Rugby / Bristol Bears
Bristol batter Bath in record win under the Friday night lights
Was there ever a more one-sided half in all of the numerous encounters between these near neighbours?
With the first 40 minutes of the match gone, it was 40-0 to Bristol before Bath’s Mackenzie Graham scored a consolation try for the visitors.
Bath came out of the blocks stronger in the second half, with two tries reducing the deficit, but Bristol ended up winning 61-19 – the most points they have ever scored against their local rivals.
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Dan Thomas was one of the senior players in the starting lineup – photo: JMP
Bristol scored nine tries in this Premiership Rugby Cup encounter, with two from Niyi Adeolokun and one each from Rich Lane, Jack Bates, Bryan Byrne, Dave Attwood, George Kloska, Mitch Eadie and Piers O’Conor; with six conversions by Tiff Eden.
With just over 14 minutes left to play, Jac Lloyd pulled off his yellow bib, got an encouraging pat on the back from academy transition coach Jordan Crane and entered the fray.
Ioan’s younger brother joined Tom Sims and Harry Rowson in all making their senior competitive debuts under the Friday night lights, with Lloyd Jnr handed the ball after O’Conor’s 76th minute try to slot a conversion from in front of the posts.
Former Clifton College pupil Jac Lloyd scores his first points for Bristol Bears on his debut – photo: JMP
“We know we’re a team that can score lots but we need to build pressure every time,” Pat Lam said after the final whistle.
He added: “What I’m really pleased about is that there are a lot of young fellas in there, academy boys getting their chance.
“I was talking to someone before the game, you could see they were nervous, his first time out at Ashton Gate. It’s a great moment for them and their families so they can be very proud.”
Main photo: JMP
Read more: Jac Lloyd follows older brother Ioan as he signs for Bristol Bears
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