Due to injuries in the build-up to the game and during the fixtures itself, Bath fielded a young 23 with players having to play out of position but were beaten by a Saints side who grasped control of proceedings.

The disruption didn't have a direct hand in the final scoreline, but Underhill was pleased with how the squad dug in for each other until the end.

"It's never good to be on the receiving end of another loss, especially with the way this season has gone," he said.

"It's a bit cliche but there were a lot of lads digging in for each other. There were a lot of lads playing out of position, playing in positions they may not have played a lot of rugby in and I thought that was outstanding.

"I'm not going to make any excuses about the week, how it went and whatever happened before the game, but from a personal point of view I was proud of the lads out there and I do think it'll come.

"We're just trying to grow together as group. It's a very young group. There is belief that we will develop into what we want to be and stick at it."

Underhill added: "We talked about Saints wanted and I think they got that early doors.

"To be fair to them they controlled the game very well. It's hard to come back from a 14-point deficit and that put them in a position of control in the game.

"They were tough to play against. They are a good, quality team so I think the way they controlled the game is how we want to be playing the game."

There is belief that we will develop into what we want to be - Underhill

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