Our run of victories was always going to end sometime, so maybe we should be grateful the loss came against a team we haven't beaten in over four years. Then again, the Bathplugs still have to visit KP next month.

Smarting after losing to a Lazarus-style comeback by Saracens on Sunday, but unbeaten at home since October, Bath showed aggression and drive early on and Butch James penalty gave them the lead.

Tom May, who had one of his worse games in the ten shirt, howled a penalty wide but his next kick was on target – and even better, it was a conversion of Tim Visser's try after a break by Jamie Noon. Noonie might well have scored himself if he hadn't come inside, but we got the score anyway.

But Bath dominated the first half overall. The Falcons played a mixed-up game of running and kicking but a succession of penalties saw Bath run up a 15-7 lead before Joe Maddock powered over just before the break, giving us a mountain to climb in the second 40.

Another missed penalty from May ended the half.

After the break, we initially attacked and after a couple of minutes May knocked a penalty over, before Brent Wilson ran in on the right. The conversion got us within five points, could we get back into the lead?

But Bath came forward and as they were held up the home crowd really began to warm up in the afternoon sun. The resultant scrum wheeled on the left and almost scored, but flanker Andy Beattie was on hand to take a pass and go over easily. James' conversion put the hosts back in control, but he was soon sin-binned for a shoulder-charge, May kicking the resultant penalty.

The bonus point still looked a possibility, but the Falcons wasted overlaps and from Maddock ended the game as a contest when he intercepted around halfway and raced in for his second score with ten minutes left. Shaun Berne converted, and that was it, despite Andrew Fenby's late consolation.

A fourth try to give us two bonus points was not forthcoming, and when I thought w should have received a penalty in our own 22 (can't remember what for mind), Bath were awarded a scrum and the referee gave full time.

Well, our run was good while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end. And but for us giving away so many penalties we could have won today. Our heads didn't drop in the face of some questionable refereeing (not that that was why we lost) and both sides put up strong defences.

The biggest game we have left at the moment is Saracens, on which yesterday had nothing and which we are more than capable of winning, and I don't think anyone doubts we can beat Leicester next weekend.

But it is annoying to not be able to say anymore “We are x games unbeaten”, as I've said to so many colleagues with a smile recently. We'll just have to start another won on Friday.

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