Rugby / Bristol Bears
Bears prevail against Bath
It was definitely squeaky bum time at Ashton Gate as two fierce West Country rivals put on a showstopper.
Rejuvenated Bristol Bears, after a chastening encounter at the hand of the league leaders Northampton, edged past reigning Premiership champions Bath by 21-19.
A high-stake game of free-flowing rugby across 80 minutes delivered plenty of fireworks, both proverbial and literal.
With so much riding on the contest for both sides, emotions spilled over on the pitch, creating a spectacle worthy of derby day for both sets of supporters.
Captain Fitz Harding scored the opening try for Bears – photo: Bristol Bears
In the much-anticipated penultimate fixture for both teams this season, Bristol needed victories from their remaining two matches to stay in contention for the playoffs, while Bath, almost certain of a semi-final place, were pushing to secure a home semi-final at the expense of their derby rivals.
But it was not only bragging rights at stake. Recent rugby headlines had been dominated by the inclusion of Benhard Janse van Rensburg in Steve Borthwick’s 42-man training squad ahead of the omitted Bath pair Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh.
The prospect of Janse van Rensburg lining up against Lawrence and Ojomoh promised another compelling battle for midfield supremacy.
Bristol Bears were boosted by the return of AJ MacGinty, who made his comeback after sustaining an Achilles injury in the opening league fixture against Leicester.
The early exchanges were characterised by a high-tempo ebb and flow, with Bristol enjoying the bulk of possession during the first ten minutes.
Twelve minutes into the contest, Bath thought they had opened the scoring when Henry Arundell crossed the try line, only for the effort to be ruled out for a forward pass.
The deadlock was eventually broken when Ollie Lawrence powered over from close range. Ciaran Donoghue added the conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Bath extended their advantage in the 21st minute when Guy Pepper crossed for a second try. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 12-0.
Bristol captain Fitz Harding responded to the challenge in the 34th minute, crashing over to open the Bears’ account. MacGinty added the extras to reduce the deficit to five points.
However, just before half-time, Springbok player Thomas du Toit struck for Bath’s third try. With the conversion successful, the visitors headed into the interval with a 19-7 lead.
In the second half Bristol Bears played with more intention and intensity – photo: Bristol Bears
Bristol started the second half with intent and composure, and just four minutes in were awarded a penalty try which sent Henry Arundell to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on.
With 66 minutes on the clock, Pat Lam’s men edged past Bath with a superb try from prop Max Lahiff in front of the Atyeo Stand and conversion from Tom Jordan.
Bristol Bears fans went through agonising few minutes at the dying embers of the game when Bath were awarded a penalty from the half-way line.
But the penalty was missed, sending the Bristol fans into delirium.
Player of the match, Janse van Rensburg kicked the ball out immediately as the final whistle registered a memorable derby win for Bristol Bears.
Main photo: Bristol Bears
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