Bath Voice Sports News: Minerva Women win semi in Bristol; a Blue, Black and White Twickenham final beckons, and anger over the treatment of Team Bath Netball by the NP

JUNE 2, 2024

Latest Sports News by Harry Mottram

Boules: Team Bath. Known as one of Bath’s most enjoyable events for friends, families and businesses the Bath Boules tournament is on Thursday 4, Friday 5, Saturday 6 or Sunday 7 July. Team inclusion in the 2024 event to play a minimum of seven games (followed by the finals rounds)  You need a minimum of three players for each game (but different players can play each time so everyone can get involved!)  All proceeds from the event go to local Bath charities. See https://www.bathboules.com/tickets

Cricket: Bath CC: The first eleven won by 111 runs against Frocester on June 1^st with a score away from home of 282 all out on 50 overs. Forcester were all out for 171 in 45 overs and batted second.

Cricket: Bear Flat CC: The Saturday sides both won their fixtures on June 1^st with the first XI beating Goatacre by 8 wickets and the second XI prevailing over Mark by 17 runs.  

Cricket: Hampset CC: The first XI lost out to Bristol West India Phoenic on June 1^st by 9 wickets away for home.

Cricket: Somerset County Cricket Club: Somerset beat Essex in Taunton in a Vitality Blast game in the Twenty20 format on May 31st by four wickets. Tom Abell hit 55 runs and Lewis Gregory scored 44 to set up the victory as Somerset began the defence of their Vitality T20 Blast title. Tom Banton opened with 21 and Will Smeed helped the cause with a solid 39 as Somerset set about their task with Gregory hitting three sixes in the 17^th over for the home side to reach 197/6.

Netball: Team Bath Netball: The Blue and Golds lost to Strathclyde Sirens by 50-57 in front of capacity 1,750-strong crowd at the Team Bath Arena. In an emotional evening the team were given a standing ovation at the final buzzer as it marked the end of an era. Team Bath have two more games to go in their Super League journey, away to Severn Stars on Friday 7th June (7.30pm) before heading across the Severn Bridge to face Cardiff Dragons on Saturday 15th June (6pm). Anger and frustration have continued following the decision by the owners of Netball Super League to kick out Bath from next season for not having a large enough venue to suit the Sky Sports partner. A look on social media will have seen the widespread criticism of NSL MD Claire Nelson who at one stage claimed Bath didn’t have an arena in one interview and dismissive of the clubs excluded at the expense of new clubs with no history such as Nottingham Forest. Now thoughts turn to next season and how the club can continue in some form perhaps in a second tier league or in an inter university competition – fans will be waiting for news with hopes it’s not the end of the Blue and Golds.

Rowing: Minerva Rowing Club: This crew won their semi final in style (around six boat lengths) ahead of Monkton but, sadly, lost the final against a very experienced City of Bristol crew. Minerva put in a strong, gusty effort showing great technique and stamina. It was their first time rowing together as a crew and Alice’s first ever race. A Minerva crew to look out for in the future! Pictured are Sophia, Alice, Anoushka and Anabel, coxed by Ellie. More Minerva results at https://www.minervabathrc.org.uk/rowing-news/bristol-avon-may-11th/

Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club: The Blue, Black and Whites overcame Sale Sharks on Saturday 1^st June at the Res at a sell-out game by 31-23 in a thrilling game. It opens the way for the club to win the title at Twickenham on Saturday June 8th – the first time since they were victorious back in 1996.

Bath’s Finn Russell kept the score ticking over with four penalties with tries from Hill, Obano and Annett. Sale matched the try count but it was the boot of Finn that was the difference in scores. The match was in the balance when Sale took the lead in the second half with a Tom O’Flaherty try but Annett settled the issue with a late try to send the Rec into raptures with the prospect of Twickenham glory as their face Northampton Saints.

For those needing their rugby fix next season starts on September 20th.

Sport clubs listed in Alphabetical Order with how to contact them

American Football: Bath Killer Bees: The Bath Killer Bees are current members of the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL)’s South Western Atlantic Conference (SWAC). See their website for details. https://www.thesubath.com/americanfootball/

Athletics: Team Bath Athletics Club is based at the University of Bath Sports Training Village and is open to all abilities and ages from 7 upwards. Sports include track and field, road and trail running, endurance and cross country. Club nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm -8pm.To join and for details visit https://teambathac.org/

Badminton: Bath Badminton Club. Sports Centre, North Parade Road, Bath. The club meet on Thursday evenings all year round except certain holiday periods and August. www.bathbadminton.co.uk

Badminton: Oldfield Park Badminton Club, Hayesfield Sports Hall Upper Oldfield Lane. www.badmintoninbath.co.uk/

Badminton: Bath Women’s Badminton Club. Sports Centre, North Parade Road, Bath. www.bathwomensbadmintonclub.net/

Boules: City of Bath Pétanque Club. The club plays Pétanque and is open to all, with juniors and non-players welcome. If you haven’t played before, give it a go. The club is based at Larkhall Sports Club, but they also play in Queen Square Wednesday mornings, weather permitting. https://bathboules.co.uk/

Bowling: Bath Bowling Club. Based at Pulteney Road the club is open for membership to anyone who wishes to take up the sport, whether you wish to play socially, competitively or both. The outdoor season is normally from April to September and your first year’s membership is free of charge. Pop along and come in and see us, have a drink and watch a game. Visit https://www.bathbowlingclub.com/

Cricket: Bath Cricket Club: The club is based at North Parade and was founded in 1859 and has a long and interesting history charted on their website at https://www.bathcricket.com/

There are four main teams – with two elevens of the Bath Wanderers Women sides and an U19’s XI as well. Plus, there are teams for girls from U10s to U15s, and youth cricket for the same ages – to join or for more info visit the website. The men’s first team play in the West of England Premier Cricket League (WEPL), the ECB National Club Championship, the ECB T20 competition and the Somerset Cup.

Cricket: Bath Wanderers Women Cricket Club. The team take part in the West of England Premier Cricket League (WEPL). See https://www.bathcricket.com/

Cricket: Bear Flat Cricket Club. Established in 1982, the Bears are in Division 1 of the Wiltshire County Cricket League (WCCL) on Saturdays, with a home ground at The Glasshouse Academy, Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath; there’s also games in Division 7 Blue of the Somerset Monmouth League on Saturdays, home ground the Ken Willcox Ground, Peasedown St John, Bath; and friendlies against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire on Sundays; and T20 games against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire midweek; plus they participation in the Somerset Knock Out cup.

For more details of the various teams plus the youth and children teams visit https://bearflatcc.org.uk/

Cricket: Hampset Cricket Club: based at Bloomfield Rise, Odd Down, Bath, the club was founded in 1940 and features a large number of elevens including the Scholars, development XI, midweek Saturday and Sunday elevens, junior teams from under 9s to u13s and indoor squads. The 1st XI play in the Bristol & District Cricket Association – First Division 2023. Details at https://hampsetcc.play-cricket.com/home

Cricket: Somerset County Cricket Club

The club are based at the county ground in Taunton although in the past have played some matches at Bath and Weston-super-Mare. They are in the top flight of the cricket structure and have two first class elevens plus a women’s team and female players can be selected for the regional team Western Storm. For details visit https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/

Croquet: Bath Croquet Club

To join or for more info contact Hester Henebury on email hester2210@btinternet.com or visit https://www.bathcroquet.com/

Cycling: Bath Cycling Club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities – visit https://www.bathcc.net/

Cycling: Bike Bath has moved to Westonbirt School in the Cotswolds. The annual cycling event will take place on 1^st September 2024. Details: https://www.bikebath.co.uk/

Equestrian: Bath Racecourse

See the website for dates:  https://www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/

Equestrian: Badminton International Eventing

See the website for dates:  https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/

Football: Bath City FC. Bath play in the National League South, the sixth tier of the football pyramid. The home ground is Twerton Park and the manager is Jerry Gill. Known as the Romans and play in black and white vertical stripes. See https://www.bathcityfc.com/

Football: Bath City Women

The Bath City Women Development Team play in the Somerset County Women’s League in Division 2 North. See https://www.bathcityfc.com/

Football: Larkhall Athletic FC. Founded in 1914 the Larks play in the Southern League Division One South (SLD1S) and are based at the Securitas Stadium, Plain Ham. With a development team, a youth team and a women’s team the Larks are one of the leading outfits in the city. They are part of Larkhall Sports Club. Visit https://larkhallathletic.com/

Football: Odd Down FC. They are currently members of the Western League Division One (WLD1) and play at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground. See https://www.odddownbathafc.co.uk/

Hockey: City of Bath Hockey Club

City of Bath were formed from a merger between Bath & Phillipians Hockey Club’s and they play at Lansdown. For details visit https://www.cobhc.org.uk/

Hockey: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club

Team Bath Buccaneers is one of the largest and most successful Hockey Clubs in the West of England with over 800 members. Open to new members. Based at University of Bath. For details visit https://www.teambathbuccaneers.co.uk/clubNews

Hockey: Team Bath Hockey Club

The University of Bath Hockey Club has six men’s and six ladies’ teams who play in the British University & Colleges (BUCS) leagues on Wednesdays. Based at University of Bath. Details at https://www.teambath.com/sport/hockey/

Modern Pentathlon: Team GB had an incredible performance at the home World Championships held at the University of Bath, with a seven-strong squad qualifying across the women’s and men’s finals.

The Modern Pentathlon World Championships took place in August with the Mixed Relay Finals. If you missed the action, you can catch up on BBC iPlayer and photos are available on the UIPM Flickr account.

Netball: Team Bath Netball.

Team Bath Netball have played in the Vitality Netball Super League. See https://netball.teambath.com/

Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club Men

The Blue, Black and Whites play at the Rec in Bath and play in the Champions cup and the Gallagher Premiership league – the top flight. See https://www.bathrugby.com/

Rugby: Bath Rugby Ladies Club Women

For details see https://www.bathrugbyladies.com/

Rugby: Bath Saracens RFC

Bath Saracens are an amateur rugby club competing in the Dorset & Wilts 3 Central. Formed on 13th March 1947, Bath Saracens are still going strong 75 years on. See https://bathsaracens.co.uk/events/category/games/

• Sat 6 Apr. Home V Warminster.

Rugby: Combe Down RFC

in 1896 the club currently play home fixtures at Holly’s Corner, Bramble Way. Details on their Face Book site. Details at https://combedownrfc.rfu.club/

Rugby: Bath Gladiators Rugby League Club

Bath Gladiators will participate in the newly established Franchise Rugby League starting this season. Visit: https://bathgladiators.com/

Swimming: Dolphins: Based at Bath Leisure Centre and established in 1899, Bath Dolphin Swimming Club (BDSC) is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the South West Region. They provide competitive swimming opportunities for young swimmers through to a masters swimming group. As a holder of the Swim England quality accreditation, Swim Mark, they offer a year round competitive swim team with high quality coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities.

Swimming: Team Bath: Based at the University the swimming programme offers opportunities for all users, from learn-to-swim sessions and daily swim-fit sessions for the public to our performance set-up which is home to a British Swimming Performance Centre. See https://www.teambath.com/sport/swimming/

Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club was founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway, Bath. The club welcomes new members. To join visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BloomfieldTennisClub

Tennis: Bath Tennis Club is at Park Lane, Weston, and bills itself at a friendly club. The club has a number of membership categories ranging from pay as you go to full membership. For details visit www.bathtc.co.uk

Tennis: Team Bath Tennis. For more see https://www.teambath.com/sport/tennis/