Bath Rugby head coach Mike Ford praised his side's huge defensive effort as they opened the new Aviva Premiership season with a 21-0 win at Newcastle Falcons last night.
The home side saw plenty of territory and possession at Kingston Park but had just one shot at the posts to show for their efforts, which fly-half Phil Godman was unable to convert in atrocious weather conditions.
Bath kicker George Ford, on the other hand, was successful with his first three penalty attempts before two powerful lineout drives led to an Anthony Perenise touchdown and converted penalty try late on as the visitors wrapped up the win.
"It is always tough up here and playing into the wind in the first half, to go in 6-0 up was a great result for us," said Ford.
"They had one chance at goal but didn't really threaten our line at all. We just talked about being tough in the second half, showing a bit of resolve and resilience. I think we did all those things – we were mentally tough.
"It was freezing for both teams out there and we dominated them in the forwards. It was pleasing to get the 21 points and pleasing that we didn't concede any.
"The game management was pretty good. It was a probably a game where you didn't need the ball, you just needed field position. The backs just had to chase the ball tonight and make a few tackles but the forwards were fantastic.
"I think we said we'd take 6-3 before the game – everyone played well."
Bath centre Kyle Eastmond passed a late fitness in order to start at Kingston Park but was withdrawn just before the break after suffering a leg injury, allowing Wales international Gavin Henson to come on for his debut for the club.
Flanker Matt Garvey also took a heavy knock in the closing stages but Ford said neither injury was a major cause for concern.
"Garvey did really well and it's just a stinger," said Ford, who added that he was pleased his side were able to adapt their game in the constant downpour.
"Kyle took a knock to the leg but nothing is twisted. He had a fitness test just before and it was touch and go whether he'd play or not.
"We had Gavin on the bench and he is a good sub to bring on. We are pretty pleased and there are no major injury concerns at all.
"I think we kept the foot on the pedal with our subs. The four lads that came on after 50 minutes did really, really well. It is going to be a squad rotation this year and hopefully we can keep that tempo up.
"It's frustrating because every training session we've had this pre-season has been in the sun.
"In the pre-season games against Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys it rained a bit but we haven't been playing a lot of rugby in like what we saw today, so it's good that we had the game management and dominance in the forwards to play like we did.
"Over the course of the Premiership you need to play in different ways and that's what we did tonight."
