HEAD coach Mike Ford insists Bath's 27-26 victory over Harlequins strengthens their conviction that 2015 is the year they will be crowned Premiership champions.

Second-placed Bath moved eight points clear of Saracens and will guarantee a home semi-final in the play-offs if they dispatch Gloucester at the Recreation Ground next Saturday.

Quins' Ugo Monye crossed in each half but it was not enough to prevent Bath from completing a victory that guarantees their presence in the semi-finals of the Aviva Premiership play-offs with one match of the regular season remaining.

"Quins played very well and kept coming at us, but we kept our composure and didn't panic at any stage," Ford said.

"Matt Banahan's try-saving tackle on George Lowe was crucial, George Ford kicked his goals and we take the four points and move on.

"Going into the last game of the season we know that a home win will secure us second place.

"We're very pleased because it just adds to the belief we have at the moment that we're a good side and could potentially win this year."

Burgess impressed on his third start at blindside flanker and Ford admitted he will take some shifting from the back row. England view the rugby league convert as an inside centre.

"Now we can say he has the shirt. He was outstanding. Sam's carries were good," Ford said.

"There was one loose offload, but we won't stop him offloading. The more he plays the better he'll get."