Bath Rugby's Commanding Victory Over Gloucester Seals Challenge Cup Semi-Final Berth

Bath's Nine-Try Spectacle at Recreation Ground

First-Half Fireworks
Bath exploded from the gates with Ciaran Donoghue slicing through Gloucester's defense, setting up Tom de Glanville's opener. Gloucester responded through Santiago Carreras' acrobatic finish off Gareth Anscombe's cross-kick, but Bath's relentless forward pack delivered via Tom Dunn's maul try and Archie Griffin's clinical post-dive.

Barbeary's Double Strike
The game turned decisively when Alfie Barbeary (No. 8) scored back-to-back tries either side of halftime - first pouncing on a loose ball before halftime, then bulldozing through four defenders at 43'. His physicality epitomized Bath's 21-point swing that broke Gloucester's resistance.

Tactical Mastery & Squad Depth
Finn Russell orchestrated play with 8/9 conversions, including a no-look pass to release Ross Molony in the build-up to Griffin's try. Bath's bench proved pivotal again as Jaco Coetzee and Ted Hill added late tries, outscoring Gloucester's second-half replacements 28-7.

Key Statistics

• Possession: Bath 58% - 42% Gloucester
• Defensive Dominance: 92% tackle success rate (Bath) vs 79% (Gloucester)
• Line Breaks: 14-6 in Bath's favor

Road to the Final
Bath now prepare for an Edinburgh showdown in three weeks, carrying momentum from 9 consecutive wins across competitions. Gloucester coach George Skivington lamented: 'Their physicality at the breakdown overwhelmed us - lessons to learn before the Premiership rematch.'