Mallinder hails Saints forwards after Bath battle

Mallinder’s men battled to earn a 13-11 win against Bath at The Rec, with Luther Burrell’s try and eight points from the assured boot of JJ Hanrahan securing a fine success.

It means Saints are now unbeaten in nine league matches against the west country effort and they head back into Europe on a high.

Their good recent run has been inspired by a forward pack that has won a plethora of penalties at the scrum and bullied teams in the lineout, too.

And Mallinder said: “We’ve got mainly young English lads, a couple of senior lads in there helping and it’s great to see.

“Over the past few weeks they have been the dominant forwards in the games we’ve played and we’re delighted.”

Hanrahan’s long-distance penalty won it for Saints at The Rec as Bath surrendered an 11-10 lead.

And Mallinder added: “We thought we were playing into a bit of a breeze in the first half so we were pleased to go in at half-time 3-0 up.

“Our forwards were in control, we were scrummaging very well and putting pressure on their lineout.

“Second half, credit to Bath, they came out and played as they can do, but we defended pretty well and came back in the end to take our opportunity.

“You feel the momentum has shifted a little bit, but you’re always in the game and a lot of credit to our lads.

“Away from home at a place like this, you’ve got to stick in there and take your opportunities.”