Last week the clocks changed bringing us the anticipation of brighter days ahead. But at Ashton Gate on Friday night it was as if time stood still, as at a pivotal moment all but one looked and waited for a ball to bobble out of play.
While most stood transfixed, Clermont’s world class winger Damian Penaud made the jump to light speed to reach a ball that was millimetres away from trundling over the dead ball line. As Siva Naulago hovered, Penaud pounced and for the Bristol faithful it felt that split second had effectively signalled the end of our season.
Credit to the boys who kept fighting to the final whistle, but this was another game that could have been won that effectively slipped through our grasp with two gift-wrapped tries conceded towards the end of both halves.
One learning, that appears to go unlearnt in Bear Country is the importance of restarts. Not only dealing with the ball when it is kicked to us, but also the need to pressure the opposition into making errors when we kick to them.
Fair play to a physical Clermont team that came and did a job at Ashton Gate on a wet and windy evening. Also a special mention to the hardy Clermont fans at the front of a damp Dolman Stand bedecked in yellow with their drums and flags. They encouraged the Bears fans to join in chants and dedicated regular beats to the home supporters.
Last week the club brought us Thirsty Thursday with the news of nine of the current squad committing to new deals, including club captain Steven Luatua and live wire hooker Harry Thacker. I’m sure supporters are breathing more easily knowing we have these nine guys signed up for next term.
Also with the announcement of the signings of ex-Wasps duo Gabriel Oghre and Sam Wolstenholme, Bears fans will be wondering if that’s business done for now. Or is there any room in the salary cap to bring in a new name or two and who will be our next marquee player?
I wonder if season ticket holders may hold back their renewals for a while to see what happens on the player front. Higher prices, fewer stars and two less Premiership games may have some considering their commitment.
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