BATH rugby's Heineken European Cup quest got back on track on Saturday evening when six penalties accounted for Irish challengers Munster at a damp and windy Recreation Ground.

Head coach Jon Callard was very pleased with his side's performance: "I'm very heartened by what happened today'' he said, "we showed great team spirit and endeavour to dig it out in what people will say were not Bath conditions. We've answered a lot of questions, it's been a very, very good week.''

However, despite a vital two points Bath still failed to cross for a try and that was a frustrating point for Callard.

"It was tougher today than it was last week'' Callard stated.

"If the referee had been a bit firmer and done his homework going into the game then a few penalty tries would have been given early on.

"We would have seen a different performance. We're trying to climb the hill at the moment, we need tries to progress in this competition but a win's a win.''

The performance of the returning Mike Catt in the catalyst role of fly half was a particular bonus for Callard. "Catt is Catt, he's purring now he's over his eight week break'' Callard quipped.

The former Bath and England full back wasn't sparing in his praise for his number ten.

"He's the world's number one outside half. He's a threat, he's quick, his hands and vision are good and his kicking is exemplary.''

Another player whose kicking was accurate was replacement scrum half Jon Preston. Callard said: "He's the Cleaner, that's his nickname from New Zealand because he comes on and cleans games up.''

There were early indications that it might be Bath's day with Ronan O'Gara missing three simple kicks for Munster, but Munster try scorer David Wallis preferred to praise Bath's defence.

"Early in the second half after our second try, once in a while there would be a big hit. We had to throw everything at them but their defence was very strong.''

Wallis also lamented his side's misfortune. "Sometimes we did the wrong thing, maybe it was a case of trying too hard, things didn't go our way,'' he said. Next week Bath face another potential dogged encounter with Gloucester in the Tetleys Bitter Cup.

"We can take the confidence from this match into next week'' Callard said looking ahead. But for now it was enough for Bath to bask in the glow of victory which Callard understandably did.

"It's a great credit for the lads, the way they've regrouped. To turn it around in a week is a wonderful performance especially our defence at the end. There was a lot of heart, we've got to build on that. No tries, but a win.''