Rugby / Bristol Bears Women

Ilona Maher makes Bristol Bears debut

By Hannah Massoudi  Sunday Jan 5, 2025

US star Ilona Maher has made her Bristol Bears Women debut to a record-breaking crowd for the Bristol women’s game, with 9,240 fans eagerly watching the Olympian’s every move.

Millie David powering through – photo: Bristol Bears

Playing against the Gloucester-Hartpury Women at Ashton Gate Stadium, the team made the first try ten minutes into the game, spurning the Bristol Bears Women to score less than two minutes later.

The Gloucester-Hartbury team last faced the Bristol Bears in 2023/24, where they beat them in the final of the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition, becoming the second team to win two titles in a row.

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Their strong catalogue of wins helped them to persist in this game to hold control of the field.

It wasn’t until the 40th minute mark that the Bristol Bears manage to gain traction with a score of 10-7.

By the second half, the Bears’ control of the ball faltered as the Gloucester-Hartbury team continued to drive the ball forward, keeping it in the Bears’ quarter for the remaining time.

Despite being 18 points behind, Maher, 28, who has signed for the club on a three-month deal in December, was brought out at the 61st minute to roars of excitement.

Looking fierce, clad in her statement red lip and braided hair, Maher leapt straight in with a strong tackle.

Ultimately after a few last minute swaps, the team failed to beat their opponents the Gloucester-Hartpury Women, with the final score Bristol Bears 17 and Gloucester-Hartpury 40.

But more than an hour after the match ended, the frenzied crowds were more than happy to stick around to greet the Bristol Bears’ newest sensation.

Main photo: Bristol Bears Women

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