Bath boss Johann van Graan hailed his players for “going 12 rounds” with Gallagher Premiership title rivals Leicester in a 43-15 victory at the Recreation Ground.
A home play-off already secured, Bath moved 15 points clear at the Premiership summit after keeping Leicester scoreless in the second half.
“We spoke in the week about a heavyweight boxing contest. Number one versus number two on the log, going 12 rounds, 80 minutes, and I thought we did that,” Van Graan said.
“We weren’t perfect, but we went the full 80 minutes and I loved the attitude. We are very happy with the five points.
“We got our preparation spot-on for this week. It was a real 23-man effort, and to keep Leicester scoreless in the second half takes some doing.”
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They then face Saracens eight days later before a Premiership play-off the following weekend, and Van Graan added: “We would love to get to Twickenham again, but knockout games are one-off.
“The important thing today was that we went 12 rounds with the number two team in the league and kept punching for the 80 minutes.
“We have been on a journey for three seasons. It is important we stick to our process, which we have become very good at, and just enjoy it.
“It is a great time to be at Bath Rugby. We have got a home semi-final, we have won the Premiership Cup and we are in a European final, and my message to the players is to absolutely love it.”
Leicester will require a point from their final Premiership game against Newcastle to confirm a play-off place.
And victory for Leicester over the Premiership’s bottom club on May 31 would also secure a home semi-final.
Leicester were in contention for much of the Recreation Ground clash and led just before half-time.
But despite tries by Joseph Woodward and Adam Radwan, plus a Handre Pollard penalty and conversion, they could not make pressure count.
Leicester head coach Michael Cheika said: “I thought we worked really hard in defence – we were quite physical there.
“I just didn’t think we had that extra edge in attack that could put pressure back on them.
“I thought at half-time we were right in the contest. We had some opportunities that we didn’t nail, and when you are playing against a top team away from home you have got to make sure you nail as many as you can. We paid the price in the end.”
