Bath Rugby delivered one of their most commanding performances this season with a 60-19 triumph over Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium, significantly enhancing their prospects for the PREM Rugby Cup knockout stages.
The Blue, Black and White showcased incredible attacking flair, crossing the try line ten times. Hooker Dan Frost was the standout, scoring a remarkable hat-trick, while Arthur Green and second-half substitute George Timmins added braces. Charlie Griffin, Jasper Spandler, and guest player Tyler Mason also contributed tries, with fly-half Will Roue converting five kicks.
Sale Sharks managed three tries, two from their dynamic hooker Nathan Jibulu and a late consolation score from winger Albert Bradshaw. Fly-half Tom Curtis successfully kicked two conversions.
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John Evely now turns his attention to Bath Rugby’s individual performances:
15 Austin Emens – 7
Emens had a reliable display as full-back, particularly under the high ball during extended kicking exchanges. However, he will reflect on a missed tackle that allowed Jibulu’s powerful first try.
14 Charlie Griffin – 8
Griffin enjoyed a fortunate day as every bounce went his way. His interception try was a testament to his alertness and pace, evading defenders brilliantly to sprint home.
13 Jack Harrison – 6
Making his professional debut at outside centre, Harrison showed early ambition with a bold cross-field kick. A solid outing as he began testing his skills at this level.
12 Will Butt – 8
The captain was a key figure both defensively and offensively, laying down huge tackles and making impactful carries, especially in the build-up to Green’s second try.
11 Will Muir – 8
Though quiet in scoring terms, Muir’s defensive work was impressive with multiple vital tackles and slick carries. His creative pass set up Mason’s try in the closing stages.
10 Will Roue – 6
Roue’s first competitive start showed promise as his distribution sparked the backline. Despite some errors, he converted five kicks to notch ten points.
9 Bernard van der Linde – 7
Coming off injury, the South African scrum-half brought his strong kicking game, helping Bath dominate early box-kick exchanges.
1 Scott Kirk – 8
Kirk laid a solid platform in the scrum and lineout, delivering powerful performances upfront.
2 Dan Frost – 9
Frost was inspirational, scoring three tries mainly from driving mauls, while his inventive offloads and tenacious defense made him an unstoppable force.
3 Kieran Verden – 8
The tighthead prop’s physical dominance was evident throughout. His aggressive tackling and set-piece solidity set the tone for Bath’s pack.
4 Will Jeanes – 9
Jeanes produced potentially his finest display, relentless in carrying the ball and dynamic around the field.
5 Harvey Cuckson – 7
Cuckson showed promise before exiting with a shoulder injury in the first half.
6 Ethan Staddon – 7
The blindside flanker disrupted Sale’s breakdown ball consistently, despite conceding a few penalties.
7 Thompson Cowan – 7
Cowan made crucial turnovers, including one that prevented a likely Sale try in the first half.
8 Arthur Green – 8
Green grabbed two impressive tries, showcasing power and footwork to excel against Sale’s backrow, including Springbok Dan du Preez.
Replacements:
16 Jasper Spandler – 7
17 Ioan Emmanuel – 7
18 Mikey Summerfield – 7
19 Jack Bennett – 7
20 George Timmins – 8
21 Neil le Roux – 7
22 James Linegar – 7
23 Tyler Mason – 7