Archie Stanley, Jasper Spandler, Mackenzie Graham, Eddie Erskine and Thompson Cowan all formed part of the pack while Tom Carr-Smith, Sam Harris and Louie Hennessey featured in the backline. Birthday boy Byron Lloyd-Gilmour was among the replacements.

Continuing his fine scoring form, England Under-20 hooker Spandler crossed from a driving maul in the first half with Harris’ penalty seeing Team Bath take a one-point lead into the interval.

Spandler crashed over from a pick and go in the second half for his second of the game and Alfie Garside added another for the visitors.

Cardiff brought the game back to one point and with five minutes to go and under pressure, Team Bath secured victory as Duncan Hood broke away from the back of a line-out to cross.

Backs Coach Ryan Davis said: "It was a messy game which was a hard-fought contest throughout. We were frustrated by losing momentum due to penalties and turnovers and we were disappointed to cross the line on three other occasions, only to be held up.

“The character to find a way to win through adapting and varying our attack and set piece, as well as defending hard for multi-phases to get turnovers, was pleasing for all.

“Our focus now turns to a vastly improving Leeds Beckett at home for the final game before the Christmas break."

Team Bath secure hard-fought win over Cardiff

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