91Èȱ¬

Bristol Bears have "some kids to watch for the future", said director of rugby Pat Lam, despite their inexperienced side falling to a heavy Premiership Rugby Cup defeat by Bath.

Bristol were beaten 78-19 by their neighbours at the Recreation Ground, less than 24 hours after they drew 10-10 in an exhibition match against an Australia XV at Ashton Gate.

Among their cup side were six academy players in the starting 15, while replacements Ed Timpson and Jacob Cusick made senior debuts and Cai Gealy became the club's youngest-ever player, at 17 years and 99 days.

"Huge experience if you consider the amount of boys that played their first games," Lam told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Bristol.

"We said this would be a challenging couple of days for us - injuries, guys away. We said as coaches: 'Let's see where they're at and then we can work out where everyone is at, like mid-term exams'.

"Then on the back of that we can help them, they can help themselves. I said I'm never going to bring the game down, it's about the players coming up to that standard.

"We did some great talent there, some kids for the future. This experience will hold them in good stead and for us in this group."

Defeat by Bath means Bristol are second in Pool D after two games.

They play Ampthill on 24 November in their final group game before the Premiership returns five days later with a trip to Harlequins.

Bristol also begin their European Champions Cup campaign next month, with two pool games - at home to Leinster and at La Rochelle.

"We've got a massive block coming up when we come back, with Premiership and European Cup and eight games straight, so we need to make sure that players are getting game time and can step up," Lam said.

"We're going to need everybody with the squad that we have."