The game was played at a neutral venue in Cheltenham to help accommodate the travel demands of the East Yorkshire team, but the lack of home advantage didn’t impact the Beechen Cliff side. The victory, their ninth from as many games this season, secured their place in the AASE Final which will be played against Hartpury College at Allianz Park on the 5^th December.

Bishop Burton started the game strongly, and found their way over the try line first through their direct approach and physicality. Beechen Cliff weathered the early storm however, and showed great resilience in defence as well as some moments of individual brilliance in attack.

An inconsistent first half performance still saw them go into the break 31-7 up, and the Bath side took control of the game in the second half. The players coming on from the substitutes bench made a big impact, and Beechen Cliff began playing some expansive, open rugby which led to them scoring five unanswered tries between them, securing a 57-7 victory.

Beechen Cliff’s 9 tries were scored by Gabriel Hamer Webb (3), Diego Periel, Tom Jenkins, Orlando Bailey, Nahum Merigan, Frankie Read and Owen Dudman. George Worboys and Orlando Bailey converting 6 from 9 attempts.

Academy Pathway Coach Ryan Davis, who leads the coaching programme within the Beechen Cliff Partnership, said:

“The final against Hartpury at Allianz Park is a fantastic opportunity for these players to continue their development and to make some memories together. As a group of young men, they have been incredible to work with over the past 12 weeks. The final will be their last game together as a group, before a number of players and Bath Rugby Academy staff move on to the Premiership Rugby U18’s league next month, starting against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday December 22nd”

Bath Rugby’s Academy Manager, Andy Rock, said:

“The hard work and commitment to improve that this group have displayed in the last few months has been really noticeable. Securing a place in the final after going unbeaten from nine games is an extremely positive sign, as not all victories have come easily. That’s been the most pleasing aspect of the Partnership Programme really so far, seeing our coaches and players working together so consistently and seeing them develop. The results have been great, but we all believe that the real rewards in terms of player development will be seen much further in the future. These experiences are invaluable, I hope they all enjoy the final and embrace the opportunity.”

Unbeaten Run Extended - Partnership Update

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