Learning curve or reality check?

The first piece of silverware was delivered to London Irish in the form of the JP Morgan's 7's tournament. The exiles managed to come back from a 23 point deficit in a last second resurrection to snatch the trophy.

Bath showed in their group stage a Kingsholm the potential with a band if Blue, Black and White brother's to demonstrate their worth.
The first two pool matches went much to plan with Bath running out victorious, showing dynamism and strong running. Slick offloading, powerful running and accurate kicking saw them as the only side to win back-to-back wins in the entire contest. When the final bout came against Gloucester positivity was high, but for any team to face the Cherry and Whites in their own coliseum of Kingsholm would be a mighty challenge. This sadly was to become apparent as Bath ran out of legs and Gloucester proved a dominant force running out the victors leading on to the final at the Rec.

Bath with a home advantage seemed the time to show the world they were back ready for a new beginning and prove they are prepared to mix it with the big boys.
Gloucester on the other side of draw with Sarries and Sale to contend with so if Bath wanted to exact revenge the only place would be a final show down. Bath's side left them with the Exile pairing of Welsh and Irish to do battle with.
For Gloucester the superiority of the week before continued sweeping sale to one side, although a tougher harder game ensued Sarries also could not defeat the Cherries.
For Bath the first up fixture against Welsh saw a superb display of what we hope to see continue in the 15's this season. After Welsh had defeated Irish a west country derby seemed on the cards only the Irish contingent of London could halt it......and That they did. By coming out hard fast and clinical they were three tries to the good before Bath had barely touched the ball. Salvation seemed possible by Biggs running in a brace before half time and hope for the fight back in the second half was still in grasp. Irish had other plans hitting in another three tries unanswered lining themselves up against Gloucester and ending the Blue, Black and White dream of early silverware to role into the oncoming season.
A consolation for many Bath fans was to see Gloucester lose at the death and for Bath to of lost to the J.P. Morgan's 7's champions.

On display for Bath were some bright young talent aswell as some seasoned player's. Banahan, Biggs, Heathcote, Mercer, Cook and Woodburn all showed what we can expect from them in a brand new campaign, and let's hope it was a learning curve and not just a reality check!

Onwards and upwards and bring on the pre-season ties when we can see if the new coaching regime can live up to the fans hopes and the players can execute the instructed plans. So close now to that unmistakable blast on the whistle for kick off.