Mallinder frustrated as Saints fail to secure bonus point

Thanks to a star performance from George Pisi, the Saints were in complete control at Franklin’s Gardens as they opened up a 22-3 lead at the interval.

They carelessly lost control and received two needless yellow cards from referee David Rose, allowing the visitors back into the match, but held on for a 22-13 victory.

“I’m pleased with the win but frustrated not to pick up a bonus point,” Mallinder said.

“We were very good in the first half – scoring three tries – and at half-time I told them to do exactly the same, but in the second half we forced it too much.”

Bath head coach Sir Ian McGeechan said: “I’m very pleased with our second-half performance. Winning the second half 10-0 was a good comeback but it was not quite enough, but I couldn’t fault our attitude.”