Banahan wins it for Bath
Winger Matt Banahan scored a try in each half as Bath beat Edinburgh in a nail-biter for the second week in a row.
Last Updated: 14/12/08 4:50pm
Winger Matt Banahan scored a try in each half as Bath beat Edinburgh in a nail-biter for the second week in a row.
The Warriors had looked capable of snatching revenge for the defeat at the Rec but came up against an inspired Banahan.
Victory keeps Bath in touch with leaders Toulouse in Pool Five but they still have plenty of work to do to clinch a place in the knock-out phase.
The action was disjointed in the opening exchanges, with the recalled Scotland playmaker Dan Parks swapping penalties with opposite number Butch James.
And James was to remain in the spotlight for varying reasons over the following few minutes.
First, the South African World Cup hero unleashed a perfectly-weighted cross-kick for Banahan to claim the first touchdown.
James was wide with the angled conversion - then committed a fearful blunder to present Glasgow with a try at the other end.
He lost control when under no significant pressure, allowing Colin Gregor to pounce from close quarters.
The scrum-half hacked the ball over the line and followed up to get the vital touch and the home fans roared their approval as Parks banged over the conversion to put his team ahead.
Even better was to come for the Warriors when Parks confidently added a penalty.
They had to change their formation on the half-hour mark when Piossek replaced winger Lome Fa'atau, who had taken a knock.
Both teams carved out further try chances in the approach to the break, but defences were on top.
Spirited
Bath looked more spirited after the restart and it was no surprise when they created a fine second score.
Following a series of patient and well-controlled phases, centre Shaun Berne was in the right place at the right time to finish in style and tie the contest.
But Parks immediately reclaimed the advantage for the Warriors with his third penalty.
As in last weekend's tussle, play was flowing from end to end and Bath seized the initiative again midway through the half through Banahan's score.
But a high challenge by James on Max Evans gave substitute Ruaridh Jackson the penalty.
Then came the moment the Glasgow fans were fearing as Joe Maddock skidded over for the clincher, with James adding the extras.