Rugby / Bristol Bears
Bristol hearts broken after Quins comeback in Premiership semi-final
The Gallagher Premiership trophy was balanced on a BT Sport gantry in the South Stand at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
And after an extraordinary first half of flowing rugby and a 28-point lead after just 28 minutes, Bristol fans could be forgiven for dreaming that the Bears would be lifting that trophy at Twickenham against either Exeter or Sale next weekend.
But after almost keeping Harlequins off the scoreboard in the first half, the Londoners produced a sensational comeback to tie the scores at 31 points each after 80 minutes and win by 36 points to 43 after extra-time.
is needed now More than ever
Pat Lam issued a “heartfelt apology” talking to fans from the pitch at the end of the match. “We’ll work harder and we’ll be back next year.”
There were weary legs all over the pitch for the two ten-minute halves of extra time.
Bristol got closest to breaking the deadlock in the first ten-minute period with Callum Sheedy hitting the post with a penalty and Semi Radradra almost finding a way through in the midfield.
But a Tyrone Green try gave Quins a seven-point lead and despite Max Malins scoring his hattrick, it was not enough, and a Joe Marchant try ensured that it will be Harlequins heading to HQ for the Premiership final to see if they can get their hands on that trophy.
Charles Piatau in full flow before being forced off the field with a head injury – photo: JMP
Bristol scored four tries in a frenetic first half through two from Max Malins and one each for Ben Earl and Luke Morahan.
Harry Randall thought he had scored Bristol’s fifth try but his effort was ruled out for a forward pass from Radradra.
After a first half which only saw Harlequins get on the scoreboard with a minute to go, Tyrone Green scored an early try in the second-half for Quins followed by another for James Chisholm.
It was squeaky bum time for the Bristol fans, some of who were making their first trip to Ashton Gate all season in this last home match of the campaign.
And Quins kept on inching closer and closer to Bristol before finally overtaking that 28-point lead.
Tthis was a cruel loss and one which will be almightily difficult to forget after a season in which Bristol finished top of the Premiership table.
Let’s remember the good times.
Nathan Hughes celebrates Max Malins’ second try – photo: JMP
Andy Uren joins in the celebrations with fans after Luke Morahan’s first-half try – photo: JMP
Main photo: JMP
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