Bath Rugby defeat Sale 36-28 at the Rec to end three-game losing streak

Bath Rugby secured a 36-28 victory over Sale at the Rec on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing run. The hosts earned a bonus point in the process, marking their first win in three matches. The result provided a sharp contrast to their recent form, with the team displaying improved attacking play throughout the afternoon.

The contest began with Bath establishing an early lead. In the third minute, a maul near midfield created space for Henry Arundell to break through. The winger accelerated past the cover defense to score the opening try. Sale responded quickly, with Nathan Jibulu finishing a line-out drive to put the visitors on the scoreboard. All of Sale's tries were converted by George Ford.

Bath extended their advantage before halftime. Tom de Glanville scored a try by running an angle that bypassed the defensive line after receiving a pass from Ben Spencer. The hosts added a further score when Arundell secured possession from a clearance kick. The ball was moved wide, allowing de Glanville to draw defenders toward Joe Cokanasiga, who ran in for his first try of the match. Bath led 19-7 at the break after Finn Russell missed a penalty earlier in the half.

The second half began with Bath reaching their bonus-point threshold. Two minutes after the restart, Russell executed a cross-field kick to Cokanasiga. The winger finished strongly to score his second try. Sale’s Tom O'Flaherty replied moments later, accepting a pass from Ford to reduce the deficit. Russell added a penalty kick to keep Bath in control.

Bath sealed the win in the closing stages. A kick through from Bernard van der Linde allowed replacement Louie Hennessey to win a race to the line for the fifth Bath try. Sale pushed hard late in the game, scoring through Luke Cowan-Dickie and Elia Canakaivata. These efforts earned the visitors a losing bonus point, but the final margin remained in Bath's favor.

The match concluded with Bath holding a comfortable lead. The team credited their inventive play for creating multiple try opportunities. Finn Russell converted four tries and kicked one penalty for a total of 17 points from the boot for the home side. The victory ends a difficult stretch for Bath as they look to stabilize their position in the league.