BATH TURNED THE tables on English Premiership champions Northampton on the opening night of the new season with a 38-16 victory at the Recreation Ground.
Three months after losing 25-21 to Saints in last season’s final at Twickenham, Johann van Graan’s side ran in five tries in a bonus-point victory.
Joe Cokanasiga, Ted Hill, Ben Spencer, Ollie Lawrence and replacement Jaco Coetzee scored for the home side, while Finn Russell kicked five conversions and a penalty.
Flanker Josh Kemeny touched down on his Premiership debut for Saints, while Fin Smith booted a conversion and three penalties but they outgunned on the night by a Bath side seeking revenge.
Bristol also got off to a winning start on Friday with a 24-3 victory away at Newcastle.
The home side put up a tougher fight than when they suffered a record 85-14 defeat at Ashton Gate five months ago but still fell to their 22nd league defeat on the bounce.
A brace from Max Malins and tries from James Williams and Siva Naulago, with AJ MacGinty adding two conversions, delivered Bristol’s bonus point win at Kingston Park.
Great stuff Gavin.
Ever amusing and informative!
Chin up Gavin! The toilet roll issue is always tricky! If you make it as far as Berlin we have some room and a trusty washing in the apartment :) No dryer tho, so an old fashioned clothes horse will have to suffice! BTW sometimes it’s an option to upgrade to first class on the trains. Usually no real massive difference, but seat reservation included and a bit more room to stretch out ;)
If you need a sofa bed in Hamburg (and ample amounts of toilet paper), just shout.
Good read