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.
Gloucester Rugby turned the ball over but Bristol stole it back and kick it to touch to end the game.
Lloyd slots the kick and Bristol take the lead.
High tackle from Gloucester Rugby. Lloyd lines up a shot at goal which would give Bristol the lead.
Moyle is on for Woodward.
Jason Woodward intercepts the ball and makes a dash for the line from the Gloucester Rugby 22. He is brought down but offloads to Chapman who gets within metres. Unfortuantley the ball spills forward.
Champman is on for Heinz and Ben Morgan takes to the field for Jamie Gibson.
Lloyd puts the ball to touch.
Holmes is on for Attwood.
Hughes is off, on comes Harding..
Thorley makes another good break but play is stopped as the ball was too close to an injured Bristol player.
Trinder is off, on comes Kveseladze is on.
Lloyd slots the kick.
Gloucester Rugby did well to stop the try there. But a penalty is conceded. Lloyd lines up the shot at goal.
OLLIE THORLEY! Gloucester Rugby gets over the line for the Cherry and Whites. Bristol gave away the freekick at the scrum and Heinz went quickly and the ball was shipped wide to Thorley who scored.
Sooo close! Gloucester Rugby take a quick tap penalty and make a charge for the line. Clarke comes just inches short and the ball spills forward the next phase. Bristol have the scrum on their 5m line.
The Cherry and Whites have come out with a brand new front row.
Here we go for the second half.
Lloyd adds the conversion.
Jake Heenan breaks through for Bristol Bears to score.
Good defence from the Cherry and Whites. They win the penalty and will have the lineout on halfway.
Check out our Digital Programme. Whilst fans aren't allowed into the stadium we're doing all we can to bring you closer to the action. We spoke to Matias Alemanno about his journey across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic and also heard from Gloucester Rugby legend, Andy Hazell.
There's loads of Cherry and White content in it so give it a read!
We're all set for the West Country derby this evening as Gloucester Rugby host Bristol Bears at Kingsholm.
It's top of the league vs the bottom in Round 9 of the Gallagher Premiership. Kick off is at 19:45.