Bristol Bears end 2020 with victory at the Stoop

Bristol Bears claimed a 19-27 victory over Harlequins at the Stoop on Saturday to end 2020 on a high. 

 

 

Tries from Dan Thomas, Steven Luatua, Harry Randall and Niyi Adeolokun saw Pat Lam's side to victory with Marcus Smith scoring all of the Londoners' points.

 

 

 

 

After being injured on international duty, the Bristol centre Semi Radradra made his first appearance for the season after suffering a leg injury. Louis Lynagh also made his first Premiership start of the season, while England prop, Joe Marler was rested.

 

 

 

Both teams entered the game with 10 points apiece after winning two of their three opening matches. Bristol immediately started the game on the front foot winning two penalties in the first two minutes of play. Hughes carried the ball over the line in the third minute but was held up by the desperate Quins defence. Quins won a penalty in the 6th minute and Smith immediately opted for the penalty kick which sent the Quins into the lead after a dominant piece of play from the Bears.

 

 

The Bears remained dominant at the break down winning numerous turnovers. Smith stretched the lead in the 17th minute to 6-0 with a penalty-kick. The Bears continued to dominate the possession in the first half but Quins played it safe and kicked their penalties to the posts. After 25 minutes of play, Quins led 9-0 having a mere 21% of possession.

 

 

Quins showed a glimpse of their attack in the 32nd minute, however, the Bears defence managed to kill the attack. Wilco Louw went over the line in the 33rd minute however the red immediately referred it to the TMO, the on field decision was a no try, but Wayne Barnes was not able to overturn the decision. Bristol finished the first half on a high with Dan Thomas going over the line after Luatua broke the defensive line.

 

 

Bristol started the second half the strongest of the two scoring in the 44th minute after winning a penalty 2m from the line and Luatua going over to score. The try was converted and the Bears took the lead for the first time in the game. Smith opted for another penalty kick in the 47th minute, equaling the scores at 12 a piece. The Quins were caught offside and Sheedy opted for the three points to retake the lead.

 

 

The Bears continued to dominate possession in the second half and Hughes made a massive carry into the 22m and Randall received the offload to go over to score. Quins tried a late fight back late in the second half, but Bristol played outstanding rugby to outsmart them. Bristol secured their bonus point try in the 67th minute with Adeolokun going in to score.

 

 

Quins finally scored a try on the full time siren as Smith ran into score under the posts to end a disappointing loss against the Bears. Bristol dominated the possession stats 62% to the 38% of the Quins. Bristol continued to top all the statistics including the territory.