Brad Davis thinks Bath's16-14 win against Saracens will be an important boost to morale.
Bath coach looking to build on Saracens win
Bath coach Brad Davis thinks his side's narrow 16-14 Guinness Premiership win against Saracens will be an important confidence boost.
After some disappointing cup losses in recent weeks, Bath edged out third-placed Sarries to record a fifth consecutive league victory.
And Davis thinks that pulling through in a tight encounter will put Steve Meehan's squad in the right frame of mind as they chase European competition and possibly a playoff place.
"It's important to win this type of game after suffering a few tight defeats. We can build on this win, a great game for front-row guys if not for everyone else," he said.
"We knew Saracens would have an aggressive kick-chase and we handled that area of their game very well.
"Winning breeds confidence, and this type of performance at this time of the season is hugely satisfying."
Deserved win
Davis thought that Bath's dominance of the contest was not reflected in the eventual winning margin of two points.
The hosts had the chance to grab a dramatic win at the death but Derick Hougaard's kick did not make it through the posts.
The former Castleford Tiger stated that a Saracens victory would not have been deserved on the balance of play.
He added: "Their try came against then run of play, and was a bit fortunate. But our eight did ever so well and they rarely threatened our line.
"I think the scoreline flattered Saracens given the goals we missed, but I hope this backs up what we have been saying for some time, that we are not a one-man team and we can win without Butch James on the field.
"I shut my eyes when Hougaard stepped up to take their last-gasp penalty. And while it's not ideal to win on a missed kick, we deserved it."
Near steal
Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter agreed with the sentiment, admitting that it would have been harsh on Bath had Hougaard made the kick.
"If we had won that game it would have been a tremendous steal, but not deserved," he said.
"We are missing a starting front five through various reasons and Bath were better than us there. We have conceded two penalty tries and two yellow cards in the last three games, and maybe we are getting something of a reputation.
"Being brutally honest, our set-piece is not good enough. There's no lack of effort, nobody not trying. But the reality is that we need to work on the set-piece.
Sarries' form has recently taken a nosedive after a very strong start to the season, but Venter believes the club is still on track to reach its long-term goals.
"Our long-term aim is to make this club unbelievable. Why do you think we are bringing in the likes of Matt Stevens next season?
"We may not make the Premiership semi-final this season, but our aim is to become Premiership champions.
"We will fix it, but it will be about hard work."
