Rugby / Bristol Bears
Match report: Bristol Bears 37-11 Stade Francais
Bristol Bears took full control of Pool Four with a third successive bonus-point victory in the European Challenge Cup, as Toby Fricker’s late try sealed a maximum return for Pat Lam’s men against Stade Français.
Luke Morahan’s first-half score and two penalties from the boot of Ian Madigan cancelled out Lester Etien’s 19th-minute opener, as the hosts took a five-point lead into the half time break.
Madigan added a third penalty early in the second period, before Harry Thacker, Charles Piutau and replacement Fricker touched down in the final 15 minutes to complete a resounding home win for the Bears.
is needed now More than ever
Madigan, on his first competitive appearance since September, finished with a 13-point haul from five successful kicks.
Bristol started on the front foot, but having spent the majority of the opening quarter inside the Stade 22, found themselves behind on 19 minutes, as wing Lester Etien finished strongly in the corner after the hosts coughed up possession just outside the 22.
A Madigan penalty narrowed the deficit on 24 minutes, before Bristol took the lead for the first time courtesy of the coolest of finishes from Luke Morahan. The wing reacted quickest to the loose ball after Steven Luatua had charged down Joris Segonds’ clearance, with Morahan kicking it up into his own hands to score under the posts.
Madigan converted and added his second penalty shortly after to give the hosts an eight-point lead, but Stade had the final say of the half through a Segonds penalty to make it a five-point game at the interval.
………………………………
Bristol24/7 relies on your support to fund our independent journalism and social impact projects. Become a member and enjoy exclusive perks from just £5 per month.
………………………………
Madigan’s third successful penalty soon cancelled that out, while his opposite number saw his long-range effort drift wide shortly after.
Segonds made amends from an identical position on the hour mark to edge Stade back within striking distance.
But the Parisians were dealt a blow 15 minutes from time when Pierre-Henri Azagoh was yellow carded for pulling down a dominant Bears maul – and the hosts took full advantage as Thacker powered over from a 13-man shove.
Stade briefly threatened at the other end with Ryan Chapuis held up over the whitewash, but Charles Piutau collected Nic Stirzaker’s pass to power over from close range for try number three to all but seal the win for Bristol.
And the full back, who signed a new two-year contract at the club on Wednesday, turned provider as time ticked away, feeding Fricker for his third European try of the season with the final play of the game.
Ioan Lloyd landed the touchline conversion for good measure, and it was job done for Bristol, who remain top of the tree in Pool Four.
Photos by JMP
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
