Bath's three-day bonding session last week failed to have a discernible effect as the six-times champions moved a step nearer the relegation trap-door after losing at home to Northampton in the league for only the second time.

While the Bath head coach Michael Foley declared himself delighted with the attitude, if not aptitude, of his players after their meek surrender at Saracens, the main problem this season has been scoring tries, with only 15 in 17 Premiership matches; by contrast only four sides have conceded less than their 29.

Bath graft rather than craft and they trailed 6-3 at the break on Saturday despite enjoying a surfeit of position and possession. They looked a side that had lost its last three matches, so devoid of direction that when Northampton decided to play it up the middle in the second half and maul their way to the line, Bath were muscled out of it to the extent that no one at the Recreation Ground can say they are too good to go down.

A match played in perfect conditions was not only a poor model for those who advocate summer rugby but again raised the question of how Clive Woodward has fashioned a brand of rugby with England which is so far above the norm of the Premiership in terms of enterprise and boldness. Much of the play on Saturday was mundane with a lack of vision supplemented by a poor execution of basic skills.

The Northampton director of rugby, Wayne Smith, praised the work ethic of his players, but he was stretching a point when he said Bath "played really well". Foley lauded the industry of his side, including the England internationals Iain Balshaw and Mike Tindall, whose application had been questioned, but his most pertinent observation was that "our skills let us down".

Balshaw, who ended up at fly-half, has played 21 matches this season without a try, which says as much about Bath as it does about their full-back. There was a point in the second half, after the lively replacement wing Tom Voyce had crossed the line to reduce the Saints' lead to 17-11, when the home side were not just in sight of a bonus point but also had an outside chance of victory.

The window was quickly closed by a player who left Bath four years ago, the hooker Dan Richmond whose two brothers still support the West Country club.

"I joined Northampton because the academy system they had then was ahead of its time," he said. "Buying in a load of big-name players does not always work, you need guys playing for the jersey and the people at a club, and Smith has shown at Northampton that what counts is not reputation but form."

Bath have the reputation but not the form and Foley, who was playing for Australia less than five months ago, is having to learn quickly as a coach.

"The first division is staring us in the face," he said. "I am here for the long-haul whatever happens and that goes for the players, though I would stand down if a director of rugby was not in place at the start of next season."

Bath outside the Premiership is unthinkable and another full house cheered their side on in increasing desperation, but injuries have taken their toll on a squad which lacks depth. The home match against Leeds on April 13 could turn into the most important in the club's history as the plug-hole beckons.

· Canterbury, outscored 4-2 on tries, remain the only unbeaten side in the Super 12 tournament after edging out the Canberra-based ACT Brumbies, last year's champions, 33-32 in Christchurch in what many believe may have been a dress rehearsal for the final. Andrew Mehrtens kicked five penalties, a conversion and a drop-goal for the New Zealanders.

Bath: Balshaw; Thirlby, Crockett, Tindall, Danielli; Barkley (Voyce, 57), Dalzell; Barnes, Long (Regan, 78), Mallett (Emms, 52), Borthwick, Grewcock, G Thomas, Scaysbrook (N Thomas, 56), Lyle (capt).

Try: Voyce. Pens: Barkley, Tindall.

Northampton: Beal; Brooks, Jorgensen, Leslie, Tucker (Cohen, h-t); Grayson, Dawson (Malone, 78); Smith, Thompson (Richmond 56), Stewart (Morris, 68), Phillips, Brouzet, Blowers, Pountney (capt), Seely (Soden, 71).

Tries: Brooks, Richmond, Jorgensen. Cons: Grayson. Pens: Grayson 4.

Referee: C White (Cheltenham).

Attendance: 8,200.

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