Number eight Dan Lyle returned from international duty with the US Eagles to inspire Bath with two tries in the first half.

His efforts helped lay the platform for a six-try victory to claim maximum points as Bath seek to put their season back on track.

It was Rotherham's first visit to the Recreation Ground and they fielded two former Bath players in their squad, wing Nigel Simpson and reserve scrum-half Charlie Harrison.

Bath resisted the temptation to include deposed England full-back Matt Perry in the starting line-up, retaining Tom Voyce in the number 15 shirt and giving young Stewart Bellinger a first league outing on the left wing.

With ace goal-kicker Jon Preston absent through illness, Welsh under-21 cap Gareth Cooper wore the number nine shirt.

It was after Shaun Berne had opened the scoring with a fourth-minute penalty that Lyle scored his first try, surging through on a short pass from Cooper after 16 minutes.

With their forwards very much on top for once, the home side then added a try by Rob Thirlby on 21 minutes, the winger picking up a loose pass intended for Bellinger.

Rotherham's most potent weapon was the boot of fly-half Luke Smith. He landed three penalties before half-time but Lyle had already collected his second try after appearing on Berne's shoulder and touching down.

Smith trimmed Bath's 20-9 half-time lead with his fourth penalty soon after the break but Bath hit back with 22 points in 10 minutes.

Berne kicked the penalty and then Mark Gabey scored from a well-rehearsed line-out move before Berne scored himself, latching onto a loose ball after Simpson failed to secure Cooper's high kick.

Berne converted and added the points again on 56 minutes when Kevin Maggs broke clear to score Bath's sixth try.

Rotherham replied with a 67th-minute try by prop Stuart Turner, converted by Smith, but by then Bath were out of sight.