The era of low-scoring West Country derbies has faded into the past, much like cassette tapes and Ceefax. Just a week ago, Bristol scored 41 points yet still lost at home to Gloucester. Only last January, they triumphed over Bath 57-44 at Ashton Gate. This thrilling match wasn't as frenzied, but at times, the scoreboard spun like a slot machine in Las Vegas. When the final whistle blew and all the tries were tallied, it marked another satisfying away win for Bristol, reflecting their consistently dynamic performance filled with purpose and movement. Leading 26-7 at halftime, the Bears secured a try bonus point before the break, with two of those tries coming from Argentine back-rower Santiago Grondona on his long-awaited league debut. Their five-try victory was well-deserved.
Bristol's 'massive attack' is a delight to watch when it's in sync, with hooker Gabriel Oghre having a stellar game and Benhard Janse van Rensburg once again making a significant impact. The weather was also perfect, with a warm sun enhancing the picturesque setting. Some facilities at the Rec have remained unchanged since Roman times, but as a sporting venue, it remains top-tier, especially on days like this when both teams aim to provide value for their high-priced tickets. The Bears continue to advocate for positive-minded rugby, scoring three tries within the first 26 minutes. Malins, in excellent form, scored in the left corner after just 90 seconds, followed by Grondona and Janse van Rensburg, putting their side 19-7 ahead.
Bath managed a solo score from Sam Harris, breaking through a tackle attempt by Gabriel Ibitoye, but Bristol appeared sharper and more urgent. With advantage being played, they were clinical again in the opposing 22, and Grondona secured his second try. Bath's tackling wasn't as strong as their coaches would have liked, surprising given their promising start to the season. With Alfie Barbeary, on his 24th birthday, watching from the stands, they lacked punch and energy, only beginning to emerge from their lethargy when Bristol was already ahead 29-7. They also faced some misfortune, with Ted Hill and Guy Pepper both having tries disallowed by the television match official for minor knock-ons. Grondona's sin-binning gave Bath a foothold, and tries from Will Butt and Ross Molony, following a smart break from Finn Russell, injected new life into the contest.
Suddenly, the Bears needed to regroup, and a yellow card for Sam Underhill within six minutes of his entrance tilted the momentum again. Oghre, recently omitted from England's first training squad, was electric here and fully deserved his try from a driving maul. Ollie Lawrence secured a try bonus point for Bath, but Bristol's overall superiority and 10-point victory margin were undeniable. The Bears face challenging games this month against Exeter, Saracens, and Northampton, but based on this performance, nothing seems impossible.
