Bath, inspired by the pace of a rejuvenated Iain Balshaw, cruised into a the quarter-finals of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup where they will meet Montauban.

Balshaw, who scored a try in the first leg at Brewery Field eight days ago, added two more as Bath comfortably clawed back a two point deficit.

It was a sweet victory for Bath's Welsh contingent, particularly skipper Jonathan Humphreys, leading the side in the absence of the suspended Danny Grewcock.

Also absent after failing a fitness test on a groin strain was England's Mike Tindall, joining Mike Catt, Matt Perry and Dan Lyle on the casualty list.

A succession of injuries over the last year have reduced Bath from championship contenders to relegation candidates in the Zurich Premiership but, even with the big names missing, they were too strong for Bridgend.

Bath supporters will be desperately hoping that the re-emergence of a confident and dynamic Balshaw is the signal for a revival in the club's fortunes.

Things began to go wrong for Bridgend when Welsh international flanker Nathan Budgett was sin-binned for a professional foul in the 10th minute when the sides were at 3-3.

Within three minutes Balshaw had finished off Gareth Cooper's break from the base of the scrum and Olly Barkley added the conversion.

Bath, looking much the quicker side, added another penalty through Barkley on 20 minutes before Budgett returned to the action.

To make matters worse Bridgend had lost fly half Craig Warlow with a suspected fractured cheekbone in the 13th minute, forcing full-back Matt James to fill in at fly-half.

Balshaw collected his second try on 28 minutes, hacking on to score in the corner after Bridgend had lost possession in the Bath half.

The Welsh team's best spell came just before half-time when James charged down an attempted clearance by Barkley who only just managed to make a try saving tackle.

Bridgend maintained the pressure through a series of scrums which eventually saw Bath flanker Adam Vander yellow-carded and Gareth Thomas capitalised with an injury time try in the corner, converted by Anthony Carter.

There was still time for Barkley to establish a 21-10 interval lead with another penalty.

It was nearly 20 minutes into the second half before Bath added a third try, Alex Crockett latching onto Barkley's pass to score.

The fly half landed the conversion and added a penalty 10 minutes later.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Ireland centre Kevin Maggs forced his way over for the fourth try, converted by Barkley.

Bath coach Brian Smith believes that Balshaw will be back in the England side this season.

After seeing the player confirm his return to fitness and form with two tries in the 38-10 win over Bridgend, he said: "'Balsh' is an exciting talent and it's great to have him back on board. His speed and electricity is infectious."

"I think any rugby supporter would be pleased to see him back fit and well after all his injury problems."

Smith added: "The Lions Tour knocked him back a peg or two but if he continues to play like this I feel he's sure to be a starting player in the England XV."