It was never my ambition to become a Hooker!

I've recently been asked to read and review a book, an honour for me to do as what a book it was as well.

Neil Clark's ' It was never my ambition to become a Hooker' was actually quiet an enlightening piece of scripture, and also quite a gripping tale......its Not all just about rugby. The book runs through the Hookers time at Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Cornish All Blacks then once again back to Exeter and now celebrating his testimonial year with the Cheifs.

A very frank, open and very honest account of his life. A forward for the book written by another renowned Hooker Mark Regan gives a tiny insight into Neil's life but not a scratch on his own version.

The book begins with the players perspective of the second fixture of the Exeter v Bristol championship promotion final. We're given a behind the scenes view of the fixture- before, during and the celebrations of their victorious promotion.

Once the opening chapter is done the book flips back to his childhood. This for me was the truly gritty part as its somebodies childhood who shapes the man they become, and what a topsy-turvey time he had.
A long move when young to the parental issues that can only be described as unbelievable. What he witnessed and went through as a child would of broken many a child's spirit. Luckily through the passage of his story he was gifted with meeting some people who saw good in this tearaway. For all of his wrong doings and mistermeaners there was people who saw good and helped him turn his life around.

He was a late comer to rugby but eventually came to the realisation this was the pathway for him, turning his back on his beloved surfing.
As the book progresses we hear of his physical and personal development. He met some fantastic connections in the game and became passionate to make it his life.

During the season of promotion Neil gives a very detailed description of each fixture which he continues through seasons one and two of premiership status. It's not just a rendition of the way the games went but inside the reactions of the players, how they felt and their general physique.

To hear a players views on pre-season training, the turmoil of injuries show the intensity of the modern game. From the highs and lows of victories and losses, even through the sense of rejection of clubs. Even to the point of the skill needed to fulfil the Hooker's role, and the slightly touched mentality needed. This book truly covers all those points and so much more.

All in all if you're going to get a sporting book to read this year grab this little ditty and you won't be disappointed.

Amlin part 1- It may not be the Heineken but let's win this baby!!

Quite noticeably the fixture list for Bath Rugby this season will be missing the Heineken cup, a loss that will sadden many a supporter.......but At least there's the Amlin Challenge Cup. It may not be top flight European rugby but it still means the Blue, Black and White roaming army can flit off to foreign climes for hope of some European victory.

So who will Bath be facing in this fresh challenge- Agen, Bucharest Wolves and Cammi Rubgy Calvisano.

After a loss to local rivals Gloucester in the premiership Bath wanted to return to winning ways and show what they are really about this season. A two week premiership break lay ahead in which they were going to have a little European wander.
Their first fixture sees them off for a nifty little jaunt of 1730miles to Bucharest in Romania to play their team the Wolves. A little bit of an unknown quantity, so how much resistance will they show Bath?
Vesty honoured with the duties of the boot started the ball rolling in the first minute, starting how he meant to go on by taking an early three points. A show of dominant play ensued for Bath and Vesty added a further three to the board 12 minutes in.
Ollie Devoto gifted with his first start to Bath nailed a penalty kick into touch well into Wolves territory putting Bath firmly on the front foot. A well taken lineout saw the ball swiftly distributed through the hands (it can be done) finally ending in the hand of young Will Spencer who obliged in scoring Bath's first try. With Vesty adding the extra two points Bath were 0-13 to the good 23 minutes in to the game.

The referee eventually lost his patience with the Wolves prop's undisciplined behaviour and dispatched him to 10 minutes in the sin bin. Vesty took another three points to the away teams increasing score.
As Bucharest became a man down Bath got the bit between the teeth a certainly wanted to make the advanced count.
Nathan Catt turned the ball over flipped an offload to Cuthbert, who released Biggs and as he drew the defence slipped an offload into the hands of Ross Batty enabling him to score another Bath try. Once again the increasingly confident boot of Vesty nudged Bath up to a 23 point lead after 35 minutes on the clock.

Bucharest found their time just before half-time to finally make their appearance on the score board. A good kick deep into the Bath's 22 saw them with a well placed line out. Resulting in the strong position their scrum half saw a break in the defence and darted through to make the score, with the conversion made the teams made their way back to the changing rooms. A strong half from the travelling team seeing them 7-23 in front.

Bath came back out with all guns blazing determined to go for the bonus point. A rampaging Guy Mercer made up a large chunk of ground. As young Ollie Devote received the ball he eyed a strong overlap spun the ball out to Cuthbert, who took his turn to draw the defence this time he gave the offload to vesty after nipping in at the corner converted his own try.

Bucharest got back on the scoreboard again this time only a penalty and seeing them hit double figures. With 10 minutes left of the 80 an interesting move of bringing the flying winger Kyle Eastmond on at fly half. This seemed to be an inspirational move and helped demonstrate there's more to his game other than just running. A superbly executed long floated pass out to Devoto leaving him to dart through the defence scoring his first try for Bath, the fixture now seeming dead and buddies with the score line hitting 10-35.

Bucharest had a little left in reserve and pushed for more points, an attempt to rescue some respectability. Six minutes left their captain crossed the line leaving their fly half to take the extras.

With a little altercation off the ball both sides were reduced down to 14 men as Mercer and the Wolves hooker got to see the end of the tie from the naughty step.

Bonus point in the bag Bath still wanted more, and more they would collect. Abendanon had come on to replace Devoto and took a nice kick down well into Bucharest territory. With the resulting line out Bath hit a powerful driving maul and Kane Palma-Newport crashed over to give Bath their first win of of the Amlin Challenge cup, and quite a comprehensive one 17-40.

A strong performance and proof that if the ball gets passed out and they play I little more running rugby the tries and bonus points will come, although a weaker than normal opposition a good move forward!!

Next stop south west France to Agen......

Bath victory as Barkley sets Sale for France

After the poor performance from Bath last week against London Irish everybody was hoping for a good win against Sale, especially to give Olly Barkley a farewell to remember.

Many will disagree with me but I left the Rec feeling positive about Bath's performance. There was signs that intention of the game plan was starting to take shape.
Yes some kicks were fruitless and poorly executed, but quite a few were lofted high giving the players to Chase down and add pressure. In the first half Biggs executed this brilliantly nearly forcing the player into touch he inturn threw the ball wildly back in field to bobble into the hands of an oncoming Donald, sadly Sale managed to halt his progress.

At times there was an air of frustration when Bath's back line took the ball and on several occasions instead of releasing either Biggs or Eastmond opted to dink through for them to Chase. In that situation isn't ball in hand in more secure than chasing an oval bobbling ball? I understand when facing a flat heavy defence it could be a good option, but a one-on-one with the dancing feet of Kyle 'Michael Flatly' Eastmond I know where my money would lying.

Yes the game was at times a little scrappy but a fan I saw the improvements were there to be seen. For some they require perfection and the point Sale are yet to win a fixture could be passed, I'm pretty sure as a fan a 21 point victory regardless of who it is is a positive step to take away from the game?

Hipkiss tackled like a man possessed even if he was seeming mildly concussed at one period, one concern was the huge hit he did make may see him up against the citing committee again. He may of received his man of the match award but me personally saw a man with a stronger performance and he scored! Stand up and take the plaudits Davey Wilson. Every breakdown he was there and on the ball he was like a rampaging bull, which is what lead to his try, a move he started and finished.
As all Bath fans may wonder and pose the question......why is Biggs not in the English set up? Between him and Wade there is only one victor. Rugbying abilities its hands down Tom Biggs all the way. When he unleashed a tackle that made everybody in the Rec's bones crack its true proof this guy is more than just a speedster. To take a lose pass From Barkley and chip and Chase down the wing taking Play 60/70m down the park and force Sale into conceding a penalty is another display of his insight on how to read the game move it forward when you as an individual aren't receiving much ball. So Mr Lancaster please take note get Biggs sporting the Red Rose on his chest.

Everybody knew it would be an emotional send off for Barks and this would be the case. He played with his normal kicking continuity and even passed a lot more than kicked. And what a dream finish it must of been by scoring the last kick if the match and his last appearance in the Blue, Black and white colours.His heartfelt speech at the end showed he's not just a Bath player but also a Bath supporter. You could sense the teams loss with the unified lap of honour finishing with the squad bringing him home with a guard of honour clapping through the tunnel. Mr Barkley you may be gone but won't be forgotten!

I am a firm believer that a win is a win, a cliche some will definitely state but I'd rather take four points over no points regardless of the style and prowess the team plays with. I'm also a firm believer of respecting the referee.....sadly yesterday I could not follow through with this respect. Certain decisions made by Mr Davey yesterday seemed slightly obscure. To signal a forward pass by Bath when Sale were in possession was unique luckily the Novia stand were on hand to correct his misjudgement. I'm pretty sure a few of his hand signals were closely linked to the Hokey Cokey rather than rugbying signals. It is fair to criticise an official especially with lack of TMO, although why just televised matches allowed it surely all but that's a bigger discussion at another time. The Sale try seemed to be a double movement and Perenise appeared to have downward pressure on the ball as he put the ball on the line but was judged to knock it forward. My problem with Davey was he seemed to a little influenced by the crowd, there was obviously the forward pass which was correct but then came the Powell yellow card. Powell hit the tackle starting at the chest but his arm went up to the neck, I do feel the chants of 'off off off' helped his decision to sin bin Powell (I may be wrong but this why my perception, please correct me if I'm wrong). Sadly a player I rate highly who plays with power and aggression allowed himself to demonstrate his frustration. Unfortunately telling the crowd to politely 'to away' wasn't the wisest of choices, but there was worse to come from him. While leaving the pitch to make his way to the changing rooms a large group from the terraces opted to show their disapproval of his actions started to 'boo' him, this behaviour from fans I personally don't condone but nor do I accept Powell throwing his empty water bottle into the crowd. It may of been a gingerly thrown bottle as to show his anger but attempt not to get in any extra trouble, unfortunately he still did the act regardless of the force.

I would much rather see Bath take four points over nothing at all! Progress seems to be on the up and with players returning from injury I left the ground feeling a lot more positive.

An invitation I couldn't refuse!

Every now and again you get an invitation that you would be foolish to refuse.

After the Warriors game I wrote a tweet about what I believed to be aimless kicking by Bath. In the tweet I mentioned Gary Gold. What came next I truly didn't expect......a Direct message from the man himself! After a small discussion via direct messaging I had a better view of the tactics deployed in the match. From this original discussion I was invited to join him for a coffee at Farleigh House and have a relaxed chat. I later received a confirming invite from a certain Mr Flatman to meet the two of them. My eldest son was hugely jealous, as an aspiring prop he has huge admiration for Flats and I was off to meet him and Gary Gold. Well who would turn that offer down?

As I pulled up in front of Farleigh house it suddenly dawned on me how lucky and honoured for such an invitation, as walking to reception just scanning across the field and seeing the Squad in training mode in truly stunning surroundings. I waited in reception to be greeted by Flats who then progressed to walk me through to make ME a coffee! A guy I'd watched and supported for his nine years at the Rec making a coffee for me, instantly I realised just how relaxed and friendly the whole set up is at Farleigh.

For a period of time I sat in a room almost chewing the fat with Flats while Gary Gold finished up on the training field. From talking to Flats his passion for the club has continued off the field after his retirement and you can tell his friendship with the squad is still just as strong. Whilst in the conversation I was informed of quite nasty messages delivered to him and others in regarding the way the Barkley situation was handled. From talking to him he made total sense stating 'until all of the facts were in place why do any form of press releases, how would that help'. Olly Barkley made his final decision and shortly after they announced that it was going to happen, Bath don't wish to speculate or add to rumours and believe the fans are entitled to the entire story.

Upon Gary Gold's arrival Flats left us to it. The one thing I took from talking to GG was his intensity and passion as a coach, he is here to get Bath back in the map and playing clever and strategic rugby. His knowledge of statistics, facts and the working of the game is phenomenal. From watching relentless hours of rugby researching endless statistics is how the Bath game plan has come to light. It's not a plan he has conjured up its a plan that the 'facts' have developed. The issue that he raised was that the plan isn't the issue it's the execution of the plan.

From all of the statistics he told me the most frightening one, through all matches across the board there is only an average of three and a half phases played before a penalty is conceded. So much research has been put into this and with so much potential for an infringement playing to much ball in you're own territory could spell danger, playing too much rugby and going nowhere is far too dangerous and leave you having to defend rather than you pressuring up in their half. Possibly this could be the change of laws and rules now on trial in the premiership this season in which the players and officials have to adapt to. For the referees it must be even harder, for example Wayne Barnes refereed a fixture in the Championship tournament going on at the moment, where they are using the cadence 'crouch, touch, pause and set'. Then he has to officiate an Aviva Premiership game where the new cadence is 'crouch, touch and set' is in place. So for international players and Refs its a confusing time hopefully when the trial is over we will see a global ruling as in which other sport has different laws in different countries?

After a small time sat talking to him he invited me to his office where he had video clips to show me and help explain the theory behind the plan. Bath have been accused by many people (including myself) of relentlessly kicking the ball away, I was proved wrong! In the clips I viewed showed that Quins and Super 15 champions Chiefs, who are considered the most running rugbying teams, kick from hand more than you would believe. The problem is Bath get spotted as the kicks aren't going to the destination required whereas Quins and Chiefs execute theirs well. If a ball is kicked over a flat line into space to put them under pressure to potentially knock, make a mistake or even rush a short kick into touch that would be well executed. If you punt it straight down the throat of the full back allowing them to either counter attack or pick a well placed kick it is wasted ball. A prime example he made for Bath was in the saints game, Biggs chip for Abendanon's try and Barkley's chip through at the end. Biggs chip was barely mentioned as it was the right choice and worked. Barkley's chip through was far from the right choice and went dead. It's all about making the right choice and executing it well!

He said in regards to Barkley it wouldn't be fair as a coach to stop him from moving on, its a deal many would not say no to. With Donald, Heathcote, Banahan and Williams plus young Olly Devoto coming through as an exciting prospect at 10 Bath have a good depth in 10's and 12's. Barkley has been a good servant of the club and everybody supports his decision to move on and wishes him nothing but good luck.

Another little issue I asked about was regarding Bret Sharman. Because of his Twitter discrepancies he has become far from liked player in England, so why would Bath want him? Bath need to have four hookers listed for ERC competition, with Webber out they're one short. It's only a short term loan and as Sharman is very remorseful for his actions and is hungry to play and show he demonstrate his ability. So Bath really have nothing to lose, a hungry, talented and wanting to prove his worth as a player filling a space in the squad surely that's a positive move.

There was many other topics discussed ranging from the Rec, Rugby World Cup, Bath rugby history, Dewi Morris and Stuart Barnes. For me it was a very enlightening meeting and learnt a great deal.

I felt lucky to meet a Bath legend and I believe a future Bath legend. All Bath rugby fans want nothing more than to see them run out victorious and with GG at the helm I truly believe that is possible. I have learnt and hope many others will look at the bigger picture rather than the short term.

Exiles catch Bath napping

Every player in rugby has an off day and who can blame them they are only human.
With Bath lining up against the biggest sieve defensively London Irish what myself and most Bath fans didn't expect was a whole team whose minds seem to be AWOL. We as fans can understand a players off day but all of them??

A tentative beginning with Bath breaking the deadlock from an Olly Barkley penalty. A little tit-for-tat on the penalty count with both teams trying to open the game up, but mostly Irish seemed to have the bit between the teeth. Nearing the half an hour mark a fantastic move from the Bath backline had the travelling fans to their feet. A good interaction between the backs saw Donald float a pass to Eastmond after looping from behind him, he then released Abendanon who tore off down the pitch with Biggs and Eastmond in support. Abendanon in turn passed back to Eastmond who picked up his second try of the season, Barkley happily took the extras. With Bath in the lead 9-13 it seemed they were ready to take a firm grasp on the fixture and march on to victory.

Sadly this wasn't the case.

Another penalty followed for the exiles taking them within one point. Then just before the stroke of halftime they themselves ran in a try and Shingler converted taking Irish to a 19-13 halftime lead.
Infringements and lack of passion seemed to be making Bath their own worse enemies.
Unfortunately the second half continued this trend, Bath leaking points through penalties and silly mistakes. Bath managed to get into some strong positions but sadly either knocked on or failed to release the ball. It wasn't to be their day!
Another try and Shingler penalties saw the exiles run out victorious 29-22 gaining their first win of the season and Bath lose their second successive fixture.

So what went wrong? Lack of the fundamental skills, lose of concentration or just complacency? Were they just thinking we'll turn up and breeze it who knows.
One thing is certain the worst critic of a player is the player themselves, and I'm sure there is a squad tearing themselves to pieces.
A bad loss but sometimes a bad loss can give players a kick up the rear end and help motivate. It's only game four and too early to judge a long way to go and I for one believe this will only help to move Bath forward.

Exiles up next for The boys in Blue, Black and White

The next challenge for Bath Rugby is the 'old boy' exiles- London Irish.

Off the back of last weeks disappointing defeat to Saints how does this fixture fare for the boys in Blue, Black and White?
Yes this bout brings Bath up against Irish at the majeski stadium but the exiles are having potentially a worst season than the 'new boy' exiles London Welsh.
Irish's defence is likened to a sieve, conceding 40+ points a game in their first three games. Any team with this defensive tag line would now be in some major defence training.

Could Bath be meeting Irish at the right or wrong time? That's a tough one.

Bath I'm sure will be out to prove a point after the Saints game. Bath had the potential to beat Northampton but it was not to be and I'm sure the coaching staff have a few wrongs tactically to right this week. Hopefully for Bath the execution of the plans will implemented in the correct fashion. As Irish have leaked so many points to Sarries, Gloucester and Wasps Bath surely now have to bring the wings into action and let Biggs and Eastmond run at them.

The downside of the fixture for Bath is in Irish's only home fixture this season may of seen Gloucester out 40 points past them but they also got 31 in return. This is a sign that Irish will be a big challenge at home so Bath need to show their defensive qualities in full strength. Also the distraction of one Mr Barkley leaving the Blue, Black and White force for the sunnier climes of Paris.

Let's truly hope we get to use the back line and show the league what fire power Bath have got and over the next few weeks let Olly see what he's losing.

Saints learning curve

I think it is safe to say the Bath against Saints game wasn't exactly the game we'd all hoped it would be.

I could sit here and and dissect the game and give a damming review. After watching the game again you could say there was lot's of bad points but also some positives that are emerging.

The main issue that came from the fixture was the impetuous kicking and inability to spread the ball out wide. It appeared that was plan A but there didn't seem to be a plan B.
There was very few times the ball went along the back line or went past Barkley before being punted down field. The theory of such a plan is to gain territory and put pressure upon the full back and either turn over or force a penalty. Unfortunately for Bath they chose Ben Foden, the current England full back, and opted to kick too deep allowing Saints to clear their line or counter attack.

With Nick Abendanon going over in the first minute after a chip through from Biggs expectations for the win went through the roof. Unfortunately that was the one and only try of the game. Penalties from either side filled the rest if the points in the 14-18 loss at the rec.
There was a few notable flashes from Bath-

- Abendanon had a a strong game. Obviously a try, a few little 'Bendy' runs and a kick from the tightest of angles in the corner to clear the line with good distance.
- The forwards are in my opinion starting to look a strong and solid unit, so much more of an improvement on the previous seasons.
- Defensively stronger than against Wasps, countless tackles being put in and being under that much pressure sadly infringements will occur.

For me the biggest proof it was an off day at the Rec came at the end. Finally a Bath attacking move with good pressure, four points down so nothing to lose as losing bonus point was basically in the bag. As the ball was about to go along the line in Saints 22 Bath were gifted a four player overlap, guaranteed try if passed along and Biggs would of only had to walk over, Barkley opted not to use the players and chip through but it went too far over and went dead. You could see Biggs frustration as he thrust his hand aloft in anguish knowing the win was there. Barkley may not of known the full circumstances so made a choice he thought was right these things can happen and I'm sure they do in all teams.

Many said the ref was poor on the breakdown Bath's continuous kicking led to the loss either way sadly it was a loss, and the first at home this season. But not many teams can go an entire season undefeated, we must remember this is a new coaching regime and building a new structure and basis to the squad. Before the season began we all believed this campaign was a learning curve to climb back up the table, and the Saints game certainly was a lesson to learn from. I still believe things will only improve and get better........Allez Bath