Northumbria University showed true spirit in the second half to blow away Bath 39-27 in the club’s latest Super Rugby clash.
“It was a tough game, we started slow and Bath took their opportunities,” said Head of Rugby Darren Fearn. “We were caught off guard in the first half.
“There were glimpses of good play, but it wasn’t smooth. There were some poor performances in the first half.”
Northumbria went into the break three points down and struggling to find much rhythm to their play.
“Early in the second half they pulled away to take a six-point lead,” added Fearn. “We showed good character to keep ourselves in the game and part of that was down to the scrum which was good all night.”
Eventually Northumbria clicked into gear and went over the line numerous times to give themselves a comfortable advantage.
“The majority turned up in the second half,” added Fearn. “James Christie was definitely the standout, finishing his tries well and ending up with a hat-trick.”
Bath’s social media team posted a video of the support they had on the day, which seems to be a theme of this seasons league play.
“What’s happening more at these places like Exeter and Bath is that they bring plenty of support down and it becomes a hostile place,” added Fearn. “We learnt from it last year after we got a hiding at Exeter.
“Home advantage really does pay, [but] our players are quite a mature bunch. [We’ve] learnt to take it on the chin and some players thrive off it.”
The win leaves Northumbria top of the league after five games, a position Fearn admits he may not have expected to be in a few weeks ago.
“We are higher than we maybe pictured, but we just have to go into every game trying to get the win,” he added. “Being top is brilliant but it’s only five games.”
Next week Northumbria face a difficult trip away to last season’s champions Hartpury.
“They’re still finding their feet a little this season but it’ll be a tough test,” added Fearn. “We have to go there and take the game to them.”
Jack Surtees
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