Bristol Bears claimed a bonus-point victory over defending champions Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership, taking them to the top of the table. After falling behind 0-15 in the first half, the Bears produced a brilliant comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points in the second half to secure their first home victory of the season at Ashton Gate. Joe Batley scored the bonus-point try after some exceptional offloading from Gabriel Ibitoye and his teammates. Kalaveti Ravouvou’s brace played a crucial role in turning the game around for the hosts, with the Fijian scoring before half time and then putting Bristol in front with a brilliant break through the Northampton defence.
The visitors had control of the game early on, scoring two quick tries within minutes to stun Bristol, but the Bears fought back by scoring two tries towards the end of the first half to level the score. They then took control in the second half, with Northampton’s late try from James Ramm not enough to secure the two losing bonus points. Despite missing international players, the Saints have now lost all of their away matches this season, highlighting their struggles on the road.
Bristol’s performance showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, with their second half dominance proving too much for the defending champions to handle. The Bears’ offloading and passing were particularly impressive, leaving Northampton unable to respond effectively. With this victory, Bristol now find themselves at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table, showcasing a strong start to the season and solidifying their position as a top contender.
Kalaveti Ravouvou was named the Player of the Match for his standout performance in his first start of the season. The Fijian center scored two crucial tries for Bristol, helping them get back into the match after a difficult start. His powerful break just before half time resulted in a try under the posts, and his subsequent surge over the try line highlighted his impact on the game.
The match highlights, including key moments such as George Hendy and Josh Kemeny’s tries for Northampton, as well as Bristol’s comeback through Ibitoye and Ravouvou’s scoring efforts, showcased the thrilling and competitive nature of the game. Bristol’s determination to secure the bonus point victory was evident in their performance, with Joe Batley’s try capping off a memorable second half for the Bears.
One significant statistic that emerged from the game was Northampton’s winless record in all five Premiership away games this season. The defending champions’ struggles on the road contrasted with Bristol’s success at home, underlining the importance of home advantage in the Premiership. Overall, the Bears’ impressive victory over Northampton solidified their standing as a top team in the league and set the tone for future matches in the season.
