Bath trio make vow after defeat
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 13 October 2008
Bath fly-half Butch James has vowed never to lose another game in the same manner as his side did following their 18-16 Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse on Sunday.
Steve Meehan’s side were seconds away from clinching an impressive win in France but a momentary lapse in concentration allowed the hosts to turn the ball over and procure a penalty in the subsequent phase of play, which David Skrela kicked to seal an opening-round win for Toulouse.
Despite taking a bonus point in defeat Bath were left ruing their decision not to kick for touch and end the game, and James says that the loss will prove to be a lesson well learned.
“We played for 79 minutes and 59 seconds, but the second when we didn’t concentrate, they stole our ball. We could have won that game and the guys’ heads are down,” said the South African.
“There is a bit of disappointment and anger that we didn’t close the game out. If we are ever two points up with 30 seconds to go again, we’re not going to lose.”
James’ team-mate and England international Matt Stevens concurred: “At that point we should have put the ball out,” said the prop. “It’s a lesson we have to learn.”
Full-back Nick Abdendanon, who scored Bath’s late try which looked to have snatched victory for the visitors, tried to take the positives from the experience.
“Not many teams come to Toulouse and give them the runaround,” he said.
“It was an awesome effort and we didn’t deserve to lose. We will take the positives because we can be the number one team in this group.
“If we want to be a champion side, then these are the games we have to win.
“It was heartbreaking and we’re all gutted. We came so close - the lads are devastated.”