Pool Five: Toulon 12 Bath 9
BATH narrowly missed out on an historic victory over European Champions Cup holders Toulon in France, losing 12-9.
George Ford kicked two drop goals after an early penalty as Bath threatened to pull off a shock win at Stade Felix Mayol.
But a late Frederic Michalak penalty four minutes from time denied Bath even a share of the spoils.
It meant the three-time competition winners maintained their unbeaten record at home in this tournament and closed the gap on Pool Five leaders Wasps to just two points.
Bath picked up a losing bonus point but must now win both their remaining games, against Leinster and a return match against Toulon at the Rec, to stand a chance of progressing.
The visitors made an ideal start when Matt Banahan exploited a gap in the Toulon midfield, which led to Ford kicking the opening points inside three minutes.
Stuart Hooper disrupted Toulon’s line-out but the impact of Ma’a Nonu and Josua Tuisova led to Eric Escande levelling.
But Bath did not lack ambition, with the likes of Kyle Eastmond and Anthony Watson prepared to attack.
And when Ford combined with Banahan to release Eastmond, the fly-half coolly struck a drop goal to regain the lead.
It did not last until half-time, although Bath will be frustrated at how they surrendered the lead.
Escande had already missed his second effort when Hooper was penalised for a wild challenge off the ball on Juan Smith – and the scrum-half kicked the equaliser.
Ford then swept over a long-range drop goal less than two minutes after the break.
However, Bath could not hold on to the advantage as Escande made it 9-9.
Bath were forced to defend desperately at times. Watson finally halted a blistering break by Tuisova.
Hooper then came up with a telling turnover on Cooper as Toulon threatened.
Chris Cook almost snatched the victory but failed to control his attempted interception of opposite number Sebastien Tillous-Borde.
And Toulon took the lead for the first time in the 76th minute. Some of their backs joined a driving maul which earned a penalty and Michalak, on for James O’Connor, converted.
