Every point is going to count over the closing furlongs of the Premiership season and, on this evidence, Bath will have reason to thank Finn Russell when the playoff sums are done. Among the Scotland fly-half’s reasons for relocating to the west country was a desire to compete for silverware and, along with Joe Cokanasiga, he was among the key architects of a significant win which elevates his side to second in the table.
A dominant last quarter from Bath’s forwards was also responsible for inflicting Sale’s sixth successive defeat in all competitions but Russell had a hand in four of his side’s five tries, kicked impressively from all angles and, for good measure, also landed thehis first drop goal of his Premiership career off his weaker left foot. Two tries for Cokanasiga and one for England’s Ollie Lawrence also rammed home Bath’s overall superiority.
