Rugby / Bristol Bears
Sporting history made at Ashton Gate
With half an hour gone into Bristol Bears versus Exeter Chiefs on Saturday afternoon, sporting history was made in BS3.
A tackle by Santiago Grondona was shown on one of the big screens at Ashton Gate and it did not take referee Karl Dickson too long to rule that it had been high and dangerous.
For the first time ever at a club rugby match in the UK, the referee’s decision was broadcast over the PA system in the stadium and as soon as Dickson said there was no mitigation, the 26-year-old Argentinian started walking back towards the dug-out.
Tries ☑️
Big hits ☑️
Cards ☑️This game has everything!
And now it’s a @premrugby first as Karl Dickson explains the Santiago Grondona red card decision to the spectators over the PA at Ashton Gate.#GallagherPrem | #BRIvEXE pic.twitter.com/20j1wZFZFl
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025
In another piece of history, the half-time score was 40-24 with the ten tries the most ever in a Premiership opening period.
Take a bow Bristol’s try scorers Jack Bates (2), James Williams (2), Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Harry Randall; with five conversions added from the boot of Harry Byrne.
Bates scored his hattrick in the second half and despite one fewer player, Bears extended their lead thanks to another try from Steven Luatua.
Bears eventually ran out 52-38 winners, remaining in second place in the Premiership behind Bath; with another historic moment happening on May 10 when Bristol take on their close neighbours at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Main photo: Bristol Bears
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