Russell scores 15 as Bath edge Gloucester in thrilling derby

The Prem

Gloucester (21) 26

Tries: Rapava-Ruskin, C. Atkinson, S. Atkinson, Edwards-Giraud Cons: Barton 3

Bath (19) 30

Tries: Hennessey, Frost, Pepper, Russell Cons: Russell 2 Pens: Russell 2

Finn Russell scored 15 points including two late penalties as Bath's late surge confined Gloucester to a ninth Prem loss in a fiercely fought derby contest.

The Cherry and Whites had led from early in the first-half to the 72nd minute when Russell's two penalties kicked Bath four points clear and to the top of the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's matches.

Gloucester still came away with two bonus points and surely much confidence, scoring tries through Val Rapava-Ruskin, Charlie Atkinson and Seb Atkinson after Louie Hennessey's opening score for Bath.

Dan Frost and Guy Pepper closed the gap to two at the break and while Afolabi Fasogbon kept the hosts in front, Russell's try and kicks from the tee saw Bath take the spoils once again in their long-standing west country rivalry.

More to follow.

Gloucester: Barton; Hathaway, Edwards-Giraud, S. Atkinson, Thorley; C. Atkinson, Williams (c); Rapava Ruskin, Crane, Fasogbon; Gwynne, Alemanno, Venter, Ludlow, Trenholm.

Replacements: Knowles, Knight, Gotovtsev, Jordan, Mann, Austin, Byrne, Cotgreave.

Sin bin: Knight (72)

Bath: Carreras; Hennessey, Harris, Ojomoh, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Van Wyk, Frost, Griffin, Hill, Roux, Bayliss, Staddon, Green.

Replacements: Tuipulotu, Obano, Du Toit, Ewels, Pepper, Van der Linde, Arundell, Underhill.

Sin bin: Pepper (68 mins)

Referee: Ian Tempest