Meehan thrilled with success at Sale

Meehan's men arrived in Stockport on the back of dismal defeats to Gloucester and Wasps but they dug deep to record their first win of the season.

Meehan said: "There has been a cloud over the club at various times but, as a squad, we certainly haven't felt that it has been a weight and we've tried to move on. I think we have been building towards this result. The guys really applied themselves and I don't think you could fault anybody in terms of commitment."

Australian centre Matt Carraro (two) and Matt Banahan touched down for Bath, who were forced to hold on in the closing stages after Banahan and replacement Andy Beattie were sinbinned.

Meehan was furious after witnessing a 17-15 home defeat to Wasps last weekend, which followed a 24-5 loss at Gloucester six days previously.

He therefore axed Centre Tom Cheeseman, fly-half Ryan Davis, prop David Flatman, lock Stuart Hooper and Beattie from his starting line-up on duty at Edgeley Park.

Jack Cuthbert, Nicky Little, Peter Short and Jonny Faamatuainu were among the players who gained opportunities, while Carraro moved into midfield alongside Shontayne Hape.

Carraro, Little and Hape all excelled and Meehan added: "Nicky Little has got a good kicking game and distributed the ball really well.

"We spoke about enjoying the contest and the players were terrific.

"The supporters have had to put with a lot at times but this was great."