A sold-out Rec witnessed Exeter run out later winners 35-38 in the 2025 Anniversary Game as a disappointed Bath conceded two late penalties to suffer an unlucky defeat.
A sold-out Rec witnessed Exeter run out later winners 35-38 in the 2025 Anniversary Game as a disappointed Bath conceded two late penalties to suffer an unlucky defeat.
Both Bath and Exeter came into the fixture unbeaten and looking for dominance in this West Country derby.
As co-captain Max Pearce stated before the game, “it doesn’t get much bigger (than this)”.
Also included in the side were England U20s internationals, James Linegar, Sam Winters, Tyler Offiah and Connor Treacey.
This game promised a high score, set off by Bath’s first win of the season, which saw them beat Hartpury 54-21. Bath had continued this form in victories against Leeds Beckett and Cardiff Met; scoring a quite astonishing nineteen tries in these first three games.
The match action
First Half:
Bath 0-3 Exeter: A frantic and ferocious first forty gave us an engrossing watch, with the team in green opening the scoring after an energetic first few minutes.
Bath 7-3 Exeter: Bath fired next with a ‘back to business’ – 20th try of the season. Roue’s 19th competitive conversion this season ensured a full 7-point retaliation from the Bath.
Bath 7- 10 Exeter: In no more than three minutes, Exeter were back on top with a well-constructed score down the left flank. Conversion followed suit.
Bath 7- 15 Exeter: There was a bit of ‘dèjá vu’ around Exeter’s second another skilful phase to exploit the same side, conversion missed.
Bath 7-18 Exeter: A penalty was then converted to add to the score board.
Bath 12- 18 Exeter: Bath probed for just 9 minutes after the Exeter try before cutting through the points deficit – Ainsworth-cave making it 12- 18 as Roue did the rest neatly converting to make it 14- 18.
As well as a high-scoring opening half hour, the crowd were treated to a try-saving tackle from Bath’s staunch defence, and away team quality from Exeter Chiefs academy winger Noah Fenton.
The energy of the game was fuelled by that of the crowd- with rounds of Bath chants, drums, cheers and jeers.
The ‘pressure cooker’ of crowd participation built for 11 minutes before the home team delivered another – and, you guessed it, another 2 from Roue to make it 21-18. The last 5 minutes, despite no score, never lacked energy. A nice sprinkle of ‘pushy-shovey’ needle, coupled with attacking prowess from both sides taking us to half time.
HT: Bath 21 – 18 Exeter
Second half:
Bath 21-25 Exeter: Much like the first, the second half’s opening flash-banged us back – Exeter again manufacturing another ‘nice on the eye try’ and another strong conversion.
Bath 28- 25 Exeter: It never seems to take long, does it? Winters and Roue got Bath back on top with exciting open play.
Bath 35 – 25 Exeter: Bath had created some space both through the middle and on the scoreboard. The Bath fans echoed the ten-point gap with a strong chant of “is this your second team?” heard through the gantry’s radio and likely across the city ….
Bath 35 – 32 Exeter: Exeter weren’t going out without a fight- another show of midfield speed and a try for Exeter’s outside centre, followed by a conversion.
Bath 35 – 35 Exeter: It would set up a tight final ten minutes, with Exeter levelling it with three minutes to spare. Bath couldn’t avoid conceding a late penalty- Exeter levelled with little time left.
Bath 35 – 38 Exeter: Exeter piled the pressure on the home team with yet another penalty to go into the lead.
Would Bath be able to salvage something?
Full time: Bath 35 – 38 Exeter: The final phases were a thing unto itself. Bath knocked on the door with turnings over of scrums, the ball held up on the line, a turn over to Exeter. A turn over again and scrum to Bath. But it was in Exeter’s direction that the referee raised his arm for the final time.
Exeter stealing a win and Bath highly disappointed after a good performance.