BRISTOL BEARS CLAIM PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP VICTORY IN DERBY. BRISTOL BEARS – BATH  40-21

BRISTOL BEARS CLAIM PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP VICTORY IN DERBY. BRISTOL BEARS – BATH  40-21

The Bristol Bears wrapped up the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a six-try victory over West Country rivals Bath at Ashton Gate.

Pat Lam’s men scored three goals in each half, with tries from Fitz Harding, the returning Siva Naulago, and Viliame Mata canceling out Bath’s three goals from Ruaridh McConnochie, Cam Redpath, and Tom Carr-Smith. The two teams headed into halftime tied at 21-21.

The Bears started quickly, opening the scoring through captain Harding, who, after a quick run from Steven Luatua, pulled within striking distance.

Bath responded immediately when McConnochie picked up a loose ball in the Bears’ 22 and flicked it into the corner. At the other end of the pitch, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the penalty box, Naulago confidently finished, latching onto Byrne’s deft pass and slotting the ball under the posts. A sensational 50-22 Irish victory saw the hosts regain the lead.

Siva Naulago of the Bristol Bears scores a try during the Bristol Bears’ Premiership Rugby Cup match against Bath Rugby, February 15, 2025, at Ashton Gate in Bristol, England. (Photo: Andy Watts/Bristol Bears)

But just like the first time, Bath equalized after the break, with Redpath taking advantage of an interception in the Bears’ 22 and slotting the ball over the bar before Carr-Smith raced in from 40 meters to put the visitors ahead.

Mata’s powerful close-range effort equalized at halftime, before Bath were reduced to 14 men early in the second period, and Carr-Smith, the try scorer, was shown a yellow card for a cynical offside call deep in Bath territory.

The Bristol Bears still had time for a sixth try when Sam Wolstenholme burst across the goal line to score and seal their eighth consecutive victory over Bath at Ashton Gate.

BRISTOL BEARS – BATH 40:21

Bristol Bears: Tries: Harding 5, Naulago 15, Mata 40, Byrne 58, Rowson 70, Wolstenholme 79. Opponents: Byrne 5, 15, Janse van Rensburg 40, 58, Worsley 79.

Bath Rugby: Tries: McConnochie 7, Redpath 16, Carr-Smith 19. Opponents: Bailey 7, 16, 19. Yellow: Carr-Smith 50