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Gloucester claimed a hard-fought <\/b>19-17<\/b><\/a> victory against West Country rivals Bath in the Prem Rugby Cup amid terrible conditions at Kingsholm.<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Sam Dugdale – who signed a new deal earlier in the day to stay at the club until 2028<\/a> – scored two tries as Sale fought off vicious gales brought on by Storm Claudia to clinch a 34-3<\/a> victory.<\/p>\n The results mean Gloucester move to 15 points while Sale leapfrog Bath into second in Pool A with their bonus-point win.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n