Bristol Bears fell to a second away defeat of the season as Gloucester took the derby spoils at Kingsholm on Saturday.

Pat Lam’s side scored four tries to earn a consolation bonus-point, with a James Williams double and further scores from skipper Fitz Harding and Max Lahiff, but the Bears were unable to recover from a flying Gloucester start that saw them open up a 24-0 lead inside 22 minutes.

Christian Wade opened the scoring with the first of his hat-trick on five minutes before Josh Hathaway doubled the advantage just three minutes later. Chris Harris scored the hosts’ third before Seb Atkinson crossed for the first his three at the end of the first quarter.

The Bears hit back when Fitz Harding finished off a Harry Randall break, and James Williams powered over from close range after strong work from Rich Lane in the build-up.

Max Lahiff scored from close range but in the closing stages of an action-packed first half, both Atkinson and Wade grabbed their second scores to give the home side a 34-21 lead at the interval.

Atkinson completed his hat-trick early in the second half before Wade followed suit seven three minutes later, and when George Barton went over on 53 minutes, the Cherry and Whites had opened an unassailable lead.

Williams’ second ensured the Bears wouldn’t leave empty handed, but it was Gloucester who took the derby spoils at Kingsholm.

Gloucester: Tries: Wade 5, 40, 47, Hathaway 8, Harris 15, S Atkinson 22, 32, 44, Barton 53. Cons: C Atkinson 17, 22, Williams 44, 47

Bristol Bears: Tries: Harding 20, Williams 28, 63, Lahiff 32. Cons: Byrne 20, 28, 32, MacGinty 63