I'm proud of derby record - Lam

Bristol Bears skipper Fitz Harding scores a try during the 37-35 Gallagher Premiership defeat against Saracens at Ashton Gate during the early part of the campaign

- John EVELY

BRISTOL Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is backing his team of "rejects" to deliver another derby victory against Bath Rugby's star-studded side when the two clubs go head-to-head in a potential make-or-break game in the Gallagher Premiership at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Bristol’s path to the play-offs, while still in their own hands, is now a tightrope walk with little room for error.

With three rounds remaining, they have dropped down to fourth place in the table, just a point ahead of Gloucester and three in front of Saracens.

Looking ahead to the derby against table-toppers Bath, Bristol boss Lam said: "It is a game I don’t need to motivate the guys for too much, because that just takes care of itself. We just need to make sure that we are all pulling in the same direction."

The Bears certainly have more obvious motivations going into the game with Bath having already secured a home semi-final in the play-offs following their 55-19 win over Newcastle Falcons in round 15. Having also secured a place in the European Challenge Cup final against Lyon later this month, and with a match at the Recreation Ground against Leicester Tigers next weekend, there is a strong suspicion Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan will rest some of his first team stars this weekend, but Lam says with Bath's budget this season any side they put out will provide a challenge.

He said: "We have probably spent two million less on our squad this season compared to Bath to get our house in order financially.