JUNIOR MATCH REPORT

Bristol Bears 48 - 3 Bath Rugby

By Bath Rugby

February 1^st, 2021

DERBY DAY DEFEAT AT ASHTON GATE

Bath Rugby were found wanting by an aggressive and expressive Bristol Bears side in Round 7 of the Gallagher Premiership on Friday evening where the game finished 48-3.

Bath got off to a solid start but were however caught on the counter-attack on two occasions in the opening 10 minutes leading to two quick secretive tries. The first came from Luke Morahan, who dotted down in the corner following a penalty advantage, before some interchanging play from the Bristol backs set up a try for Charlies Piutau.

Bristol slowly started to widen the scoreboard gap, and after Rhys Priestland was yellow carded, Bath were unable to deal with the one-man advantage - and were left to rue the mistakes as Bristol's Byrne managed to score two tries before the half was over.

DOUBLE BLOW FOR STOOKIE & McNALLY

Bath Rugby were dealt a huge blow after just 12 minutes, as Josh McNally and Elliott Stooke both left the field for HIA assessments after a collision in the same tackle. Sadly they both failed their HIA's and did not return to the game, we wish them a speedy recovery.

NO SLOWING BRISOL DOWN AS SECOND HALF GETS UNDERWAY

Bristol picked up where they let off after the half-time break. The hosts playing quick, expansive rugby picking up their sixth try of the evening through Semi Radradra who ran it in from halfway.

The final points of the game came on the 57th minute, again Bath put under the pump. Will Capon thought he had dotted down for a seventh try, but TMO Tom Foley had spotted an infringement for obstructing play and Bristol are awarded the penalty try. This saw flanker Josh Bayliss sent to the bin for 10 minutes.

Bristol Bears scored seven tries through Luke Morahan, Charles Piutau, Andy Uren, Semi Radradra, a brace from hooker Bryan Byrne and to top off their display, the hosts were awarded a penalty try in the latter stages.

LOSE-HEAD ACCOLADES

The game saw both Juan Schoeman earn his first start for the Blue, Black and White, whilst Scottish International Jamie Bhatti earned his first appearance for the club off the bench in the second half - welcome to the team Jamie!!