Former Wootton Bassett full-back Steve Corcoran helped Bristol Under-21s to a comprehensive victory over their Bath counterparts in an ill-tempered encounter at The Rec.

Three Bath players were sent to the sin-bin as Bristol, who lead the RFU Under-21 Super League, surged into a 33-3 lead.

Full-back Stuart Bellinger, who played for the senior side last week, kicked an early penalty for Bath before Bristol replied with three first-half scores.

A brace of penalties put Bristol 23-3 ahead and with Bath flanker James Scaysbrook sent to the sin bin, the visitors ended the half well in control.

Three minutes into the second half Bristol drove over from a close-range scrum.

Bath fly-half Dylan Pugh was shown the yellow card after complaining about the try and prop Alan Lowe followed as the home side fell apart.

Bristol scored another try to make it 33-3, but Bath showed strong character and centre Alex Crockett latched on to Sam Cox's pass to score under the posts.

Australian-born Corcoran, who came on 20 minutes from time, is enjoying a new lease of life at the Memorial Ground after a spell at Bassett.

"I found the styles of rugby different between the hemispheres," the former ACT Brumbies youth player said.

"The game here is a lot more physical with far more contact. This is in some part due to the weather which means you can't play as much of an open game as you can in Australia."

"The standard however is pretty much the same. England is behind in that it's only just started its Under-21 league, but the competition is very tough."

Corcoran, who has returned home for Christmas, joined Bristol at the beginning of the campaign and is very impressed by the set up at the current Under-21 champions.

"Bristol is very, very professional. The facilities are fantastic, the players are great and the coaching staff are very good.

"The coaches set out to make you a better player and to mould you as part of the team."

After crossing for two tries against Harlequins in his last full outing, Corcoran has done enough to suggest to coach Paul Hull that he's champing at the bit to return.

"I've been scoring lots of tries and playing well so I'm very happy," he said.

"This is the first time I've been home for two and a half years, so it's time I went back but I can't wait to come back to this Bristol side."