Spencer treble gives Bath a battling start

BEN Spencer showed the England selectors what they’re missing as the scrum-half scored an emphatic hat-trick to help Bath begin their campaign with a battling bonus point win over Newcastle. 

- BEN JAYCOCK

New signing Finn Russell came off the bench to make his Bath debut and put his mark on the club’s previously misfiring back line with audacious offloads and play calling that got the West Country outfit into gear.

Not many sides win in the Premiership conceding 15 penalties and Bath’s ill-discipline will be a cause for concern, especially in the setpiece, while Newcastle will be encouraged by their forward pack but the Falcons rued their missed opportunities in the 22 and yellow cards.

Newcastle enjoyed a fine start as Brett Connor scored back-to-back penalties inside eight minutes. However, the Falcons early momentum was halted when Ben Stevenson was shown a yellow card for a cynical knock on.

Bath capitalised on their numerical advantage a minute later as returning Alfie Barbeary flexed his muscles to go over from close-range and score his first try in Blue, Black and White.