Remember me
By his own admission, Bruce Craig has lost count of the number of millions he’s ploughed into Bath since taking control in 2010.
Craig must have questioned whether he’s had value for money as in the last 16 years. His huge investment hasn’t always led to success. But there can be no doubt the businessman’s passion for his rugby club burns as bright as ever.
Craig jumped for joy in his private box, punched the air with delight and embraced his chief executive Tarquin McDonald in a bear-like hug after replacement Arthur Green’s 79th-minute try sealed the home side a dramatic victory. Bath and England legend Jeremy Guscott cut a far more reserved character in the box, but Craig had just cause for celebration.
Johann van Graan’s men had thrown away a 26-0 lead, though Green finished a 38-phase move at the death to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a thrilling finale as Bath just about bounced back from their comprehensive defeat by Northampton.
‘I have so much respect for Bruce for the way he lets us get on with the rugby,’ said Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan. ‘I’m so glad he’s happy. When you manage up, you want the chief executive and owner above you to enjoy it. The players want to give them great moments and that (Green’s try) was a great moment.’
Exeter’s chances of continuing the impressive revival they showed in the second half of 2025 were hit after just two minutes. Rookie wing Campbell Ridl competed for the ball with Henry Arundell but took out the Bath and England wing in the air and was justly sent off. Ridl had no violent intent with his actions. But at the same time, they were also entirely reckless. ‘Campbell got everything wrong,’ said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter. ‘He’s a young guy and has made a mistake.’
Arthur Green’s 79th-minute try sealed the home side a dramatic 33-26 victory against Exeter
England wing Feyi-Waboso was also a lively presence in helping spark the comeback
Johann Van Graan’s men had a bonus point inside the first quarter, Beno Obano, Alfie Barbeary, Santi Carreras and Ollie Lawrence – on his 50th Bath appearance – all scoring
With Exeter down to 14, Bath ran riot. Van Graan’s men had a bonus point inside the first quarter, Beno Obano, Alfie Barbeary, Santi Carreras and Ollie Lawrence – on his 50th Bath appearance – all scoring. Former England and Wales captains Will Carling and Ken Owens were also notable presences in The Rec’s hospitality areas.
It looked like the contest they were watching was already over. Exeter were back up to a full complement of 15 players by the 24th minute, the 20-minute red card rule allowing Dan John to replace Ridl.
MATCH FACTSScorers
Bath
Tries: Obano, Barbeary, Carreras, Lawrence, Green
Cons: Russell (4)
Exeter Chiefs
Tries: Dweba, Woodburn, Fisilau, Feyi-Waboso
Cons: Slade (3)
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Attendance: 14,509
Star man: Alfie Barbeary (Bath)
A comeback nonetheless looked nigh on impossible. But after a season of anguish in 2024-25, Baxter’s Chiefs have regained their edge this term. Joseph Dweba and Olly Woodburn left the visitors just 12 points adrift.
The second half was tighter but no less intriguing.
Exeter centre Henry Slade’s expert kicking was key to his team’s revival and by the time Greg Fisilau and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso had scored, Exeter were back level.
Had Slade been successful with his conversion of Fisilau’s try, Baxter’s men would have been ahead. It was a rare miss for Slade, whose class again stood out. England wing Feyi-Waboso was also a lively presence and finished expertly.
Bath were in trouble. In the first 40, Barbeary’s carrying put them on the front foot and a numerical advantage was undoubtedly a big help. Bath’s composure at the depth was impressive. They weathered the Exeter storm, regained their own kick-off, and pounded away at the try line. Eventually, Green came up with the winner, sending Craig into orbit.
‘If you had said to me beforehand that we’d come away to Bath and go home with two points you would say we must have had a pretty effective day,’ said Baxter. ‘It was like watching the Great Escape at the end. I am going to be watching the game again tonight and I know Steve McQueen isn’t going to get over the barbed wire. But I am still going to watch.
‘It was compelling viewing. We just didn’t quite get there.’
The form of Exeter No 8 Fisilau makes him a contender to be selected for England’s Six Nations squad. Chiefs captain Dafydd Jenkins is also playing fine rugby and went toe-to-toe with Bath’s giant pack. His team came up short, but in an odd way it might be that it’s Exeter who will take more from this. They could easily have folded when behind but showed real character. ‘I thought the first half was as well as we’ve played this season,’ said Van Graan.
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