Bath 28 - 16 Sale Sharks: PREM Rugby result as Bath hold off an advancing Sale Sharks to continue their perfect bonus point start at home

Bath continue perfect start with 28-16 victory and inflict first defeat on a defensive Sale Sharks at the Rec. 

A trio of tries from Henry Arundell, Cameron Redpath and Beno Obano in the first half were followed by a brilliant chase from make-shift fly-half Max Ojomoh to seal the victory in the 78th minute.

George Ford was essential in keeping Sales’ hopes alive, kicking nine points before the break, including two drop goals to boot, but a try from Nathan Jibulu on the return was not enough to prevent the defeat. 

Sale opened the points scoring with a penalty kick from Ford, but their advantage was short-lived as Bath came from behind after Ollie Lawrence and Arundell broke through the line on the wing, to put Bath back in front in the seventh minute.

Once there, Sale struggled with discipline, conceding penalties in crucial moments, including a yellow card for Willgriff John after a high tackle on Sam Underhill.

Redpath and Beno Obano extended the lead of the reigning champions before the break, with Obano capitalising on a penalty caused by another Lawrence line-break. 

In the second half, Sale looked like a resurgent side, quickly coming within just five points of the leaders after Jibulu’s try, and pressuring Bath into fumbling some key chances to close out the match.

However, in the end, Bath were the better side as Ben Spencer pipped the ball over the Sale defence from the scrum, as it was chased down by a sliding Ojomoh to give them an insurmountable lead and a bonus point to boost their campaign.

But Bath's continued strength is not the only storyline to watch out for this weekend.

Healy did not hold back when asked about Newcastle's decision to part ways with head coach Steve Diamond.

Post-match Sam Warburton described Bath as the team to beat.

As a reigning champions and after a dominant start to the season without some key figures it certainly looks that way.

Injuries could wreak havoc after Ted Hill and Charles Ewels both limped off, but only time will tell if they will be back for next week.

That was just the appetiser to another exciting weekend of PREM rugby.

Post-match, Spencer said: "It is one for the purists. Fair play for these guys, they gave it all for 80 minutes in the rain.

"It was a frustrating game, so credit to Sale, I thought they were immense in defence, but we stuck at it right to the end and got the try we wanted.

"Tonight was about 1-23, on the bench I thought they came on and brought up the intensity."

Spencer gains his second player of the match medal in two games. Not a bad start for the humble number 9.

As soon as the game goes into the red, Spencer gathers the ball and ends the game.

Bath manage to hold off a resurgent Sale Sharks in the second-half to continue their perfect bonus point start at the Rec, and inflict the visitors to their first defeat of the season.

Spencer kicks them away from the danger zone.

When in the red, Spencer gathers the ball and ends the game.

Willgriff has gone. Given a yellow card after more head-on-head contact.

No wrapping, no arms, all head contact on Sam Underhill

Does he ground? Is he onside?

Spencer narrowly misses the penalty kick central shot from 38m. Sale still trail by just 5 points.

WillGriff John escapes a card after a head-on-head tackle. The ref deems that John tried to wrap his arm around but was prevented.

The ref feels it was not a high degree of danger. Just a penalty this time - a lucky escape for John in the eyes of Healy.

From the scrum, Bath pass it wide to Lawrence who holds onto it until Arundell is beside him. The pass is just missed and it goes out of touch, less than 10 metres away from the try-line, that's a big miss from Bath.

A big hit on Ted Hill folds him in half and hits his head. After some medical attention he's coming off. Tom Carr-Smith is sent on to replace him.

Healy said: "I can't believe he's walking."

BATH KEEPING SALE IN THEIR HALF
Despite the score-line Bath have continued to be dominant in this half.

They have completed 53 phases in their oppositions second half alone today.

Sale fans will be getting worried that their time is running out.

The commentators had a lot to say about Ford.

Alistair Eykyn said: "It’s important to remember that is George Ford is 32. I think a lot of people have conversations around George Ford like he's somehow in the autumn of his career.
"I mean, if he stays fit, if he plays as long as Jimmy Gopperth, he's playing in another eight years."

Healy added: "I think on current form he’s definitely going to start the Autumn Internationals in the 10 shirt for England. I think Farrell might find himself on the bench."

GRIM WEATHER FOR A GRUELLING SECOND HALF

Sale win another lineout, Reid tries to make a run, but is tackled. Ford kicks it long. Its gathered by Arundell who chases down his own kick.

His advance is stopped by Ford and Reid.