A controlled display coupled with a smattering of defensive resilience earned Bristol Bears a precious victory over Harlequins at The Stoop, a result which keeps them in the PWR play-off conversation.
Exeter travel to Saracens tomorrow knowing that they need a win to keep pace with the Bears, who scored three lovely tries in front of the TNT cameras in south London.
Bears took an early lead when Phoebe Murray blasted through the heart of Quins’ defensive line to cross the line in style. It was just what Bears deserved, with the experienced Amber Reed orchestrating the backline from start to finish.
The impressive Ellie Kildunne restored parity on the half hour, racing on to Lucy Packer’s neat grubber to dot down in the corner.
Five apiece with neither side converting their opening scores, Bears took the lead five minutes before the break courtesy of Wales back-row Alisha Joyce-Butchers, who crossed on the back of a well-worked lineout move. Holly Aitchison converted for a 12-5 advantage going into half-time.
The Londoners came out for the second half all guns blazing, and despite a strong defensive display, the home side cut the gap to 12-10 by virtue of another Kildunne try – her second of the evening.
Sarah Bern, in the form of her life for Bears, was tormenting Quins defensive line with a series of lung-busting carries. And on the hour, the England international was rewarded for her endeavour as she crashed over from close range following a blistering Bears attack. Aitchison added the extras to increase Bears’ lead to 19-10.
Quins threw everything at the Bears in the latter stages, but Dave Ward’s side showed their mettle in defence to close out the game and secure what could be a season-changing win.
Bristol Bears | 15. Courtney Keight, 14. Reneeqa Bonner, 13. Phoebe Murray, 12. Amber Reed (cc), 11. Ilona Maher, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Keira Bevan; 1. Hannah Botterman, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Hollie Cunningham, 5. Abbie Ward (cc), 6. Alisha Joyce-Butchers, 7. Christiana Balogun, 8. Evie Gallagher.
Replacements: 16. Holly Phillips, 17. Simi Pam, 18. Elliann Clarke, 19. Delaney Burns, 20. Gabriella Nigrelli, 21. Ffion Lewis, 22. Meg Varley, 23. Millie David.
