In a pulsating Premiership clash at the Twickenham Stoop, Bath produced a stirring second-half fightback to snatch a last-gasp 26-24 victory over Harlequins. Francois van Wyk’s try in the dying moments completed the comeback and vaulted Bath to second in the table, underlining their credentials as serious title challengers this season.
Harlequins’ Fast Start
The hosts burst out of the blocks, with Marcus Smith pulling the strings in a scintillating display. The England fly-half set up two early tries – first through a perfectly-weighted pass for Alex Dombrandt to power over, then a pinpoint cross-kick for Argentinian debutant Rodrigo Isgró to dot down.
Harlequins’ 14-0 lead left Bath reeling, but the visitors gradually found their footing. Guy Pepper, who shone throughout in the back row, burrowed over from close range after a rare period of Bath pressure to narrow the deficit.
Momentum Swings
The tide threatened to turn further against Bath when hooker Tom Dunn was sin-binned for a ruck infringement. But the 14 men rallied impressively, drawing level through Tom de Glanville’s try from a flat Russell pass just before the break.
Isgró’s second score edged Quins back in front, and Smith’s penalty after Pepper’s yellow card pushed the lead to 24-14 with a quarter remaining. Lesser teams might have folded, but Bath rolled up their sleeves for a stirring finish.
Sensational Finish
Replacement prop Thomas du Toit powered over to slash the deficit to 3 points and set up a grandstand finale. Then, with the clock in the red and Quins clinging on, Bath went for broke.
Spurning a long-range shot at goal, Bath kicked for the corner. From the ensuing lineout drive, Francois van Wyk bulldozed over in the left corner to send the travelling fans into delirium and break Quins hearts.
If any more proof of Bath’s determination to go one better than losing finalists this season were needed, here it was, writ large.
– According to a close source
Key Performers
Amidst a magnificent team performance, some individuals stood out:
- Ollie Lawrence – The center was magnificent once again, consistently breaking the gain line and producing a match-saving tackle on Isgró.
- Guy Pepper – The young flanker shone with his all-action display, suggesting a bright England future could beckon.
- Francois van Wyk – Came off the bench to make the decisive impact with his bulldozing match-winner.
The dramatic victory propels Bath to second in the table, hot on the heels of leaders Saracens. With their never-say-die attitude and ability to find a way to win, Bath are emerging as genuine title contenders.
For Quins, it was a gut-wrenching defeat that left them crestfallen at the final whistle. After last week’s superb win over Saracens, this felt like a missed opportunity. But in this most competitive of Premiership seasons, they will surely have their say yet.
