Amlin Challenge Cup Pool Two: Bordeaux-Begles 6-15 Bath

George Ford kicked all 15 points as Bath began their Challenge Cup campaign with a win at Bordeaux-Begles.

Tom Biggs knocked on in sight of the try line before half-time so Bath had to be content with a 9-3 lead at the break thanks to three Ford penalties.

The 20-year-old fly-half landed two more three-pointers in the second period, which proved enough to secure victory for Gary Gold's team.

Emmanuel Saubusse slotted over two kicks in response for the French side.

Bath host Newport Gwent Dragons, who were also victorious in their first Pool Two match, on 19 October.

Bath head coach Mike Ford told BBC Radio Bristol:

"It was a very solid performance. For 80 minutes I thought the boys were outstanding.

"After the Sale defeat last week we talked about playing away from home, and the tactics we need to use.

"We had to take the sting out of a game because of the passionate crowd and the way they were playing at the start.

"To win anywhere away from home is pleasing but to win in Europe is doubly pleasing."

SATURDAY'S LINE-UPS

Bordeaux-Begles: Domvo; Carballo, Le Bourhis, Brousse, Connor; Lonca, Saubusse; Poirot, Auzqui, Florea; Treloar, Jaulhac; Gibouin, Luafutu, Tuifua.

Replacements: Maynadier, Delboulbes, Toetu, Marais, Tauleigne, N. Sanchez, Queheille, Lamotte.

Bath: Henson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Williams, Biggs; Ford, Roberts; Perenise, Batty, Wilson; Garvey, Spencer; Faosiliva, Louw, Fearns.

Replacements: Guinazu, James, Orlandi, Caldwell, Skuse, Stringer, Devoto, Heathcote.

Referee: Neil Paterson (SRFU)