Rugby / Bristol Bears
Match report: Bristol Bears 16-10 Sale Sharks
Ioan Lloyd’s 77th-minute try and 11 points from the boot of Callum Sheedy steered Bristol Bears to a hard-fought victory over Sale Sharks at sodden Ashton Gate on Friday night.
The Academy youngster latched on to Harry Randall’s kick ahead to dive in the corner late on, as Pat Lam’s men dug deep to overcome Chris Vui’s sin binning and a second-half Sale onslaught to earn a second home win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership.
Three Sheedy penalties had seen the Bears lead 9-0 at the interval in torrential conditions in BS3, before replacement AJ Macginty put Sale on the scoreboard on the hour mark.
Vui saw yellow for pulling down a rampant Sale maul, as the visitors went in search of the game’s opening try. But the Bristol defence held firm and at the other end, Randall’s kick bounced favourably for Lloyd, and the 18-year-old finished with confidence for his second try in three games this season.
There was still time for Sale to spark a nervy finish, as Cameron Neild took advantage of a Bristol error inside the 22 to touch down, with Macginty’s conversion making it a six-point game.
But the home side held on for a fourth home win of the season in all competitions, and their first over Sale since New Year’s Day 2017.
Photo of Ioan Lloyd by JMP
Read more: Breakfast With Bristol24/7: Pat Lam
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