- Bath overturned a 10-point half-time deficit to secure a memorable derby victory
- Russell held his finger to his lips to silence the home crowd as Bath fought back
- The visitors secured a bonus point victory to go top of the Premier League
Finn Russell warmed up at a sold-out Kingsholm on Friday night with a series of keep-ups and then held his finger to his mouth to tell Gloucester fans to be quiet as Bath claimed a big win in the derby.
Scottish playmaker Russell was signed by Johann van Graan to make a difference in crucial matches and he helped guide Bath to a bonus point success after his team fell 10 points behind.
Bath’s second half was dominant. After the break they scored five of their six tries. The battle in Gloucester continues. They were completely outmatched in the second 40.
“I thought the second half was quite cool,” said Bath boss Van Graan. ‘Finn is a brilliant team man and he fits in so well. He is brilliant in what he has added. It was a fantastic performance. That’s the best we’ve done this season, but we still have a long way to go.”
Gloucester started well. Jonny May flew clear and combined with Santiago Carreras and Chris Harris.
Finn Russell put his finger to his lips to tell Gloucester fans to be quiet
Russell helped Bath overturn a 10-point half-time deficit to complete an impressive derby victory
Chris Harris and Santiago Carreras, pictured, helped the hosts take a first-half lead
Russell’s Bath halfback partner Ben Spencer tried to stop the attack illegally and was shown a yellow card.
George Barton and Russell exchanged penalties. Gloucester looked dangerous in attack.
Carreras took center stage, but it was Scotland center Harris who scored first.
Russell’s passing was still a joy to watch and Bath had Ollie Lawrence on the money.
In his first appearance since returning from the World Cup, England center Lawrence showed impressive power to crash over.
Outstanding Gloucester full-back Carreras responded immediately.
Russell’s penalty attempt then hit a post. Barton was more successful as Gloucester went to the break 10 points ahead.
Bath lost an excellent attacking position shortly after half-time, but then Will Muir showed too much strength to end up in the corner. Russell’s touchline conversion was perfect.
Will Muir showed power to score in the corner as Bath stormed back in the second half
Ollie Lawrence celebrated Bath’s sixth try as the visitors emerged as derby winners
Gloucester head coach George Skivington apologized after his team’s third straight defeat
Bath suddenly became hot. Substitute Thomas du Toit won a turnover and then scored from close range. And when May ran across the pitch, was tackled and then penalised, you could feel the tide turning against Gloucester. Things soon got worse for them.
Beno Obano and a penalty then put Bath in full control and Russell rubbed salt in the wound for the beleaguered Gloucester supporters.
Jack Clement was booked for trying to stop Bath’s brutality. Matias Alemanno’s try was a consolation as Lawrence rounded off Bath’s scoring.
“With regards to the second half, I’d like to have an answer for you,” Gloucester head coach George Skivington said. ‘It is certainly worrying. It’s clear we’re doing something wrong.
‘Something is missing, that’s for sure. I’m out of words. I can only apologize.’