Top Performers - Bristol Bears vs Bath

Bristol stormed back into the Premiership with an opening day win against Bath at Ashton Gate. Here are a list of the top performers

Ian Madigan:

Madigan had a near perfect night with the boot and missed just 1 of his 5 kicks. He managed to convert Bristol's pressure into points in the first half taking them to a 9 point lead. He also put in a solid try saving tackle on Jamie Roberts 10m out as the big Welsh centre ran a crash ball line

Luke Morahan:

The Wallaby was on fire at Ashton Gate as he topped the meters run, defenders beaten and clean break stats for the game. He set up the game winning try with a piece of individual brilliance and was exceleltn on defence for the Bears.

George Smith:

The man is a freak as he made 13 tackles on the night and was a thorn in the side of the Bath side. Smith, Luatua, Crane and Lam were all exceptional in all aspects of the game and grew from strength as the game went on.

Harry Thacker:

Brilliant performance by the hooker who does not fit the regular hooker mould. He carried well and worked well with his tight 5 as well as the loose trio. One to watch for the season if he carries on in this form

Zach Mercer:

Bath's shining light with 11 tackles and an all round stand out performance on a night when his side struggled. 7 carries, 1 clean break and beating 3 defenders on the night