Two tries from Will Muir and another from fellow wing Semesa Rokoduguni had given the visitors a 20-11 lead early in the second period, but a penalty try plus scores from No.8 Steven Luatua and substitute Jake Kerr saw Pat Lam's men claim a first domestic win of the season.

The tide turned when Bristol made full use of their effective rolling maul. First, they were awarded the penalty try on 57 minutes, when Bath held it up illegally, and 10 minutes later replacement hooker Kerr touched down from one, after Bath duo Tom Ellis and Tom Dunn had been sin-binned.

In the United Rugby Championship there were comprehensive victories for Heineken Champions Cup Pool B rivals Connacht Rugby and Scarlets as they overcame South African duo Bulls and Lions respectively.

Inside centre Tom Daly notched two tries for Connacht in their 34-7 win in Galway, where full-back Tiernan O’Halloran, left wing Mack Hansen and outside centre Tom Farrell also crossed the whitewash for the Irish province.

Meanwhile, right wing Tom Rogers was the hero for Scarlets as he dotted down for a brace in his side’s 36-13 victory at Parc y Scarlets. Left wing Steffan Evans and prop Rob Evans also touched down for the four-time European Cup semi-finalists, while fly-half Sam Costelow added 16 points with the boot.

Bristol Bears secured a dramatic come-from-behind 25-20 home win over Bath Rugby in a thrilling Gallagher Premiership derby between the two Heineken Champions Cup contenders on Friday night.