Reigning PREM Rugby Cup champions Bath Rugby showcased their dominance with a resounding 60-19 victory over Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium on Sunday. The Blue, Black and White side ran in an impressive ten tries featuring a standout hat-trick from hooker Dan Frost and multiple scores from Arthur Clark and George Timmins.
Bath’s dynamic pack controlled much of the match, utilizing powerful maul drives to repeatedly breach Sale’s defense. Frost’s three tries came off these mauls, while Clark and Timmins each crossed the line twice. Charlie Griffin, Jasper Spandler, and debutant Tyler Mason also contributed tries, punctuated by fly-half Will Roue’s accurate kicking, who converted five tries with ease. Roue’s recent call-up from BUCs rugby looks well justified.
Sale Sharks scored three tries, with hooker Nathan Jibulu crossing twice and Albert Bradshaw adding a consolation score. Despite battling admirably, Sale’s young squad, featuring a mix of first-teamers and emerging talent, couldn’t match the consistency and cohesion of Bath’s next-generation stars developed in a world-class environment.
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Bath opened the scoring through number eight Arthur Green, who powered through Sale’s defense following a quick ruck pick-up. Frost’s robust mauling saw him claim two tries in the first half, while Griffin’s 50m interception sprint showcased Bath’s speed and skill. Sale briefly hit back through Jibulu, but Bath’s relentless pressure kept them dominant.
In the second half, Frost completed his hat-trick from another maul, then set up Green for his second try. Timmins and Spandler added further scores, capitalizing on Driving mauls again as Sale’s Sam Dugdale received a yellow card trying to halt their momentum. With the extra man advantage late on, Bath sped to two more tries, including a creative team try finished by Mason following an incredible offload from Will Muir.
Though Sale grabbed a late try through Bradshaw, Bath’s victory firmly established their credentials as title contenders. The win lifts Bath to third place in the group, just two points behind leaders Exeter, with a game in hand.
Bath now prepare to face derby rivals Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground in their next PREM Rugby Cup challenge.