Mike Ford believes Bath United's Aviva A League semi-final success bodes well for the future of the club.
United romped to a 39-21 victory over Sale Jets at The Rec last night to book their place in the final against Northampton Wanderers at Franklin's Gardens on Monday, December 16.
The victory continues a successful season for the club as a whole. The first team picked up a seventh straight win in all competitions 24 hours earlier with a 28-5 victory at Wasps in the Aviva Premiership.
Head coach Ford says the winning mentality has become infectious around the club as Bath's youngsters strive to get their own first-team opportunities.
"It was brilliant for the young kids. To get to a final when there were 6,000 people watching is fantastic for the club and the momentum we are building," said Ford.
"It's because of their hunger and their desire to get to the first team. They have seen what we are doing at first-team level and they want to be part of it.
"I remember when I played at A-team level a long, long time ago. When you're a kid, it's everything.
"It's fantastic and for some of those guys last night it was the biggest and best game they've played in. Then they'll go to the final and that'll be the biggest, and then it'll be their first-team debuts.
"Neal Hatley, Dave Williams and Danny Grewcock have done a great job. We're looking forward to the final. Monday nights are tough for us to travel but we will plan well. We'll be ready."
First-team regulars Kyle Eastmond, Tom Biggs and Tom Heathcote all started at The Rec last night.
Ford said it showed the positive mentality within the club and the strength in depth Bath now possess.
"For the senior pros that played in the game, to cajole and bring the young kids along was great," said Ford.
"It's great for some of the bigger players, like Kyle Eastmond, Tom Heathcote and Tom Biggs, that they are not afraid to drop down.
"They showed that with the way they played last night because they all played well and showed the required intensity. And the young kids just look up and follow them – it's good for the culture.
"Those guys and people like Gavin Henson and Nick Abendanon have all played A-team rugby because the competition is that high.
"What it means is that the people with the shirt know they have got to perform otherwise someone is going to take it. It's breeding that competition which makes everyone play well."
