dtaai-maai wrote: ↑Sun Jan 28, 2024 1:04 am
Two points:
1. Is it really necessary for commentators to constantly apologise for bad language picked up on the ref's mike? The f word is so commonly heard on tv nowadays that it is hardly worth mentioning.
2. It seems to me that virtually every defensive line behind a ruck or when the attack is near the try line is off-side.
Commentary is dire on BT/TNT Sports, but I guess they have to cover their ample backsides these days....
The defensive line live offside these days - "Rush Defense" etc. Refereeing is also incredibly lax on forward passes, lineout throws not being straight and ridiculous feeding of the scrum.... Why have the law if it's not going to be implemented?
And onto Bristol vs Bath.... A crazy game!! Over 100 points scored, 13 tries, 4 Yellow Cards (should have been more) and the odd Penalty Try (again, should have been more)!!
Bristol 57 vs Bath 44 
Before going into detail, I will have to say (through gritted teeth) that Bristol just deserved a slim victory.....
DM bless his cotton socks berated me for my view on the refereeing and the LHG Yellow Carded me for language and descent!!
Both teams were without a number of their first team players due to international call-ups, injury or suspension - Bath however suffered more than Bristol in key positions I feel. Certainly at Center, Scrum-half and Number 8 with Ojomoh, Spencer and Barbeary all missing....
Bath had their collective arses handed to them in the loose in the first half, where Barbeary (and Underhill) would have made all the difference. Bristol took full advantage and were cracking in attack, though Bath's defence were all over the place especially at Center where they missed Ojomoh. Bath certainly improved after the break, but the errors were still there - missed tackles, not committing enough players at the breakdown - though still putting Bristol under a hell of a lot of pressure at times (clearly shown by the amount of penalties given away by Bristol in the "Red Zone").
And sorry DM, but the refereeing was absolutely shite at times. Bath had two clear tries disallowed, should have been awarded a Penalty Try with Bristol's 6 coming in from the side and tackling Bath's Dunn around the neck preventing a clear try. He should also have gone to the Bin for 10 minutes (though he did later on)..... Ref simply awards Bath a penalty, WTF?
Bristol at one point had given away 6 straight penalties in the "Red Zone" (9 straight in total) before the ref finally gave a Yellow Card.... One play later and Bristol give yet another blatant penalty in the "Red Zone" only for the ref to issue a fecking warning!! COME ON!!
Bath's first Yellow Card was very harsh IMHO, their second was a blatant and deliberate knock-on, but Bristol did the same not too much later and only a scrum given.....
Offsides galore by both teams, lot's of niggle, plenty of passion and a hell of a local derby. Pissed off with the scoreline and the refereeing, but a hell of an exciting game especially for the neutral!!
