the squad. Forwards coach Neal Hatley has left the club to join up with Eddie Jones' England set up, whilst some areas of the squad still look a bit bare in places. Even with this week's signing of Leicester hooker Michael Van Vuuren, the position is still one that looks slightly understaffed. There are some other areas in the squad that also look slightly light position wise but fans will just have to wait and see if there are to be any further signings.
On Twitter, Simon Tred (@simontred) said: "Nice to finish on a win but the overall season is one to forget. Take the summer to develop new game plan, top 6 next year!"
Bath fan Hugh Walker (@HughWalker15) said: "Top 6 and minimum of semi finals in Europe. The squad is too talented not to get there. Must also develop more than one game plan."
Unfortunately for Bath other teams have managed to work them out and in turn stop them. Mike Ford has acknowledged this and hopefully will be implementing a new game plan at Farleigh over the Summer. The best teams in world rugby can alternate between different game plans, adapting to what is in front of them. They can either grind a win out or play beautiful expansive rugby, depending on the situation.
This is something Bath need to work on and after the season they've had hopefully lessons have been learnt. I am sure a new game plan will be put in place but not just one that rips up everything. Instead one that builds on the foundations that the coaching team have been putting in place over the past few years.
Although the season hasn't gone to plan, it's finale was a nice way to end it. Now that it's over a lot of hard work needs to be put in over the summer. Hopefully after a fair few doses of strength and conditioning, a hard pre season and a final few signings Bath Rugby will be ready to hit the ground running come September.
Follow Steve on Twitter for more news, views and updates on Bath Rugby throughout pre-season.
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