Gloucester Rugby withstood a late Bristol Bears revival to prevail narrow 44-41 winners at Ashton Gate.
The Cherry and Whites were pegged back from 41-22 up towards the final quarter of an hour, but George Barton’s late penalty saw the visitors over the line.
Bristol made a flying start with Gabriel Ibitoye crossing after just two minutes, but Gloucester took control of the first half.
Christian Wade went over twice – sandwiching Freddie Thomas and Gareth Anscombe’s efforts – to put the visitors 28-10 to the good, though Siva Naulago cut the deficit before the break.
Harry Randall reduced the arrears further, but Wade’s superb individual try completed his hat-trick and gave Gloucester a 19-point buffer.
Bristol responded through Max Malins’ quickfire brace and, after Wade was sent to the sin bin in the final 10 minutes, Rich Lane drew them level.
However, it all proved academic two minutes from time, when Barton secured bragging rights for George Skivington’s side.
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
