Friday the Thirteenth, Bristol v Bath

Bath have an ominous date with destiny when they visit Ashton gate on Friday.  So too do Bristol – for different reasons. If Bath were to lose, it would be their fourth defeat in a row in all competitions. For Bristol there is optimism to continue their recent upturn in form – two European and two AP victories being followed by a fighting bonus point reverse at Northampton.  Friday is traditionally believed to be unlucky in seafaring communities. Will this Friday be the day that Bristol, a city built on maritime trade, find their luck comes to an end? Or will the first Friday the thirteenth of the year prove to be a horror show for a Bath side struggling all season with injuries and seemingly, recently with form as well?

Since parting company with Andy Robinson, Bristol have built momentum and found improved form in all tournaments. Of the 9 fixtures in that time, 4 have been won, with 3 yielding losing bonus points. One of the secrets of that success is Mark Tainton putting some fun back into their training. The improvement in morale means a slump into despondency or superstition is unlikely. Todd Blackadder will know that his battered squad, deflated by close, last minute defeats in the last two outings, will be up against it in the third of this season’s four Avon derbies.