Bath Rugby first-team coach Neal Hatley was glad his side finally got to strut their stuff in attack during yesterday's 37-15 LV= Cup win over local rivals Exeter Chiefs.
After three consecutive Friday night matches played in foul weather, Sunday's calm conditions at The Rec meant Bath were able to keep the ball in hand.
And they made their intentions clear when Matt Banahan and Matt Garvey got over the whitewash inside the opening five minutes.
Martin Roberts also touched down in the first half and Nick Abendanon and Anthony Watson frequently troubled the Chiefs' defence before Charlie Beech's late try secured the bonus point as Bath made it six wins on the bounce in all competitions.
"We're very pleased. We've put a bit of an emphasis on how we start games and it's nice to see that coming off," said forwards boss Hatley.
"A fast start definitely helps. It puts them under a bit of pressure and they had to change the way they play a bit.
"[Head coach] Mike Ford made the comment that it's nice not to play in the rain.
"We've got players like Ollie Devoto and Jonathan Joseph, who pass the ball particularly well, and it gives us a bit more opportunity to get a bit more width on the ball.
"The signs are positive. With the players we've got and have assembled and recruited, we want to get these guys into space so they can attack players one on one.
"I think we are slowly able to do that."
Bath are now flying high in four competitions. They are currently third in the Aviva Premiership, and top both their Amlin Cup and LV= Cup pools. They have also qualified for the semi-finals of the Aviva A League.
Hatley believes Bath's greater consistency is down to bigger competition within the squad.
"The players did look hungry and that's what competition for places is doing," said Hatley.
"You saw Dom Day come on and fly around for the last 20 minutes. Every single opportunity you get, you are going to have to take with both hands.
"Martin Roberts got another run out and did very well – he's putting pressure on Peter Stringer. I think that competition for places is starting to make a big difference."
