That was a high-quality game of rugby – Johann

BATH’S last-gasp try rounding off a sequence of 38 breakdown phases left head of rugby Johann van Graan a very happy man after a roller-coaster of a Gallagher Prem win over Exeter.

- ALAN BROWN at the Recreation Ground

Bath lost a 26-point lead only to snatch back victory in dramatic fashion at the death through Arthur Green to maintain their challenge at the top of the Gallagher Prem.

Reflecting on his side’s victory, Van Graan said: “It was a high-quality game between two very good teams and I’m very glad about the five points.

“What I'm most pleased about is that we got the ball back from the kickoff and then to keep it for 38 phases and score right next to the sticks, that’s how you want to finish.

“It's something that we train for a lot. It’s a big part of the game.”

He added an appreciative word on referee Luke Pearce’s role, saying: “If you look at the global game, once it comes down to the last play or two of the game, the very best referees don’t make a decision.

“They let the two teams fight it out and we won that battle.