Bristol Bears Dominate Gloucester in Record-Breaking Derby Victory
A stunning performance saw Bristol Bears secure a decisive 49-34 victory over West Country rivals Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday night, marking a record-breaking win for the club. The Bears ran in seven tries in an action-packed derby, solidifying their position in the league.
Bristol’s emphatic win was spearheaded by young fly-half Sam Worsley, who was awarded Player of the Match by the TNT Sports punditry team. Worsley contributed a remarkable 19 points, including his first try in the PREM and seven successful conversions, showcasing a flawless display from the kicking tee.
The Bears established an early lead with Worsley’s try after just five minutes, expertly set up by Argentinian full-back Ben Elizalde. Gabriel Oghre then added two tries – one before and one after halftime – while captain Fitz Harding’s powerful run ensured Bristol held a narrow 20-21 lead at the interval. Gloucester responded with first-half tries from Matias Alemanno, Seb Blake, and Josiah Edwards-Giraud.
The second half saw Bristol pull away, with Viliame Mata powering over the line and then providing a crucial assist for his fellow Fijian, Kalaveti Ravouvou. Ravouvou proved to be a game-changer, scoring two late tries, the final sealed by an expertly weighted kick from debutant Matias Moroni. “The team really stepped up tonight and executed the game plan perfectly,” a senior team member stated.
Worsley’s opening try was a testament to the Bears’ attacking intent, while a well-executed rolling maul led to Oghre’s first score. Harding’s try demonstrated the team’s ability to exploit space and create opportunities. Gloucester, however, proved resilient, with Blake’s dynamic finish and Edwards-Giraud’s try keeping them within striking distance.
Bristol secured their bonus point early in the second period through another maul, resulting in a second try for Oghre. Gloucester responded with a try from Edwards-Giraud, following a clever pass from Joseph. However, Bristol’s momentum proved unstoppable. Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s strong carry set up Mata for a try, and despite a quick response from Gloucester flanker Venter from a tap penalty, the Bears maintained control.
With just eight minutes remaining and a single point separating the teams, Mata’s assist to Ravouvou proved pivotal. Ravouvou’s step inside the defense secured his first try of the evening, and Moroni’s perfectly placed kick two minutes later allowed Ravouvou to complete his brace and seal the victory.
The final score reflected Bristol’s dominance: Gloucester 34 (Tries: Alemanno, Blake, Edwards-Giraud, Joseph, Venter; Cons: Byrne 3; Pen: Byrne) and Bristol Bears 49 (Tries: Worsley, Oghre 2, Harding, Mata, Ravouvou 2; Cons: Worsley 7).
Gloucester: Atkinson; Loader, Joseph, Llewellyn, Thorley; Byrne, Englefield; Knight, Blake, Fasogbon, Thomas, Alemanno, Basham, Venter, Bokenham. Replacements: Innard, McArthur, Gotovtsev, Jordan, Mann, Taylor, Austin, Edwards-Giraud.
Bristol Bears: Elizalde; Pepper, Moroni, Janse van Rensburg, Ravouvou; Worsley, Marmion; Woolmore, Oghre, Kloska, Rubiolo, Batley, Luatua, Harding, Mata. Replacements: Thacker, Grahamslaw, Chalayer, Dun, Owen, Grondona, Lennon, Fricker.
This victory marks a second successive derby win for Pat Lam’s side and a third league triumph in four games this season, signaling a strong start to their campaign.
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