News

Borthwick predicts 'bigger things'

May 25 2008

Man-of-the-match Steve Borthwick paid tribute to his Bath team-mates and fans after beating Worcester 24-16 to win the European Challenge Cup at Kingsholm on Sunday.

Borthwick and Olly Barkley will leave Bath following the final which saw them dominate against the Warriors in tough conditions.

Bath, who had lost four successive finals in three different competitions since winning the Heineken Cup in 1998, scored tries through flanker Jonny Faamatuainu and full-back Nick Abendanon with Barkley keeping his side ahead by landing a drop-goal, two penalties and a conversion.

Shane Drahm kicked three penalties for the Warriors and full-back Thinus Delport scored a late try that substitute Joe Carlisle converted.

"I'm just so happy for the guys who have worked so hard for so many years, and for these fans," the new England captain told Sky Sports.

"I'm looking forward to what's ahead of me, the next couple of days I will enjoy the time I've had with these boys.

"It's been an honour for me to play with them. To win in the fashion we did was superb. It's a great team effort."

Centre Barkley was also pleased with the trophy win on Sunday following a strong season for both the individual and Bath Rugby.

"We've been to so many finals and lost. The boys dug deep. I think this squad is destined for bigger things," he said.

Meanwhile, Bath coach Steve Meehan was delighted to have answered the critics who kept reminding him of the club's ten-year wait for a trophy.

"I'm delighted. It takes all those questions of never having won anything for ten years out of the equation now," Meehan beamed.

"I think over the course of the whole game we made some errors and put ourselves under pressure. I'm pleased the boys didn't go into their shells, they kept going."