I was lucky enough to win the HostaFan instagram competition, 1 hospitality ticket to the Bath vs Leicester game last friday. Here is how it went....
Louis gave me a call to let me know I was the winner early on Friday morning, so after that point most of Friday work was a right off. Checked the train times while chatting with Louis, I could make it from Newport to Bath and back late the same night. Louis told me about the menu, in 1865 Pavillion hospitality. 4 courses and a free bar…Very nice I thought.. Now what to wear?
Louis told me there wasn’t really a dress code and I fact they encourage rugby shirts, as a Exeter fan, I thought wearing my Chiefs shirt maybe a bad move. Louis suggested an England shirt instead. As a Wales supporter this WASN’T an option either!!!! Lions top always covers all bases!
I made my way by Train over to Bath Spa and meet up with Louis after he had escaped from a work meeting. (He actually did escape, after being locked in the office building for 5 mins).
We walked over to the Rec and entered the Pavillion, a very glamorous space, with its big glitter ball hanging over the laid out tables. We were sat on a table of ten, after introductions to the others on the table, we headed over to the free bar, Bath Ale Gem was on offer and of course this is a cracking pint.
The menu was very tasty and well presented, Naan breads and chutney, Lamb Samosa’s, Tandoori chicken supreme , followed by a white chocolate cardamom mouse. All washed down by a few glasses of wine and another Gem.
There was a Q&A with 2 Bath players and a Man of the match prediction competition, I went for Ted Hill, his first home start since moving from Worcester, thought he might have a belter! Bottle of Champagne for the winner.
We headed out to our seats, I have been to the Rec before for an Exeter game a few years ago, but the atmosphere tonight was electric.
So the game…..I must admit, I thought Leicester would be too strong for Bath, even with some of their stars being out for international duty. From the start of the game Leicester were impressive, strong and clinical. But Bath had stayed in touch.
Then on coming up to the half hour mark my grip on the bottle of champagne man of the match prize tighten!! Ted Hill Try!!!
The Rec and I went crazy!
The rest of the game was a good old fashion wrestling match, Leicester turned the screw, but Bath still held on, close enough for a sucker punch. And what a punch it was..! Clock in the red, a dive for the line, crazy scenes at the Rec. What a finish! 19-18!
Heading back to the warmth of the hospitality, cheese, crackers and another pint of Gem.
There was some more Q&A bits, but my train was due, so back to the station and home for me. After a slightly delay to the train I was back over the bridge in Wales, ready for the Wales vs Argentina game on Saturday (A bit of a rugby packed weekend)!
I will back to the Rec soon, Bath vs Exeter next year. Thanks Louis and HostaFan for such an entertaining evening. I still didn’t find out if I won the man of the match competition!!!
