Reigning PREM Rugby Cup champions Bath Rugby delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, overpowering Sale Sharks 60-19 at the CorpAcq Stadium. The visitors ran in an impressive ten tries, showcasing their depth and talent across the park.
Hooker Dan Frost was the star of the show, scoring a remarkable hat-trick, all stemming from Bath’s powerful and well-executed maul. Arthur Clark and George Timmins also made significant contributions with two tries each, while Charlie Griffin, Jasper Spandler, and debutant Tyler Mason each crossed for a score. Fly-half Will Roue, recently called up for BUCs rugby, added five successful conversions, capitalizing on the team’s dominant display.
Sale Sharks, despite a promising lineup blending first-team experience with emerging talent, struggled to match Bath’s intensity and fluency. Their two tries came from hooker Nathan Jibulu, who scored twice, while winger Albert Bradshaw added a late consolation try. Kicker Tom Curtis converted twice but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide of Bath’s relentless attack.
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Bath’s victory, which moves them to third in the group standings—just two points behind leaders Exeter with a game in hand—serves as clear evidence of their thriving development system and the benefits of a world-class environment.
The match saw Bath open strongly with dynamic number eight Arthur Green bursting through the defense to score first. Dominance continued through the forwards as Bath’s maul repeatedly tore through Sale’s defense, facilitating Frost’s tries and others.
Sale’s brief response came through Jibulu, but Bath quickly reasserted control with Frost’s third try and a spectacular 50-meter interception score from winger Griffin, who outpaced and outmuscled defenders.
The second half sustained the high tempo, with Bath’s maul continuing to dominate and replacements like Timmins and Spandler adding to the try tally. Sale’s effort to stem the onslaught faltered, resulting in a yellow card for Sam Dugdale and allowing Bath to capitalize fully in the final ten minutes.
Tyler Mason, a guest player from Pretoria Boys School, capped the scoring with a brilliant finish set up by the skillful Will Muir, who displayed exceptional vision and passing.
Sale’s Bradshaw scored late, but Bath’s comprehensive victory was firmly established, setting the stage for their upcoming derby against Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground.
Final Line-ups:
Sale Sharks started with Luke James at fullback and Nathan Jibulu anchoring the forwards. Bath Rugby fielded a strong squad featuring Dan Frost at hooker and captain Will Butt in the center.
Referee Hamish Smales officiated the match, supported by assistants Ian Tempest and Veryan Boscawen.