There was an expectant air around the Rec today as returning hero, Brian Ashton, took charge of his first match. However anyone who thought this game would immediately see the dawning of a new era in which the Bath backs dominated the game will have been disappointed. Instead it was a good old fashioned forward's dog-fight in which two excellent packs scrapped all afternoon with the backs from both sides playing bit-parts to the standard of the local amateur dramatic society rather than Hollywood.

Kicking from hand and general running lines was poor from both sides but the forwards ensured there was some spectacle to watch. Stephenson made a few nice jinking runs for Bath and Daniel Larrechea looked solid for Sale but outside of this the backs did little to earn their wages in this match.

Despite being disappointed about a Bath defeat there is something inside me which says this was a good result for us because it helps bring everyone down to earth. Brian Ashton is a great coach but there is no short-cut to rebuilding our club to the greatness we once enjoyed and I'm sure he'd be the first to express this sentiment. Unfortunately we live in a society that expects instant gratification and therefore a few more losses like this and there will be those who will question Ashton's appointment.

Those of us who like to think we know a little about our club, and rugby in general, see the rest of this season as a rescue mission in the Premiership, ensuring we don't get relegated. If we are lucky we could sneak a Cup victory but even that will take some doing. Providing we see progress with our team over the next few months we should consider this to be our success for the season. We then have to hold on to our top players and start next season with a bang. Rumours that other clubs are sniffing around the likes of Grewcock and Borthwick must be addressed by the Bath management immediately as agent activity does little for team spirit. There is no point having the best coach around if he doesn't have top players through which to weave his magic. 

When reflecting on this game let's not lose site of the fact that Sale are a top team with some inspirational players who can easily turn a game in a matter of moments. Cueto, Robinson, Hodgson, Sheridan, Jones and Chabal could walk in to most sides with ease and all are used to playing at the highest level under immense pressure. To keep these blokes quiet for almost 80 minutes and only lose a game through two moments of shabby defending is a great start to Ashton's career as Director of Rugby in my book. 

Bath got off to an unfortunate start by giving away a penalty for crossing in the opening 30 seconds in front of their posts but Sale never scored again in the first half and Olly Barkley's two penalties gave Bath a 6-3 lead at half time. If that isn't something to be positive about I'm not sure what is: keeping the best team around almost scoreless for a whole half is a definite platform on which the coaches can build success.

Throughout the game Bath shaded the scrum and Sale shaded the line-outs but overall the packs were so well matched both physically and skillfully I thought Frank Warren had been asked to make this match. There was the odd bit of handbagging but both eights did their best to demonstrate good old fashioned forwards play.

However Sale's Elvis Seveali'i broke Bath hearts (and those of a few local hotels as well no doubt - think about it) as he swivelled his hips to evade, rather too easily, our defenders to run in some forty yards for the opening try of the match. We were all shook up as the man who enjoys a certain position in recent Bath Rugby folklore scored in the same place as he scored to save Bath from relegation a few seasons ago. Some may refer to this score as having ironic overtones, I just quietly swore to myself as he ghosted past Alex Crockett with too much ease and planted the ball beyond the try-line.

Olly Barkley and Charlie Hodgson then traded penalties and the game was up for grabs until Bath made another defensive error to allow Magnus Lund to score Sale's second try. Hodgson kicked across field and Higgins was caught in two minds, whether to go for the ball or wait to tackle Cueto should he take possession. Higgins opted for the latter and Cueto skinned the Bath winger, who had just replaced Bory, before passing to Chris Jones who made some ground before feeding Lund for his try. More swearing under my breath as this was a game we could have won, what a scalp that would have been.

Bath made a few late substitutions, including David Flatman to a rousing cheer from the home crowd, and pressed in the closing minutes to try and gain a losing bonus point but it was not to be and Sale bagged the win that returned them to top of the pile.

We have to win our home games against all-comers and to lose this match must be seen as a big disappointment for Brian Ashton and his crew. The Bath sides Ashton grew up with wouldn't have lost such a close encounter and the new man has to instill the "never say die" spirit into his new charges. I'm confident he will, but expect some more pain before it gets easier.

C'mon you Baaaaatttthhhh!!!!

Referee: Chris White (RFU)

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes