Gloucester narrowly defeated Bristol with a thrilling 44-41 victory in the Gallagher Premiership.
- Christian Wade scored a remarkable hat-trick, setting a new Premiership record for the most hat-tricks by a player.
- Despite leading by 19 points with only 15 minutes remaining, Gloucester faced a strong Bristol comeback.
- George Barton’s crucial 78th-minute penalty secured the win for Gloucester in the closing stages.
- Bristol managed to secure two bonus points despite the loss, demonstrating their resilience.
In a thrilling encounter, Gloucester emerged victorious with a 44-41 win against Bristol in the Gallagher Premiership. Christian Wade, who recently returned to the Premiership, was instrumental in Gloucester’s success, scoring a hat-trick. This performance saw him set a new Premiership record for the most hat-tricks by a player, bringing his career total to 85 tries. Wade’s exceptional performance highlighted his prowess and was pivotal in securing the win for Gloucester.
Gloucester appeared to have secured the victory when they led by 19 points with only 15 minutes remaining. However, Bristol staged a remarkable comeback, scoring three quick tries to level the match. Despite this, full-back George Barton displayed composure under pressure, converting a 78th-minute penalty to clinch the victory for Gloucester.
Wade’s journey back to the Premiership has been noteworthy, having spent six years away in the NFL and with French club Racing 92. His return has been marked by a series of impressive performances, and this match further solidified his impact. However, Wade’s performance was not without controversy, as he received a yellow card late in the match. Despite this setback, Gloucester managed to hold off a final push from Bristol to secure the win.
Throughout the match, both teams demonstrated their attacking prowess. For Gloucester, Freddie Thomas and Gareth Anscombe also crossed the try line, with Barton converting all five tries and adding three penalties, contributing a total of 19 points. On the other side, Bristol’s offensive efforts were led by Max Malins, who scored two tries, and contributions from Siva Naulago, Harry Randall, Gabriel Ibitoye, and Rich Lane. AJ MacGinty added 11 points with his kicking, but it was not enough to overcome Gloucester’s lead.
Gloucester’s victory was particularly significant as they had lost their previous six Premiership visits to Ashton Gate. The match started with an early try by Bristol’s Ibitoye, converted by MacGinty, putting Bristol in the lead. However, Gloucester quickly responded, with Wade scoring his first try following a setup by Max Llewellyn. Barton’s conversion and subsequent penalty kicks kept Gloucester ahead.
Despite the chaotic nature of the match, Gloucester capitalised on Bristol’s indiscipline, with Naulago and Randall receiving yellow cards in quick succession. Gloucester’s tactical play and Barton’s accurate kicking allowed them to build a substantial lead. However, Bristol’s resilience shone through as they mounted a strong comeback in the final minutes. Ultimately, Barton’s late penalty secured Gloucester’s triumph.
Bristol’s effort was commendable, especially considering their ability to secure two bonus points despite the loss. Malins’ late tries, along with MacGinty’s conversions, highlighted Bristol’s fighting spirit. However, Gloucester’s determination and strategic play, particularly in the first half, set the foundation for their victory.
Gloucester managed to withstand Bristol’s late surge, securing a narrow 44-41 victory through strategic play and key performances.
