In a thrilling match finale at Twickenham, Northampton clinched the Gallagher Premiership title defeating Bath 25-21, thanks to a last-minute try from Alex Mitchell.
In a major blow for Bath, Beno Obano was red-carded in the final hour for a perilous high tackle on Juarno Augustus. Referee Christophe Ridley saw no mitigating circumstances here. To cover for Obano, Bath introduced prop Juan Schoeman to the field, letting go of Alfie Barbeary. Consequently, they were reduced to playing a defensive game despite a brave fightback.
Despite early tries by Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme posing a threat, Bath bounced back with tries from Thomas du Toit and Will Muir as well as an advantageous 21-18 lead courtesy of Finn Russell’s boot with around 13 minutes remaining.
Northampton, the standout team of the Premiership this season, suffered a setback and could not show their usual attacking prowess as Bath assumed dominance. It was only the determination of the 21-year-old substitute wing George Hendy and Mitchell’s collective effort that tipped the scales in favour of Northampton. Hendy, hailed as the man of the match, played a crucial role in an emotional send-off to Courtney Lawes, Alex Waller, Lewis Ludlam and Alex Moon. Worthy mentions from the Bath side include halfbacks Ben Spencer and Russell.
Russell’s kick missed the target at first attempt, earning him a grimace, but the second kick proved successful. As an intense match proceeded, Northampton struggled to breach Bath’s meticulously disciplined defence despite a promising start and a drop-goal from Fin Smith.
Obano’s departure shifted the momentum Northampton’s way. Barely absorbing the aftershock of Obano’s exit, Northampton quickly scored their first try – a masterstroke from Lawes to Furbank that led to Freeman’s decisive score.
In a significant victory for their pack, du Toit managed to squeeze over from a short range, responding to Sleightholme’s score in the left corner, aided by Furbank’s assist. Russell’s penalty early in the second half brought down the gap to a mere two points. A knock-on from Northampton followed as they attempted to make the most out of a valuable position close to the whitewash.
Forced off the pitch due to a limp caused by a double tackle from Underhill and Russell, South African player, Burger Odendaal had to exit the game. Following a penalty from Smith which was successfully absorbed, Bath retaliated with Spencer’s crossfield kick being touched down by Muir.
Russell added to the growing pressure with a precise 50-22, as Furbank committed a handling error, hinting at the wobbling foundations of the Saints. Russell further made his mark by scoring his third penalty. Bath displayed admirable defence as they withstood a barrage of attacks from Northampton before securing a scrum penalty near their 22.
A serious hit came when Smith was compelled to leave the field due to injury. Yet, Mitchell, his partner halfback, along with Hendy’s strength to push through various tackles, rescued the situation, setting up the decisive score for England’s scrum-half having him in support.