Rugby / Bristol Bears Women

Bristol Bears Women start season with win against Sale

By Martin Booth  Saturday Nov 18, 2023

Just 17 weeks after giving birth, Abbie Ward was on the scoresheet as Bristol Bears Women beat Sale Sharks in the opening game of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The bonus-point win at Ashton Gate came courtesy of two tries from Lark Atkin-Davies and one each from Reneeqa Bonner, Lucy Burgess, Phoebe Murray, Jess Sprague, Ella Lovibond and Ward.

Holly Aitchison, signed from Saracens in the summer, kicked Bristol’s points, with Sales’ consolation try coming from Beatrice Rigoni.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Speaking after the match, Ward said: “Running out with my daughter was never something we envisaged as players because it wasn’t really an option, it was one or the other.

“To be able to do that, for people to see that and, hopefully, for athletes to feel like they have that option is huge. I loved it, every moment.”

Main photo: JMP

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning