Bath Rugby Rallies in Exeter Cup Clash
Head coach Mark Lilley calls the squad's effort a job well done after a 35-19 bonus-point victory at Sandy Park.
By Grace Almasi ·
Mark Lilley declared Bath Rugby is back in the mix for the PREM Rugby Cup after the club defeated Exeter Chiefs 35-19 at Sandy Park on Saturday. The victory in Round Three of the 2026/27 season was a bonus-point win that immediately lifted Bath’s standing in Pool A.
Lilley described the performance as a job well done following the match. He noted that all 23 players put everything into the contest. The coach expressed delight that the squad secured the five-point victory away from home.
Tom Carr-Smith scored the opening try for Bath in the fifth minute. Jack Harrison added a second try in the 18th minute after collecting an offload from Arthur Green. Those early scores established a 14-0 lead for the visitors.
Ciaran Donoghue contributed 15 points with his boot during the game. Replacement hooker Max Pearce also crossed the line for a try. Lilley observed that Bath looked dangerous when they kept possession and played with speed.
The win moves Bath to third place in the Pool A standings with six points. Gloucester sits second on seven points. Sale Sharks lead the table with 10 points, though they have played one more game than the other teams. Bath entered this match after a 50-28 loss to Sale Sharks two months ago, where they earned a losing bonus point.
Lilley highlighted that Bath has now accumulated six points from two games, both played away. The next phase of the cup includes several more away fixtures. The team’s first home game is scheduled for next week, followed by an away trip to Bristol the week after that.
The selection for the Exeter match featured a group of young players alongside senior figures. Lilley noted that players like Ross Molony, Ewan Richards, Ciaran Donoghue, and Tom Carr-Smith drive the weekly energy. He said these senior members help the youngsters understand what it means to represent the Bath team.
Bad news accompanied the victory as loosehead prop Ioan Emanuel left the game in the first half with a potential lower-limb injury. Emanuel had been recalled from a season-long loan at Cardiff Rugby to address a front-row shortage. Lilley said he had not yet received a full diagnosis on the injury.
Bath has already lost Scott Kirk and Jamie Bhatti to foot and arm injuries on the loosehead line, respectively. Beno Obano was rested for the Exeter match. Tighthead prop Vilikesa Sela remains sidelined with a foot injury, while Will Stuart and Archie Griffin are away with England and Wales.
The club announced the signing of Argentine U20 prop Marcos Camerlinckx this week. He joined the squad and made his debut off the bench during the win over the Chiefs.
