Bath beats Sale 36-28 to end three-game losing streak
A sell-out crowd watched as Bath’s improved efficiency and four tries from five players secured a bonus-point victory at the Rec.
By Matthew Collins ·
Bath Rugby fans left the Rec with a 36-28 bonus-point win over Sale, ending a three-game losing streak with a performance marked by speed and efficiency. The home side converted four tries and a penalty to secure five points, improving their recent home record to 16 points from the first batch of fixtures.
The team had lost its previous three matches in a row. In that span, they failed to capitalize on scoring chances. This week, they changed that dynamic against a physical Sale defense. Finn Russell converted four tries and added a penalty. Joe Cokanasiga, Henry Arundell, Tom de Glanville, and Louie Hennessey crossed the line for Bath.
Sale responded with tries from Nathan Jibulu, Tom O'Flaherty, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Elia Canakaivata. George Ford converted all four of Sale's scores. Despite Sale's effort, they did not earn their own bonus point, a result Bath head coach Johann van Graan accepted without concern.
Van Graan noted the team’s balance. He credited Russell for using wide space effectively against a large physical side. "Last week we didn't take our opportunities, but we were much more clinical today," Van Graan said. He added that the squad stayed positive and closed out the game well.
Back rower Miles Reid highlighted the importance of the breakdown, especially against Sale's line-out threats. "It's very rare that we lose three in a row so to win today was massive," Reid said. He noted that the group remained tight and expected to return stronger after the losing streak.
The match concluded with Bath holding their lead to finish the contest. The victory provided a tangible shift in momentum for the home side following their recent struggles.
Source: Western Daily Press
