Exiles prepare to do battle with the Bears

Log leaders Bristol Bears will travel to Brentford Community Stadium – still counting their lucky stars after last weekend – to take on the feisty London Irish.

Pat Lam’s men eked out a nail-biting, 1-point victory against the struggling Gloucester at Kingsholm in Round 9. It was a game which cost Bristol four injuries and the consolatory victory was only just grasped. Gloucester held the lead for a significant portion of the match before Bears were awarded a penalty shortly before full-time to snatch it back and then managed to run down the clock. It was, however, a sloppy performance from Bristol which they will be loathe to repeat this weekend.

Exiles were put to the sword by defending champions Exeter in Round 9, 26-3. Exiles put on a plucky display but it was not enough to halt the might of the Chiefs as they ran in four tries (including two for Sam Simmonds) for a bonus-point victory.

London Irish currently occupy the seventh spot on the log, neck-&-neck with Northampton Saints on overall points (22). A win could potentially put them at the business-end of the table and Bears’ performance last week and their subsequent injury list will have Blair Cowan and co. licking their lips.

Bristol still retain their hold on the top spot – albeit only just – with a total of 34 points. Exeter are breathing down their necks, however, on 33. The heat is therefore on if they wish to remain where they are and a five-point haul from this fixture would do well to relieve some pressure.

On the last occasion that they crossed swords, Bristol were dominant – leaving the pitch in Round 22 with a 36-7 victory under the belt.