Bristol Battle Back to Beat Gloucester in Thrilling Derby
In a thrilling derby match at Kingsholm, Bristol Rugby battled back to secure a bonus-point victory against Gloucester in a high-scoring encounter. The match was filled with excitement and drama as both teams displayed their attacking prowess.
Gloucester took an early lead with a well-worked try from Josh Hathaway, followed by a Santi Carreras interception try and a score from Adam McBurney, giving them a 24-19 lead at halftime. However, Bristol fought back strongly in the second half, with hooker Gabriel Oghre scoring a sensational try to level the scores.
Magnus Bradbury’s second try and a crucial score from Benhard Janse van Rensburg sealed the victory for Bristol, who showed great character and quality throughout the match. The win marks Bristol’s fourth consecutive victory in the league, propelling them up to sixth place in the Premiership table and keeping them in contention for a top-four finish.
Despite a strong first-half performance, Gloucester failed to add to their tally in the second half and remain in ninth place in the league standings. Head coach George Skivington expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive performance, acknowledging that they gave Bristol too much space to exploit.
Bristol head coach Pat Lam praised his team’s resilience and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of playing fearlessly and as a cohesive unit. He singled out Gabriel Oghre for his excellent performance but highlighted the collective effort of the team in securing the victory.
The match was a thrilling display of attacking rugby, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Bristol’s victory will give them a confidence boost as they continue their push for a top-four finish in the league.