TODD Blackadder described prize winger Joe Cokanasiga as "sensational" after his two-try display carried Bath to a thrilling 37-32 Gallagher Premiership win at Harlequins.

The 20-year-old, who joined from London Irish last summer, crossed spectacularly in the first half and added a second after the interval as Bath claimed their first win of the season to ease the pressure on director of rugby Blackadder.

But they were holding on at the end in the face of a Harlequins onslaught, with Joe Marler and James Lang crossing to close the gap to five points.

Blackadder said: "I thought he [Cokanasiga] was sensational today, just brilliant I thought.

"Not only in his finishing, but also his work-rate off the ball and his carries, he really stood out today.

"That's the guy, we know what's he's capable of and he showed all of that today, so I'm just so pleased for him.

"It was heart racing at the end there because Harlequins were in striking distance, but I felt really proud of the boys, it was a great game of rugby and we got a bonus point away from home.

"It was a fair reflection of the way week we've had, we've prepared really well for today and it was good to see us execute."

Bath made a fast start and crossed first through Jamie Roberts against his old club, but Quins quickly came to life through efforts from Danny Care and Joe Marchant.

However, Zach Mercer rumbled over for the first of his double and that changed the game for Bath - with Cokanasiga juggling the ball expertly in the corner and dotting down under pressure.

He almost did it again minutes later but his foot was in touch, however a fine run and pass from Freddie Burns helped him cross again after half-time.

Mercer added another to seemingly make the points safe before Marler and Lang crossed from close range to force a dramatic finale.

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard said: "We're gutted, we didn't play well.

"The first 40 to 50 minutes we were poor, second best in every aspect of the game really.

"We felt a real lethargy in the warm-up, can't put a finger on why, players are still scratching their heads why there was a lack of energy.

"Everyone is involved in this, the players and the staff, we all need to look at ourselves and get better.

"It was a nine-try game, a lot of line breaks from both teams, a lot of pressure on the ball - but our frontline defence wasn't good enough.

"We're hurting heavily, it's at home, it's at our home, to concede 37 and to lose the game isn't what we're about.

"We're a better team than that and I fully expect us to show up for the coming weeks."