Northampton 14 - Bath 18: George Ford's boot gives visitors the perfect start to season
A LATE double score by Nic Groom gave Bath an almighty scare but still could not deny them a deserved opening day victory at a drenched Franklin’s Gardens.
George Ford kicked all of Bath's points
George Ford kicked all Bath’s points as the visitors controlled a dreary game with, both sides struggling to carve out any decent try-scoring chances in atrocious weather.
But that all changed with six minutes to go when someone flicked a switch and the game seemed to turn on its head.
Bitter fans break into BRAWL after rugby match loss
Todd Blackadder got his first win as the new director of rugby at Bath
Replacement scrum-half Groom scored two tries in four minutes as the visitor’s defence fell apart.
But Bath held on to record a victory that will put last season’s woes behind them and give new director of rugby Todd Blackadder a winning start.
NORTHAMPTON: Tries Groom (2). Cons Myler (2).
BATH: Pens Ford (4). DrG Ford (2).