BATH scored eight tries as they blew away West Country rivals Bristol 57-22 at Ashton Gate to move closer to booking a place in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Despite Billy Searle kicking them into a third-minute lead, the hosts proved no match for their rampant opponents who had stormed into a 38-10 lead by half-time.

Kahn Fotuali'i crossed twice while Tom Dunn, Tom Homer, Robbie Fruean, George Ford, Semesa Rokoduguni and Chris Cook also all scored tries to bring an emphatic end to Bristol's recent improvement.

Tom Varndell had dragged Bristol into double figures with the only home try before the break while further efforts from Rhodri Williams and Jack Tovey came when the game was already well out of reach.

The result takes Bath clear of rivals Cardiff Blues at the top of Pool Four ahead of their final group game at home to Pau later this month.