It’ll be furious from the start as derby fervour adds spice to Bristol survival fight

NICK FENTON-WELLS has no doubt Bristol can avoid relegation but time is running out and he knows a return to winning ways is a must today against their fiercest rivals from Bath.

Mark Tainton’s side gave themselves hope with two wins over Christmas plus a losing bonus point in Northampton during the last Premiership block which saw them come back to within a point of Worcester.

But two thumpings by Harlequins and Leicester, combined with the Warriors’ surprise win over Saracens, see them six points adrift with only seven games left to play.

With a trip to Sixways on the cards next week, Fenton-Wells is looking to regain some momentum back with a fast start today.

“I have no doubt we can catch Worcester and avoid relegation but we can’t expect them to wait for us to do so,” he told TRP. “It’s down to us and especially the players to claw our way back. We’d build some good momentum in the last Premiership block but we made some changes for the four Cup games, lost all four, and coming back into the league, we got off to the wrong foot.

“I’m confident we can get that momentum back and, hopefully, we’ll make some strides forwards on Sunday.

“We’ve got to start better and get into the game. We can’t give the opposition the chance to get ahead on the scoreboard because chasing the game can be very dangerous as you end up trying things you wouldn’t necessary try and it can come back to bite you.

“There’s also the extra motivation of returning to winning ways in a West Country derby. Taking on Bath at Ashton Gate is a dream for any Bristolian so we want to make it a fantastic occasion for them.”

Bath are back in the top four following narrow wins over Northampton and Quins but back-rower David Denton is adamant they will not take Bristol lightly, telling TRP: “There’s no way we’ll underestimate Bristol. They’re desperate to avoid relegation and we expect them to fly off the blocks.

“The first 20 minutes will be massively important and we’ll have to stop them in their tracks. We’ll have to play well, it’s as simple as that.”

Gavin Henson will start at fly-half for Bristol while Will Hurrell, Tom Varndell, David Lemi, Alby Mathewson, Marc Jones, Anthony Perenise and Ian Evans are all recalled.

Bath have been boosted by the return of Jonathan Joseph in midefield with Beno Obano making his first league start.