Bath stung by rampant Wasps
London Wasps produced a stirring display as they toppled title-chasing Bath 25-10 at Adams Park.
By Tony Curtis
Last Updated: 29/12/07 4:58pm
London Wasps produced a stirring display as they toppled title-chasing Bath 25-10 at Adams Park.
Bath had started the day level on points with leaders Gloucester, however they were taken apart by a rampant Wasps side - who had effectively put the game out of sight by half-time.
Rob Webber and Paul Sackey (2) scored tries while Danny Cipriani added 10 points with the boot.
Bath had enjoyed the lion's share of the possession in the opening period, but just could not make the most of it - and it wasn't until ten minutes before the end that Joe Maddock scored their only try.
Cipriani had got Wasps on the board after just a minute with a penalty - and the in-form No.10 was on target three minutes later with a conversion.
Cipriani tagged on the extras after talented teenager Webber - a late call-up from the bench after Tom Rees was ruled out - had burrowed his way over from close range.
Bath have enjoyed a storming start to the season but they struggled to come to terms with Wasps in the opening period.
And England winger Sackey added to their woes as he showed the Bath defence a clean pair of heels on the right after being put clear by Cipriani on 24 minutes.
Missed
Cipriani made it 17-0 with the conversion, leaving Wasps well and truly in the driving seat.
The only weakness in Cipriani's game appears to be his tackling - and a missed tackle on Maddock gave Bath a clear chance to pull a try back, however the covering Wasps defence saved the day.
Bath's hopes were not helped on 35 minutes when Danny Grewcock was yellow-carded for illegal use of the boot on George Skivington.
Cipriani added to the Wasps lead with another penalty to see the home side reach the break 20-0 ahead.
However, Bath were finally able to open their account five minutes in to the second period, with Olly Barkley making no mistake with a penalty.
Sackey came close to adding a second try with a blistering break down the right after quick thinking from Lawrence Dallaglio, only for a last-ditch tackle from Nick Abendanon to save the day.
Bounce
However, the Wasps wing made no mistake on 52 minutes when he dived on to Mark van Guisbergen's chip ahead after Abendanon had completely misread the bounce.
Bath gave themselves a glimmer of hope with 10 minutes left when Maddock crossed after Nick Walshe's initial break.
Barkley converted - via Cipriani's hand as he attempted to charge the kick down - and then went close to scoring himself. However, Sackey's despairing tackle managed to knock the ball loose.
Bath continued to push as they looked to snatch at least a bonus point but the Wasps defence held firm.