Dorian West and Mallinder (R) won the LV= Cup with Saints in 2010
Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says their young players should learn lessons from their heavy defeat by Bath in the LV= Cup.
Saints lost 46-14 at the Recreation Ground, but still top pool four.
Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton, external: "A lot of these players needed game time. The experience will stand us in good stead.
"I don't think our defence was good enough and against a side like Bath you're going to be in trouble."
The two sides traded penalties until Bath hooker Ross Batty scored a try late in the first half.
The scoreline moved to 26-9 shortly after the restart following a converted Anthony Perenise try after he broke through the Saints defence when lock Samu Manoa had fumbled the ball.
Defensive off-day annoys Mallinder
Saints hit back through Alex Waller but three tries in the space of seven minutes - from Ollie Woodburn, Stephen Donald and Charlie Beech - completed a comfortable win for Bath.
"I think it was a decent first half from us and we were still in the game," said Mallinder.
"In the second half, we conceded a very poor try. We got back in the game by scoring a good one ourselves, but then it got away from us.
"Our set piece did go well, particularly the scrum, and that was a positive area. Some of our driving play and attacking play was good.
"At other times, we carried a bit too high, we didn't get over the advantage line and, defensively, we were a bit off our game.
"It's an experience for them all and it's tough.
"We need to beat Wasps well next well and give ourselves every chance [of qualification]."
