Leicester hosted last season’s Gallagher Premiership finalists Bath at Welford Road on Sunday, in an almighty battle that truly lived up to the lore that comes before the two sides.
It’s a rivalry that lives long in English fans’ psyches. One that is particularly known for their ferocious tussles during the latter stages of amateur rugby, when they were both heralded at the top of the domestic game.
So, when Bath arrived in the midlands this weekend having beaten Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints last week, it was widely expected that the resurgent west-country side would prove worthy challengers to the 2022 winners.
Building upon the incredible physicality that helped them win their opening match of the Gallagher Premiership season, Bath shot out of the block with an insatiable appetite, looking to immediately pressure Michael Cheika’s men. The Aussie coach had his side well drilled for such an occasion, however, bouncing the would-be attackers back at every available opportunity.
The likes of Charlie Clare, Tommy Reffell and Harry Wells were formidable in defence, giving nothing away as the green line held strong, particularly in the early stages. Johann van Graan’s men remained tenacious from minute 1 to minute 80, however, eventually securing an impressive and hard-fought 15-20 victory.
Despite the intensity at which the occasion was fought, the fans were treated to some rather humourous moments throughout.
Electric Leicester winger Ollie Hassell-Collins provided an unfortunate first faux pas in the 18th minute, dropping the ball over the line under no pressure. The simple touchdown in the corner turned calamitous when the 25-year-old missed his own right hand when transferring the ball over from his left, dropping the ball to cancel what would have been a fantastic opening try.
HOW IS THIS GAME STILL 0-0?!
Somehow the Leicester Tigers spill the ball on the line 🫣#GallagherPrem | #LEIvBAT pic.twitter.com/qBRCt2r6hJ
ADVERTISEMENT— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 29, 2024
Just moments later, Hassell-Collin’s wannabe replacement came storming onto the pitch, bemusing fans and commentators alike. The replacement in question, a very lost squirrel, took to the field in search of Leicester’s opening try.
🚨 STREAKER ON THE PITCH 🚨#GallagherPrem | #LEIvBAT pic.twitter.com/valJSRvxHt
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 29, 2024
Not wanting to stand on the touchline for much longer, it was the cameraman ‘Josh’ who was next up to take the field, diving onto the in-goal area as Bath’s Will Muir touched down for the opening try of the match.
Job: Cameraman for @TNTSports 📹
Requirements: Must be FULLY committed to the role and willing to dive for the perfect shot…#GallagherPrem | #LEIvBAT pic.twitter.com/73EygkYtDc
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 29, 2024
A scorcher scored by Will Muir, but how about the dedication from @rugbyontnt to get the shot 🎥 😂 pic.twitter.com/precauYA6I
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) September 29, 2024
A fantastic match for fans, and a real advertisement for Gallagher Premiership rugby. Watch the highlights here:
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