After a shaky start it was great to see the Bears roar back to their free-flowing best and put a limited Newcastle Falcons side to the sword.
Despite the early loss of Callum Sheedy, who was clearly targeted by the Falcons prop with a cynical no arms shoulder charge that was, in my opinion, worthy of a red, Bristol grew quickly into the game and ended up dominating the contest, cantering home like thoroughbreds. Three things stood out for me.
First, we looked very fresh.
Although the defeat to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup was disappointing, the players clearly benefited from some serious ‘sauna time’ and to a man looked lively, sharp and fleet footed.
Yes, there were a few mistakes, and yes, the first twenty minutes didn’t quite go our way, but every time we got the ball and started to run with it you could almost hear the groans from the labouring Falcons pack.
Special mentions should go to Andy Uren, Luke Morahan and Niyi Adeoloken who really stood out in this respect.
Secondly, Max Malins took the game by the scruff of its neck and never let go.
He was outstanding and the way he took his first try by sending various Newcastle players in different directions with one smooth shake of his hips was a joy to behold.
His second was almost as good.
It might have been a lucky bounce but taking the ball like he did and then accelerating through the Falcons defence gave me visions of Moses parting the Red Sea it was that good.
Finally, the fact that we were able to make nine changes and leave out big hitters like Semi Radrada, Charles Piatau and Henry Purdy continues to remind us what fantastic strength in depth we have.
From the likes of Fitz Harding, Ioan Lloyd and Will Capon to Jake Heenan, Jake Woolmore and Max Lahiff, the squad players made their mark and with us now close to securing a home semi-final, Pat is going to have the luxury of rotating to his heart’s content.
What this sets up now is a simply mouth-watering game on Friday against Exeter Chiefs who will visit the Gate in a rich vein of form and no doubt desperate to avenge their chastening defeat at Sandy Park earlier in the season.
Up the Bears!
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