Meehan sidesteps Grewcock's stamp
January 24 2010
Bath coach Steve Meehan refused to blame Danny Grewcock's dismissal for his side's crushing 28-10 Heineken Cup defeat at home to Ulster on Saturday.
While the Irishmen celebrated their first win away to an English side in the competition, and just missed out on one a place in the quarter-finals, Bath finished bottom with only one victory.
Grewcock was sent off for stamping on Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris as the Lions blindside held on to the Bath lock's foot.
"I wouldn't say we lost the game because Danny was off the field," said Meehan.
"There was a 10-minute spell just after half-time when we weren't applying ourselves to the game and were falling off tackles. For whatever reason we started the second half poorly.
It was in that 10-minute spell that Ulster scored long-range tries through Andrew Trimble and Darren Cave which put the game out of the home side's reach.
"We were then playing catch-up," said Meehan.
"We're down to 14 men and it's 21-10. We were attempting passes that weren't on, when you'd expect to be a bit more patient, setting up a ruck.
"Our half-dozen matches in the Heineken Cup reflected the five months of our season. We played well in patches today almost getting there and then taking a step back. It's been extremely frustrating for all involved, the supporters too."
On Grewcock's red card, Meehan added: "I don't think he will be very happy with himself for putting himself at risk of getting a card. But his disciplinary record has been very good in recent seasons."
Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin proclaimed himself exceptionally pleased despite missing out on quarter-final qualification.
"It's a monkey off our back," he said. "Today we are reflecting on the fact that we have won our first game in England. It's a great win from our point of view.
"We came out at half-time knowing that if we could turn the screw, with Bath down to 14 men, we had a good chance. Bath came back really well and put our defence under ferocious pressure and we couldn't seem to get our hands on the ball."