BATH coach Toby Booth has declared their Aviva Premiership mission as on target after the club emerged from back-to-back clashes with three of English rugby’s big hitters.

Bath claimed six points from clashes against Harlequins, Northampton and Leicester and, while disappointed to surrender a last-gasp try to the Tigers in Sunday’s 27-27 draw, Booth says there is plenty to be positive about with the club third in the table.

“We’ve spoken about what we expect from each other and the group as a whole and we have certain milestones or critical points where we’d expect to be,’’ said Booth.

“Our target was to be on 36 points and, funnily enough, we’re on 36 points, so from that point of view we’re going okay.

“Ultimately, we’re in this to win so we’re disappointed (about the Leicester result), but as long as we learn from each experience and the rate of our learning is good, that gives us plenty to be positive down the line.

“A lot of people in the team haven’t been in that competitive environment, confident you are going to perform well at a top four side, and that’s part of the evolution of what we’re trying to do here.’’

“Against the top four sides, there are going to be times when you haven’t got control of the game and the important thing is how you deal with that.’’

Booth refused to be drawn on reports linking Sale Sharks prop Henry Thomas with a move to the Rec with Samoan front row Anthony Perenise moving to Bristol at the end of the season.

“He’s a name that has been mentioned as a few others have but the quality of the squad is paramount for us,’’ said Booth.

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