BRISTOL BEARS SEE OFF REIGNING CHAMPIONS TO MAKE IT TWO WINS FROM TWO
Tries from Gabriel Oghre, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Jordan and Harry Randall, plus a late penalty try, helped Bristol Bears beat reigning champions Northampton Saints 41-26 at Ashton Gate.
The Bears led 15-14 at half-time before pulling away after the break, with Rees-Zammit scoring twice as Bristol made it two wins from two.
Bristol made the brighter start but Northampton soon found their way into the contest, with both sides trading scores in an entertaining opening half.
Rees-Zammit produced a moment of magic to create a 50/22 before later finishing a slick attacking move in the corner to put Bristol ahead.
Rees-Zammit ‘makes it look so easy’ as Bristol flyer dives in for double
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The Bears came out strongly after the restart and extended their lead when Rees-Zammit tore through the Saints defence before Jimmy Williams released Jordan, who stretched for the line.
Randall then added another try after Fitz Harding made valuable ground close to the Northampton line, with the scrum-half spotting a gap and darting over to make it 29-14.
Northampton refused to go away, though, and Alex Mitchell crossed before Josh Kemeny powered over to reduce the deficit to 34-26.
Saints were then reduced to 14 men when Ion Neculai was shown a yellow card for failing to roll away.
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Bristol thought Max Pepper had added another try, only for the TMO to spot an earlier knock-on from Kieran Marmion.
The officials then reviewed an incident involving Callum Chick and Williams before Bristol were awarded another penalty.
The Bears kicked to the corner and, after further review, a penalty try was awarded when Rees-Zammit was deemed to have been obstructed as he chased the ball.
That put Bristol 41-26 ahead and ended Northampton’s hopes of completing another comeback as the Bears held on for an impressive victory.