Academy Falls Short in Bath University Clash

The RNRU Men’s Academy narrowly lost to Bath University Men’s 5th XV in a high-tempo match. Bath dominated the first half, scoring three tries to take control. The Academy fought back after half-time with improved set-piece play and three tries, including two from Jack Davis. Despite a strong late surge and solid defence, the Academy fell short, 29 – 31, as Bath held on for the win in a competitive contest.

Navy Rugby’s Academy were involved in a hard-fought contest against Bath University Men’s 5th XV, ultimately falling just short after an entertaining and high-tempo match.

Bath University started the match on the front foot, immediately asserting themselves with sustained early pressure. From the opening exchanges, they pinned the Academy deep inside their own territory. Bath capitalised ruthlessly, counterattacking from a goal line dropout kick return to score the opening try and set the tone for a confident first-half display.

Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Bath continued to press the Navy across the park. Their pack began to impose itself, and a well-organised rolling maul was driven over to extend their advantage. Moments later, Bath struck again from open play, exploiting space out wide after several phases to build a commanding early lead.

The Academy responded positively, and their efforts were rewarded when Jack Davis crossed the try line. He finished a well-worked passage of play to give the Academy some momentum heading towards the break. However, Bath scored directly from the corresponding kick-off to reassert control before half-time.

The interval proved pivotal for the Academy. Tactical adjustments and personnel changes brought immediate improvements, particularly at set piece, where the Navy began to establish a foothold in the game. This allowed them to play with greater confidence and apply sustained pressure of their own.

That pressure soon told. The Navy scored twice from powerful driving mauls, demonstrating their improved organisation and physicality. Jack Davis grabbed his second try of the match, underlining his influence in attack, before Charlie Kerr added another as the momentum firmly swung in the Navy’s favour.

The closing stages saw the Academy throw everything at Bath’s defensive line. Their own defence was outstanding, repeatedly repelling Bath attacks from close range and showing immense commitment and discipline. The Navy created several late opportunities and were unlucky not to execute chances that could have turned the match in their favour.

In the end, Bath University held on to secure the win, but both sides contributed to an exciting and competitive contest. The Academy will take plenty of positives from the performance and will relish the opportunity to test themselves again when they travel to Bath on 18 February 2026, confident that lessons learned here can be turned into success on the road.

Academy: B Weatherill, A O’Brien, D Gallon, C Kerr, M Scott (C), H Michie, H Bateman, C Postle, C Attwood, H Mayes, M Watkins, J Copner, B Dealinukunawa, H Brown, J Davis.

Replacements: S Naulivou, L Warrington, M Coopey.

Words by Tom Main

Images by Cinnabar Studios