Last season’s Premiership Cup champions Bath ran in ten tries to secure victory over Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium.
Bath opened the scoring through Arthur Green after winning the territorial battle early on. The No.8 collected possession on the edge of the ruck, accelerated past the last defender and scored under the posts, with Will Roue adding the conversion.
The visitors extended their lead soon after, capitalising on possession from the Sale restart. After a penalty for not rolling away, Roue kicked to the corner and from the resulting lineout, hooker Dan Frost peeled off the back of the maul to score. The conversion drifted wide.
Sale responded well, with Nathan Jibulu producing a moment of individual brilliance. From 20 metres out, the centre broke through two tackles, spun out of contact and stepped his way over the line. Curtis added the extras to bring the Sharks back into the contest.
However, Bath regained control before the break. After another midfield penalty, they kicked to a five-metre lineout and Frost crossed for his second try of the afternoon, Roue converting cleanly. An interception try from winger Charlie Griffin shortly afterwards extended Bath’s advantage, and the visitors went into half-time leading 7–26.
The Sharks struck first after the interval, once again through the power of Jibulu. Exploiting the blindside, Sale pinned Bath deep in their own 22. After opting for a tap penalty, the ball was worked to Jibulu, who forced his way over for his second try. Curtis converted from the touchline.
Bath responded quickly through their set piece, with Frost completing his hat-trick from close range. From there, momentum swung firmly back in the visitors’ favour, with Sale’s discipline coming under pressure as Bath piled on sustained attacks.
Further tries from Arthur Green, George Timmings (2), Jason Spandler and Tyler Mason rounded off a comprehensive victory for Bath, as they claimed a ten-try win despite spirited moments from the Sharks.
