Premiership: Bath’s Johann van Graan delighted to secure first win of the season against Northampton Saints

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan was delighted to claim his first win since taking over at the helm of the club at the beginning of the season as they triumphed 27-14 over Northampton at home on Saturday.

It has been a difficult start to life in the Premiership for the South African as his side suffered six defeats on the bounce at the beginning of the season.

Bath had shown improvements in recent weeks but had failed to get over the line, and the coach was impressed with how his side managed and controlled the game.

Satisfying performance

Van Graan said: “I was very satisfied with the performance and very glad for the staff and the players and everybody in Bath.

“We showed real determination in defending our goal-line. We spoke in the week that we needed to start well. Scoring the first try gave us a lot of momentum and we were 14-0 up at half-time.

“What was impressive was how we kept control of the game and Cam Redpath’s try was a big turning point because it was the first time this season that we had a pressure release.

“All of a sudden we had a lead with 10 minutes to go and we could manage the game. I’m so glad for all involved that we got that right.”

Bath very nearly got their first win in the last round against Saracens in what was a good performance but with no result. However, Van Graan was pleased that his men could back up that performance with another this week but this time getting the result.

“Last week we came up one play short of beating Saracens away and it was important for the group to back up last week’s performance with this one,” Van Graan said.

“I thought it was another class performance from Ollie Lawrence. He and Cam (Redpath) combined well. Also George Worboys on his first Premiership start.

“Ted Hill coming off the bench gave us momentum. D’Arcy Rae fought his way through and Tom Dunn too. Our three loose forwards were great – Josh Bayliss was outstanding.

“Miles Reid has been very impressive the last few weeks too. I told him his performance at Saracens was the best I’ve seen from him. Matt Gallagher, ‘Mr Consistency’ over these first seven weeks, was excellent too. The performance reflected the effort we’ve put in.”

Following Worcester’s move to administration, Bath only play their next fixture against Leicester Tigers on November 11. The coach said his side will be raring to go again from Thursday to prepare for a clash against the defending champions.

“We’ll enjoy the win, make sure we review it properly and start again on Thursday,” he revealed.

Not converting

Saints boss Phil Dowson was frustrated that his side could not convert their opportunities, a trend in recent games, and feels there is a balance issue to deal with.

“It’s frustrating. It has been for the last couple of weeks because we’ve been creating opportunities and not converting,” he said.

“There were a number of times where we were five yards out and didn’t come away with points, and that’s costing us.

“Likewise, we give sides opportunities to get into our 22 with ill-discipline and they do convert.

“At the moment that balance is wrong and we know it’s an issue. It’s something we’re talking about a lot as a coaching group and the boys are working hard at it but it’s not quite evident yet.

“We’ve got to be better at maul defence and at the breakdown and also on our decision-making as to where we attack.”

Dowson praised George Furbank for his performance under the high ball, considering that the team expected Bath to use box kicks to exit.

“We knew Bath were going to exit-kick with box kicks and I thought he was very good in that space. He also got the ball away a few times, which gave us line-breaks,” he said.

The coach also provided an update on Courtney Lawes, who was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to ongoing concussion issues.

“He did a full day’s training on Tuesday and he had some symptoms,” he added.

“I saw him on the bike yesterday and he said he was fine. He’ll continue to do weights, cycle and other bits and we’ll slowly integrate him back into contact when he’s available and ready.

“It’s a day-by-day thing. He’ll probably see a specialist before then anyway.”

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