Bath delivered a commanding performance to crush Leicester 43-15 at the Recreation Ground, with Tom Dunn shining on a record-breaking appearance. Dunn scored a memorable try in his 184th Premiership match for Bath, setting a new club record. His dynamic dummy and 20-metre sprint to the line were a standout moment in an otherwise dominant display from the home side.
Bath’s forwards imposed their physicality from the outset, driving their team to a convincing seven-try victory on a beautiful early summer evening. This result not only reinforced Bath’s credentials as strong title contenders but also demonstrated the squad’s depth and resilience ahead of their upcoming Challenge Cup final against Lyon in Cardiff. Aside from a minor injury to Cam Redpath, the team managed to avoid serious setbacks to key players, maintaining momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
The game was anticipated as a heavyweight clash between the Premiership’s top two teams, but despite Leicester’s valiant efforts and defensive tenacity, they struggled to withstand Bath’s relentless pressure, particularly in the second half. Leicester failed to score any points after halftime, while Bath added 24 unanswered points to pull away emphatically. This result highlighted the challenge Leicester face if they are to overcome Bath in any potential final showdown at Twickenham.
Leicester’s head coach acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, noting that while his team worked hard defensively, they lacked the attacking spark needed to match Bath’s intensity. Despite the loss, Leicester still retain control over their playoff destiny and are expected to secure a home semi-final after their final regular-season game against Newcastle.
The match began with an exciting opening from both sides. Bath’s Ben Spencer capitalized on a gap with a powerful 35-metre run from a lineout to score in the corner. Leicester responded despite being temporarily down to 14 men following a sin-bin for England forward Ollie Chessum. A clever chip kick from Jack van Poortvliet led to a try for Joe Woodward, briefly giving Leicester a lead before Bath responded through Beno Obano.
Momentum swung throughout the first half, especially after Dunn received a yellow card. Bath’s Finn Russell orchestrated play expertly, setting up Adam Radwan for a flying finish in the corner to extend the lead. Radwan nearly scored a second try shortly after, only to be denied by an outstanding cover tackle from Ted Hill, who continued his strong form throughout the game.
Hill himself made an impact on attack, breaking clear to relieve pressure and create the platform for Quinn Roux to score Bath’s third try before halftime. With a four-point lead going into the break, Bath’s bench depth looked promising for the second half, and they delivered on that promise.
Dunn’s eye-catching try early in the second half, assisted by a one-handed offload from Russell, brought the crowd to their feet and set the tone for Bath’s dominance. Will Stuart powered over from close range to add a fifth try, and late scores from Joe Cokanasiga and Will Butt cemented a comprehensive victory.
Bath’s clinical execution and squad strength not only ensured they stayed atop the Premiership table but also sent a clear message to their rivals: they are determined contenders for the title. While the season’s climax is still ahead, this performance was a powerful statement of intent from a team growing in confidence and cohesion. If they maintain this level of intensity and composure, Bath could be on the cusp of ending their 29-year wait for a domestic league title.
