It was an absolutely bizarre weekend of fixtures for the West Country sides, all defeated in away trips with massively inconsistent performances.
Bristol Bears were up first on Friday night, trekking north to Kingston Park where they were beaten by a downtrodden but spirited Newcastle Falcons 30-15 in an uninspiring showing.
Bath travelled to the capital to take on London Irish at the Gtech Community Stadium, producing simultaneously the best and worst 40-minute performances of any of the region's teams this weekend as they were defeated 47-38 in a performance best captured by the phrase "too little, too late".
Exeter Chiefs were also in action on Saturday afternoon, failing to keep their undefeated streak alive as they were defeated 28-20 by fellow invincible side Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Rugby reporter Nathan Russell selects his West Country Team of the Week...
15. Matt Gallagher (Bath)
His best performance in blue, black and white as he continues a promising start to his Bath career.
Convincingly put in his side’s finest 80-minute performance, taking five opponents out of the game on his way to assisting Gabriel Hamer-Webb for Bath’s first try, before grabbing one of his own as they overwhelmed the London Irish defence with an overlap.
14. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)
A mixed affair at points for the England international on Saturday, but he injected the game with his vintage brutality. Perhaps Cokanasiga’s use as Bath’s primary carrier is a little odd considering he’s a wide man, but there’s no denying he’s rather effective.
Blasted his way to the line as the fightback ensued, carrying for the score despite the clinging arms of Paddy Jackson and Will Joseph helplessly attempting to stop him.
I will continue to campaign for him to be utilised as an 8 or a 12 until I get my way!
13. Henry Slade (Exeter)
Took on kicking duties assuredly, with some impressive touch finders putting his side in perfect position for Luke Cowan-Dickie’s opening score.
Always a threat with the ball in hand, secure in defence, and even had a turnover to his name! A well-rounded performance from the England international as he continues his successful return.
12. Piers O’Conor (Bristol)
His side’s best player on Friday night, not that there was a whole lot of competition.
His clean break would have put a five-pointer on a plate for the supporting AJ MacGinty were it not for a miraculous tackle from Mateo Carreras. I regularly find myself in awe of his ability to provide quick service with his pops to the men outside of him and his powerful carries were punching holes throughout the Falcons defensive line throughout.
11. Olly Woodburn (Exeter)
Another brilliant day at the office at the winger continues an incredible start to the season, who secures my prestigious award of player of the week.
Was near entirely responsible for his side’s second half try, dummying to create a gap in the nails defence of Sale Sharks, before passing to the supporting Sam Maunder for the score.
Took a one-handed Odell Beckham Jr-esque catch off a kick-off that was certainly one for the highlight reel.
10. AJ MacGinty (Bristol)
Showcased his flashy footwork, making some breaks throughout his minutes, and beating a team-leading five defenders in the process.
Robbed of a try by a simply astounding tackle from Mateo Carreras but is enjoying his 10-12 partnership with O’Conor, with the two allowing the midfield and wide-men to see a nice bit of ball.
9. Sam Maunder (Exeter)
Entered the fray relatively early following Stu Townsend’s early exit, but made the absolute most as he staked his claim for the competitive starting 9 shirt.
Finished a try with a marvellous support line off the marauding Olly Woodburn, and provided excellent service as he continued to iron out a flourishing half-back partnership with Harvey Skinner, who himself is making the fly-half slot his own.
1. Alec Hepburn (Exeter)
Had a reduced week in terms of carries by his colossal standards, but made every collision count.
Continues to flourish as a first receiver, with his hands adding another dimension to the Exeter attack and stood up well to the challenge of Sale’s ferocious pack.
2. Tom Dunn (Bath)
Dunn faces stiff competition from his replacement in Niall Annett, but just pips him to it given his vaster array of minutes.
It was a big shift from the hooker, who has flourished so far this season despite the added burden of the captain’s armband.
He racked up the metres as he got his side over the gain line as a regular source of carries, and piled up the defensive hits with 11 tackles in what was a flexible game from the England international.
3. Harry Williams (Exeter)
The England international played a supporting role on Saturday, put performed his subtle duties admirably.
Supported runners to ensure attacks could flourish and tackled firmly throughout.
4. Quinn Roux (Bath)
The Ireland international made a good impact in his first start in blue, black and white.
Nailed attackers a team-leading 16 times with all the subtlety of a reversing dump truck, making his presence known (and most definitely felt) across the field.
5. Tom Ellis (Bath)
The back-rower was thrown in at the deep-end for his Gallagher Premiership return, having to adjust quickly to play lock following Josh McNally’s and GJ van Velze’s early injuries.
While the line-out did not manage to fully recover without their two callers, Ellis put in a big shift, going after collisions like a dog chasing a ball.
6. Jannes Kirsten (Exeter)
The blood and guts of this Chiefs side lived up to his reputation, getting his head down for a workhorse performance.
Thrived in some gnarly collisions and was always on hand to support isolated runners for clear outs.
7. Jake Heenan (Bristol)
The Premiership’s second most active tackler was consistent with his billing, making 19 tackles on Friday.
While his high work-rate may not have driven his side to a victory, it certainly was something to smile about as he continues to lead the team exemplarily in the absence of Steven Luatua. Omnipresent on Friday.
8. Magnus Bradbury (Bristol)
The Bear sits on his chest rather comfortably, with another standout display on Friday. Always makes the metres when asked of him, leading the way for the forwards with 44 and also reached double figures in tackles in a sharp performance.
