• Four Ian Madigan penalties ensure Bristol get the points
The Gallagher Premiership season still has nine months to run but the newly styled Bristol Bears are already up and roaring. If proof were needed that Pat Lam’s promoted side will be no pushovers it duly materialised in front of a record stadium crowd as the hosts gave their old rivals Bath a rousing West Country hurry-up.
On this evidence Bristol’s positivity will be an adornment to the league, even if they briefly made heavy weather of defending an early 9-0 lead against a Bath squad coated in a fair amount of early season rust. The critical breakthrough finally arrived with seven minutes left when a juggling Alapati Leiua dived over in the left corner, rewarding his team for their spirit, endeavour and superior skills.
Written by Robert Kitson
Ashton Gate
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/31/bristol-bath-premiership-match-report under the title “Alapati Leiua try gives Bristol last laugh against rusty Bath”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
