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Bath
European Champions Cup | Group Stage
Dec 12, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
BathBath Rugby
32-12
MontpellierMontpellier
Banahan (3', 14', 53'), Agulla (79')
FT
Tulou (62'), Ivaldi (75')

Matt Banahan hat-trick gives Bath win

Matt Banahan scores a hat-trick of tries as Bath ease to a 32-12 win over Montpellier

Matt Banahan scored three tries to lead Bath Rugby to a comfortable 32-12 win over Montpellier in the European Rugby Champions Cup this evening.

Matt Banahan of Bath scores his second try during the European Rugby Champions Cup Pool Four match against Montpellier on December 12, 2014© Getty Images

The home side were ahead just two minutes into the match when Montpellier were caught out by a pass out wide to Banahan, who was left to stroll in for his first try of the night.

The wing was over again within the opening quarter of an hour when a dummy from Sam Burgess left Banahan open for another easy score.

After Semesa Rokoduguni knocked on to deny himself the chance to increase Bath's lead early in the first half, the hosts sent on some fresh legs, and they quickly set up Banahan's third of the match.

Montpellier finally got off the mark in the final 20 minutes when they won a lineout just five metres out, and were able to make the most of the opportunity as Alex Tulou powered over.

Mickael Ivaldi added another late on for the visitors before Bath pushed for a fourth try to secure a bonus point, and they clinched it with just over a minute to spare when Horacio Agulla found a gap.

The result moves Bath up to second in Pool Four, while Montpellier remain bottom.

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Bath player Matt Banahan celebrates with team mates after scoring the first try during the Aviva Premiership match between Bath Rugby and Harlequins at Recreation Ground on November 28, 2014
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