Perry set to miss crunch clash

Former England full-back Matt Perry looks likely to miss Bath’s crunch Zurich Premiership clash against fellow relegation candidates Bristol Shoguns on Sunday.

Perry suffered a hamstring injury during the Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Saracens last weekend, and is rated extremely doubtful.

Bath could have Mike Catt available again following his latest hamstring injury recurrence, while back-row forward Dan Lyle is poised for a first appearance since mid-January.

Lyle underwent shoulder surgery at the same time as his Bath team-mate Iain Balshaw, but both players are ready to feature in Sunday’s Ashton Gate showdown, with Balshaw set to replace Perry in the number 15 jersey.

Bath rugby director Jack Rowell has described the next 10 days or so as “a crucial part” of the club’s history.

The six-times English champions are just one point off bottom place – a position currently occupied by London Irish – with only two league games remaining.

Their final Premiership fixture is at home against Newcastle on Saturday week, but victory over Bristol could well put Bath safe and consign Shoguns to a May 10 relegation decider with London Irish.

“Bath’s season continues on a knife-edge – not good for anyone’s nerves,” said Rowell.

“Which way the chips are going to fall from this exciting and nerve-testing climax, no-one can tell.

“What we do know is that this is a crucial part of Bath’s season – indeed, history. Bath Rugby need to be together on and off of the field to tip the scales our way.”

Ticket sales for the West Country derby are continuing at a rapid rate, with 16,000 snapped up by close of business last night.

The figure takes Bristol more than 4,000 past their Memorial Stadium capacity, and is 5,000 more than the club’s previous Premiership best against Gloucester (10,693) last month.

“We are delighted with the response, and it’s looking like there may not be any tickets available on Sunday for walk-up supporters,” said Shoguns commercial director Mike Turner.

Bath are set to have a sizeable contingent among Sunday’s crowd, possibly even approaching 10,000 travelling supporters.