What happened?

It was a tight and close game from the start with both sides giving their all physically for the full 80 minutes.

It was all square at the break after a tense first half and nothing separated the two sides.

Bristol were first to score through Bryan Byrne but Santiago Carreras got Gloucester Rugby back in the game with his first of two intercept tries. The Bears were attacking well but the international winger plucked the ball from the air and went ¾ of the length of the pitch to score with ease.

It wasn’t long before Carreras was back over the line and scored his second in a similar fashion to how he scored his first.

In the nature of the game, Bristol hit back through a Jake Heenan try and the conversion from Ioan Lloyd made the score 12-12 after 40 minutes.

Both teams suffered injuries with Matias Alemanno being forced off the pitch after taking contact to his throat. Bristol also had injury issues with Henry Purdy, Nahuel Tetaz-Chaparro and Bryan Byrne all being replaced before half time.

After the break, Ollie Thorley put Gloucester Rugby in the perfect position with a try to give the Cherry and Whites the lead. Heinz had taken the free kick quickly and the ball went through the hands to the winger who went over.

Bristol Bears held their nerve and Ioan Lloyd was accurate from the boot, slotting a penalty to reduce the gap.

Gloucester Rugby launched another attack through Jason Woodward who made a break from the 22. The fullback was brought down but offloaded to Charlie Chapman who came within metres of scoring.

Ultimately, Bristol won the ball and a late penalty from Lloyd gave Bristol the one-point lead and were able to hold on until the final whistle.

Key moment – Santiago Carreras’ first tries for Gloucester Rugby

Santiago Carreras had a perfect first half, scoring two intercept tires in a night that he won’t forget quickly.

For both scores, the winger was able to read the Bristol attack and timed his poaching of the ball so that he was at full speed as he grabbed it.

To score one of these games is memorable. Scoring two is extra special.

What’s next?

Gloucester Rugby are back in action next weekend at The Rec for another West Country derby against Bath in Round 10 of the Gallagher Premiership.

Bristol Bears take the win at the death in nail biting derby

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