Bath's belief shines through the storm

BATH’S group morale was key as the West Country side produced a superb six-try display to get their third victory from their last four matches to continue their resurgence in form.

- LUKEJARMYN

Director of rugby Stuart Hooper’s grin at the final whistle said it all as Bath’s forwards impressively clipped Falcons’ wings and enjoyed large periods of dominance in difficult, changeable conditions to end a six-year winless spell at Kingston Park.

Hooker Tom Dunn dotted down twice while back-rowers Sam Underhill and Montpellierbound Zach Mercer showed why they are so highly rated with try-scoring performances.

The manner of the win, Bath’s third on the road after trips to Sale and Northampton in recent weeks, belies their league position and proves that last week’s heavy defeat to English and European champions Exeter was a blip as they target a top-four spot.

Hooper said: “I’m very pleased with the performance. Credit to the guys.

“Sam Underhill showed his destructive best, turning the ball over a number of times, Tom Dunn put everything in and Ben Spencer really stepped up.