London Welsh 14-29 Bath Rugby
Ford relieved after victory in tough conditions
ESPN Staff
March 29, 2015
Windy conditions made life difficult for Bath kicker Tom Homer at the Kassam Stadium © Getty Images
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Bath head coach Mike Ford acknowledged his side were not at their best but declared himself satisfied after Sunday 29-14 victory over London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium.

Despite the difficult conditions, the visitors managed to score five tries through Rob Webber, Leroy Houston (two), Sam Burgess and Alatofi Faosiliva, with Tom Homer kicking two conversions.

Nic Reynolds and Opeti Fonua scored tries for Welsh, with Tristan Roberts and Will Robinson adding conversions.

The result mathematically confirmed Welsh's relegation from the Aviva Premiership and moved Bath up to third.

Ford said: "Our timing was out as we haven't played for three weeks. However, the conditions were terrible and we've got five points with no injuries, so I'm satisfied as it's now in our hands as far as the league table is concerned."

Welsh's newly appointed coach Rowland Phillips was left to reflect on one of the team's better displays of the season, despite their 18th straight loss.

"We had a lot of positives today and we will be looking to build on that performance," he said. "The club is too proud just to switch off and accept defeat.

"There is always speculation and rumour at this time of the season, but the key thing is that you learn your lessons. We know we are relegated but our ambition to come back is greater than ever."

Ford had sympathy with Welsh's plight and said: "They didn't give up and they played with plenty of enthusiasm. Unfortunately they didn't get their foundation right in the pre-season so once that happens you are virtually screwed."

Bath now face Leinster in a massive European quarter-final next weekend in Dublin - a game which Ford is relishing.

"We now have Leinster on our mind and next week will be a totally different spectacle as we are going out there to play."

"We will have our five internationals returning but they'll be favourites as they have 50,000 behind them and have their 12 internationals back. We are looking forward to it as we've come from nowhere in Europe to be in this position."

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