Fidler beats the drum for Bath new boys

If the mass of summer movement in these clubs was reconstructive surgery, only one side was smiling when the bandages came off yesterday.

Of the 30 players to run out, just 13 had worn their club colours competitively, and it was the 'new' Bath that proved their worth, while Leeds were plain ordinary.

After fending off relegation in the final game of last season, Bath are this morning top, thanks to a four-try win at Headingley.

Their bits-and-pieces back line, carried by a dominant pack, earned a bonus point in a largely one-sided game. Just four of the team that beat Newcastle to escape the drop last season played yesterday because of World Cup absentees, but Bath clearly spent well in the off season. Aside from the settling influence of new head coach John Connolly, no Bath man stamped his mark greater than lock Rob Fidler.

The Gloucester import was superb in the line-out, with two tries a direct result of him picking off opponents' throws. No.8 Isaac Fea'unati and lock Steve Borthwick were strong, while discarded England prop David Flatman settled in well after his move from Saracens as Bath outgunned Leeds' front three.

Former Tyke Fea'unati crossed wide after Fidler pinched a loose ball, Matt Perry scored another try and Chris Malone established a 20-3 lead at half time with a dropped goal.

Former Bristol wing Brendon Daniel scored from another steal by Fidler after the break.

It seemed over when centre Alex Crockett scored, but Bath sat back in the last quarter and Leeds rallied with tries from David Rees, Alan Dickens, Colm Rigney and Dan Scarbrough.

Connolly said: 'I'm happy but it's only the first game of a long year. Top of the table? It's not far to the bottom.'

Leeds' late flurry of points could not mask the damage and coach Phil Davies called his pack 'ponderous'. He said: 'There is no sympathy. We have got to get better.'