Gloucester claimed a hard-fought 19-17 victory against West Country rivals Bath in the Prem Rugby Cup amid terrible conditions at Kingsholm.

While battling the elements, the Cherry and Whites ran in three first-half tries through Josh Hathaway, Kealan Freeman-Price and Will Knight to remain top of Pool A.

In arguably worse conditions in Greater Manchester, a strong Sale Sharks lineup swept aside Exeter Chiefs to claim their second win of this season’s competition.

Sam Dugdale – who signed a new deal earlier in the day to stay at the club until 2028 – scored two tries as Sale fought off vicious gales brought on by Storm Claudia to clinch a 34-3 victory.

The results mean Gloucester move to 15 points while Sale leapfrog Bath into second in Pool A with their bonus-point win.

Bath opened the scoring after just two minutes when Sam Winters ran a good line before unselfishly setting up full-back Austin Emens to dive over.

After Gloucester prop Nepo Laulala was sent to the sin-bin for a high shot, the hosts levelled while down to 14 men when Hathaway scored in the right corner.

A strong leg drive from Ethan Staddon from close range put Bath back in front before tries from Gloucester hooker Freeman-Price and 18-year-old centre Knight saw the Cherry and Whites go seven points clear at the break.

In the second period, a loose ball ended with Will Butt setting up Tyler Offiah who closed the gap to two points with a good finish in the corner.

Fly-half James Linegar had the opportunity to kick Bath ahead but he hooked a penalty to the left from inside the opposition half with just over five minutes remaining as the home side held on for a narrow derby victory.