‘Best win of the season’ – Johann van Graan elated as Bath end eight-year hoodoo
Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan.
Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan was delighted with his team’s 26-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, calling it their “best win of the season”.
The Rec outfit returned to the scene of their Investec Champions Cup exit on Saturday and avenged that defeat as they continue their fine campaign domestically.
Victory in Devon keeps Bath in second position in the Premiership and in an excellent position as they look to seal a coveted play-off spot over the coming weeks.
Sandy Park drought ended
Alfie Barbeary, Max Ojomoh, Miles Reid and Ben Spencer scored their tries to leave Van Graan thrilled with the performance at a ground they have struggled at.
“It’s our best win of the season as it was a terrible feeling being here two weeks ago and coming up short in a big match,” beamed the South African on Saturday.
“It’s a tough place to come as Exeter don’t lose here. We haven’t won here since 2016 so we had to put in a performance for the whole 80 minutes.
“Following the defeat here last time, we made one or two changes in selection and tactical calls.
“Being second, we are in a good position but we have to take everything week by week and give Saracens the respect they deserve ahead of next Friday’s fixture but the important thing is that we are still improving.”
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Defeat leaves Exeter Chiefs in sixth place – nine points off Bath – with three matches to go, against Harlequins (home) and Leicester and Gloucester (both away).
“We are not completely out of it but now we definitely have to win all three games. We came up short today but we are still knocking on the door,” said director of rugby Rob Baxter.
“Unlike the European game, Bath made things go their own way today by 100 per cent capitalising on every error and some of their last-ditch defence was tremendous.
Toulouse loss took its toll
“I’m disappointed as we could have played better. We were a little error-strewn and weren’t focused in the right areas.
“They got under our skin in the first half by staying in our faces and we got distracted as at one stage, the penalty count was 7-2 against us with four or five of those penalties being needless and silly interactions.”
He added: “Obviously having to play two European games and this one with a short turnaround took its toll on a basically young side, which has little or no experience in coping with that scenario.”
