Bath Rugby 47-28 Harlequins result - Hosts dominate Quins for big win

Bath dominate Harlequins in seven-try win

Bath entertained at The Rec, running riot over Harlequins with seven tries in a 47-28 thumping. The win strengthens their grip on first place in the Gallagher Premiership and all but guarantees a playoff berth.

Bath were quick to assert their dominance, racing into a 26-0 lead within the opening 22 minutes. Joe Cokanasiga got the ball rolling with an early try, with Ted Hill and Ross Molony also joining him on the scoreboard.

Will Muir then rounded off a dominant move, scoring in the corner for Bath's fourth try, clinching the bonus point before the first quarter had even finished.

Harlequins struggled to find their rhythm but battled back into the contest with tries by Luke Northmore and Titi Lamositele to cut the gap to 33-14 at half-time.

Quins started the second half on top, with Fin Baxter barging over to cut the deficit to 33-21. But any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out when Max Ojomoh intercepted a loose pass and ran the length of the field for Bath's sixth try.

Replacement prop Francois van Wyk then added another, to highlight Bath's dominance. Quins grabbed a late consolation through Sam Riley for a bonus point, but Bath coasted to the win.

Wing sensation Muir was named Player of the Match after a superb performance, scoring two tries and giving Quins' defence nightmares with his powerful carries and clever positioning.

This convincing victory sees Bath extend their lead at the top of the table and has them well on course for the playoffs. For Harlequins, it is a setback in their battle for a top-four finish.

"We knew Harlequins would come at us strong after last week, so it was important for us to set the tone early," said Bath outside centre Max Ojomoh. "They’re a team that can fight back at any moment, so we had to stay sharp throughout the game.

"A lot of it comes down to chemistry - our wingers make reads for me, and sometimes they stick. It’s a fantastic team to be part of, and I love the competition in my position.

"As we get closer to the business end of the season, every mistake is magnified, and performance becomes even more crucial.

"When I see space, I just let Finn [Russell] know where I’ll be, and he puts the ball right there."

"It didn't feel like a 47-28 game," Player of the Match Muir said. "It felt a lot closer. We knew Quins would come back. It was good to get it over the line and their yellow cards helped us get a foot in the game.

"We are just sticking to our plan. We always review the game and rest, then go again week by week."

Home semi-final bagged?: "We don't get ahead of ourselves and crack on in preparing for next week. It looks like we're heading in the right direction."

With possession in hand, Ben Spencer opts to kick the ball out, bringing an emphatic performance to a close.

Seven tries showcase Bath's superiority, proving too strong for Harlequins and all but securing a playoff spot.

Final score: 47-28. Bath extend their lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership.

The hooker grabs the bonus point try for Quins!

A well-executed line out sets up Sam Riley, who powers over the line! Marcus Smith adds the extras.

It was a great pickup and finish by Ben Spencer for Bath's potential eighth try.

Unfortunately, there was a forward pass from Joe Cokanasiga means the whistle goes.

Bath have been in charge all game, and now their scrum is showing its strength.

The replacement front row overpoweres Harlequins, winning a crucial penalty inside their own 22 to relieve the pressure.

With 10 minutes left, Bath still dominate.

Out of Nowhere!

Tom de Glanville gets the ball at halfway and creates something with a sharp step, setting up Will Butt on a great line to break through.

With Ben Spencer in support, Bath look to score, but Harlequins’ last-ditch defence forces Spencer to offload to Francois van Wyk, who powers through to secure Bath’s seventh try.

Finn Russell adds the extras.

Redpath Misses a Golden Opportunity. A tough moment for Cam Redpath as a sure try slips away.

Bath move the ball beautifully, with Max Ojomoh setting up Will Muir in a two-on-one situation. One final pass would seal their seventh try, but Redpath loses focus at the crucial moment and fumbles the ball.

Russell Works His Magic. Finn Russell finally produces a moment of brilliance, 58 minutes into the game.

After Marcus Smith’s kick lands in midfield, Russell plucks it from the air and responds with a perfectly weighted kick, securing a superb 50/22. Pure class.

Bath Deliver in Crucial Moment. Luke Northmore bursts down the left wing, breaking through from midfield with Quins desperate for a try to get a comeback.

Thomas du Toit steps up once again, executing a solid turnover at the breakdown to win a crucial penalty.

Bath respond with a superb try straight down the field.

Max Ojomoh intercepts deep in Quins' territory and sprints clear to touch down. A 60-metre run into the home fans. He just knew he was going to score.

Finn Russell adds the conversion.

Quins got away with that after a forward pass occurs.

Bath Denied a Sixth Try. Ben Spencer dives over from close range after Finn Russell's clever play sets Joe Cokanasiga free.

However, Cokanasiga’s offload to Alfie Barbeary is ruled forward, and the try is disallowed.

Quins Strike First in the Second Half. Harlequins get the perfect start after the break.

Jack Kenningham powers through tackles, surging from the 22 to the five-metre line.

Bath initially hold firm, but the pressure eventually breaks as Fin Baxter crashes over to score.

Marcus Smith converts, closing the gap to 33-21.

Quins Stand Firm in Defence. Harlequins face serious pressure but hold strong to deny Bath.

Cameron Redpath charges from outside the 22 to within five metres, setting up a prime attacking position.

However, Tom Lawday steps up at the breakdown, forcing a penalty and relieving the pressure.

Finn Russell gets the second half underway for us!

HALF-TIME! BATH 33-14 HARLEQUINS
Bath are in control as we head into halftime.

Harlequins push to finish the half on a high, but Joe Cokanasiga gathers Marcus Smith’s kick and steps into touch, bringing the first 40 minutes to a close.

Bath dominated the opening 20 minutes, racing to a 26-0 lead with four tries. Quins responded with two of their own, but a late Will Muir score extends Bath’s advantage to 33-14 at the break.

Tom Dunn breaks into space but is halted. Bath quickly recycle, swinging the ball wide to Will Muir, who crosses for his second try.

Finn Russell converts as we head closer to half-time.

Ime Herbst’s powerful carry into Charlie Ewels forces the Bath lock off the field for the rest of the match.

Guy Pepper comes on as his replacement.

It took a mammoth tight head prop to finally find space over the try line. Quins needed that badly.

A massive effort from the forwards, and it’s Lamositele who drives over for Quins’ second try of the match!

Marcus Smith adds the extras.

Another Opportunity Slips for Quins

Harlequins look threatening in attack but fail to capitalise once again.

A well-worked line out move nearly sends Oscar Beard clear down the left, with Nick David in support, but the pass never comes. A knock-on in the next phase halts their momentum.

Marcus Smith is back on for Quins.