BATH director of rugby Todd Blackadder found some consolation in a try-scoring and losing bonus points but bemoaned too many unforced errors by his players in their 31-26 defeat at home to Wasps in the Aviva Premiership last night.

Wasps roared into a 19-0 lead early on but converted tries from Rhys Priestland and Jack Wilson cut the deficit to 19-14 at half-time.

Paul Grant and Zach Mercer also got over the whitewash for the home side at the Rec but Bath were always playing catch-up.

"Wasps were absolutely ruthless," Blackadder said. "We didn't hold on to the ball and they punished us for it.

"We really wanted a good start and that was the most disappointing thing. We defended really well and the first time we got a turnover, we threw it away. We invited them to come and attack us for another 15 phases and they scored.

"We didn't have enough presence in contact and, credit to them, they just kept getting really quick ball and putting us under pressure.

"The most disappointing thing was that it was all off the back of our own unforced errors. You're never going to win a game like that by conceding 31 points at home."

A try-scoring performance by young flanker Mercer again provided an optimistic footnote though.

Blackadder said: "He showed what a class player he is, really outstanding. The young guys have been brilliant this season and he took his opportunity and played really well."