Priestland kicks Bath to 16-14 win over Sale Sharks

Bath Rugby 16-14 Sale Sharks, Recreation Ground
Scorecard

Rhys Priestland kicked the decisive penalty goal in the closing stage as Bath Rugby edged out Sale Sharks 16-14 in their Gallagher Premiership encounter at Recreation Ground on Saturday.

This is Bath's second consecutive win in the tournament as they climbed to the fifth place in the table with 17 points while Sale Sharks are at seventh spot.

Boosted by the returns of Taulupe Faletau and Francois Louw, Bath had a six point lead in the first half with back to back penalty goals from Priestland in the 9th and 16th minutes while the visitors failed to score a point.

Stuart Hooper's men increased their lead early in the second half when an offload from Priestland allowed Jonathan Joseph to touchdown in the 46th minute. The fly-half kicked the conversion to make the scoreline 13-0.

Sale Sharks made a strong response with back to back tries from Akker van der Merwe and Byron McGuigan with double conversions from Robert Du Preez ensuring they had a 13-14 lead but Priestland took the home side over the line with his third penalty kick in the 71st minute.

Bath will now face Gloucester Rugby in the 8th round at Kinsholm on 4th January while Sale Sharks host Harlequins at AJ Bell Stadium on 3rd January.