Bath Rugby returned to winning ways with a commanding 20-0 victory against Sale Sharks at a rain-soaked Recreation Ground on Saturday, reigniting their campaign in the PREM Rugby Cup.
The hosts were efficient from the outset, scoring three well-crafted tries in the first half courtesy of Dan Frost, Tom de Glanville, and Arthur Green. Sale Sharks had a try disallowed, leaving Bath comfortably ahead 15-0 at the break.
In the second half, Bath added a final try through Will Butt, securing the crucial bonus point and moving them up to third place in Pool A.
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Bath showcased smart tactical rugby and dominated the lineout on both attack and defence. After a powerful break from Arthur Green, Bath earned a penalty for Sale’s illegal hands in the ruck, leading to the opening try by Dan Frost.
Sale Sharks responded with pressure but were repeatedly stymied by Bath’s defence and lapses in ball control prevented them from crossing the line. A notable moment came when Sale’s Alex Willis failed to ground a potential try after a high ball, allowing Bath to clear their lines.
Bath finished the first half strongly, with tries from Tom de Glanville followed by an impressive surge from Arthur Green off a quick tap from Tom Carr-Smith.
The second half was a tighter contest. Sale dominated possession but could not break through Bath’s resilient defence. Bath’s strategic use of replacements helped maintain pressure and secure vital field position.
A rare incursion into Sale’s territory culminated in a fourth Bath try when Will Butt capitalised on a kick from Neil Le Roux to seal a well-earned victory.
Bath Rugby lineup: Tom de Glanville (15), Sam Winters (14), Chris Harris (13), Will Butt (12), Charlie Griffin (11), Cameron Redpath (10), Tom Carr-Smith (9); Front row: Scott Kirk (1), Dan Frost (2), Kieran Verden (3); Second row: Harvey Cuckson (4), Ewan Richards (5); Back row: Ethan Staddon (6), Miles Reid (7), Arthur Green (8).
Replacements included Tom Dunn, Francois van Wyk, Vilikesa Sela, Quinn Roux, Ross Molony, Neil Le Roux, Ted Hill, and Kepueli Tuipulotu.
Sale Sharks started with Alex Wills (15), Obi Ene (14), Osian Roberts (13), Joe Bedlow (12), Reagan Grace (11), Ollie Davies (10), Dom Hanson (9), Reuben Logan (8), Tristan Woodman (7), Jos Gilmore (6), Tom Burrow (captain, 5), Patrick Hogg (4), James Harper (3), Ethan Caine (2), Tumy Onasanya (1).
Sale’s bench featured Tadgh McElroy, Ralph McEachran, Patreece Bell, Huw Davies, Seb Kelly, Nye Thomas, Toby Wilson, and Albert Bradshaw.
Referee for the match was Joe James, assisted by Jonathan Cook and James Clarke.