BATH RFC head coach Steve Meehan was delighted with the Guinness Premiership debut of Jersey’s Matt Banahan.

The 29-15 bonus-point win over Worcester Warriors at The Rec puts Bath top after the first weekend, despite them having given Premiership debuts to four players, including the former Siam Cup and Jersey Academy player.

Three of the Bath debutants – scrum-half Michael Claassens, wing Jack Cuthbert and replacement No 8 Daniel Browne – scored tries against the Warriors – but Banahan was also hugely impressive, playing a part in several scores.

Playing on the wing, the former Highlands student also went close to getting his name on the scoresheet after scoring regularly in pre-season.

‘It’s a highly satisfying opening display in the Premiership considering the inexperience of some of our players,’ said Meehan.

Interviewed by the mybathrugby website, Meehan reserved particular praise for double try-scorer Cuthbert and his back-three partner Banahan.

‘They didn’t put a foot wrong and looked more like guys who have played for four or five seasons than those who were playing their first games.

‘They are both certainly guys with massive potential.

If they keep their heads down and work hard, they could represent their country.’ Said Banahan: ‘The tempo was higher that most of the other games I’ve played in before.

But I think it went well.

In games like these you have to stay focused all of the time.

There’s a real buzz in the changing room before the game.

I hope I’ve done enough to keep my place in the first team.

After that, who knows? I’d like to push for an international place, some time in the future.’