Steve Meehan failed to hide his delight after his side's clinical 36-14 European Challenge Cup semi-final win over Sale Sharks.
Bath boss ecstatic after Sharks are put to the sword
Bath head coach Steve Meehan failed to hide his delight after his side's clinical 36-14 European Challenge Cup semi-final win over Sale at the Rec.
Meehan's men will face Worcester in the final after the hosts dominated the final four encounter from start to finish - running in five tries from five different scorers in the process.
The Australian coach rated his side's display as the best execution of a game plan since his arrival in the South West almost two years ago.
He said. "That was right on the money. We were aware of their threat but defensively we shut them right down and we took the opportunities that came to us in attack."
The Bath boss has now urged his side to build on their impressive win over the Sharks by cementing a place in the Guinness Premiership play-offs.
Absolute joy
"The final is a month away and we play Saracens in the league next weekend - If we play like that again we can book ourselves a spot in the play-offs too.
"That was a very good performance. From last July we knew exactly what we wanted to do this season but when you see it happen the rewards are there for everyone, including the supporters.
"In the most beautiful surroundings of any rugby park in the world, it was an absolute joy."
With new England manager Martin Johnson spotted in the stands, one player who will have been under close scrutiny was man of the match Matt Stevens.
Meehan said: "This was an opportunity for Matt to come out and say 'I am the best prop in England'. All I can say is that he would be running on for England if I was involved.
"He was up against one of the best looseheads in the world, if not the best, in (Andrew) Sheridan and he was carrying the ball well, showing great leg strength in contact. He's always maturing as a leader."
Sale woe
Sale director of rugby Phlippe Saint-Andre admitted his side had simply been outclassed on the day.
He said: "You have to accept it when a team are better than you. We made a lot of mistakes and there was poor handling but I am not crying or complaining."
Sale face a crunch play-off clash against Harlequins next Sunday but Saint-Andre is unsure if Jason White and Sebastien Chabal will be available.
He said: "I am crossing my fingers they will be fit for next week. I am confident I can raise the players but we need to be focused."
