Bristol Bears crush Harlequins 52-26 to reach semi-finals
Bristol's Joe Batley was one of the scorers for the Bears, who will now face Bath in the play-offs
©PA
Bristol Bears 52-26 Harlequins, Ashton Gate
Bristol Bears stormed into the Premiership semi-finals with a resounding 52–26 win over Harlequins at Ashton Gate.
In a high-octane encounter filled with tries, attacking flair, and clinical finishing, the Bears secured the final spot in the top four and will now face local rivals Bath in the semi-final.
The bonus-point win was sealed with flair and physical dominance, delivering the statement performance they needed on the final day.
Bristol wasted no time setting the tone. In the opening minute, George Kloska powered over from close range, and just three minutes later, Joe Batley added another following relentless forward pressure, making it 12–0 within four minutes.
Harlequins responded through Cadan Murley in the 16th minute with a try out wide, but their hopes were quickly dashed. Kalaveti Ravouvou cut through for a spectacular solo try in the 19th minute, and Viliame Mata extended the lead again in the 23rd minute with a dominant surge through the defence.
Despite Murley scoring again in the 33rd minute—his second of the day—Bristol had already sealed the bonus point and went into halftime with a commanding 26–12 lead.
The Bears kept the scoreboard ticking soon after the break. Gabriel Ibitoye, playing against his former club, crossed in the 46th minute to continue his standout season.
But Harlequins fought back. Tries from Alex Dombrandt (49’) and George Hammond (52’) reduced the deficit to just five points, bringing the score to 31–26. For a moment, the comeback looked on.
That was as close as Quins would get. Santiago Grondona struck back in the 57th minute for Bristol with a powerful finish. Then came Ibitoye again, claiming his second try in the 63rd minute—his 13th of the season—effectively sealing the game.
Bristol finished in style as Benhard Janse van Rensburg darted over in the 69th minute for the eighth and final try of the match. Fly-half AJ MacGinty orchestrated the Bears’ attack with calm authority, converting six of the eight tries and keeping the tempo high throughout.
The win capped a remarkable late-season resurgence for Bristol, who now march into the playoffs with confidence and form. Their semi-final matchup with Bath promises fireworks as both sides head into the clash with strong momentum.
In a high-octane encounter filled with tries, attacking flair, and clinical finishing, the Bears secured the final spot in the top four and will now face local rivals Bath in the semi-final.
The bonus-point win was sealed with flair and physical dominance, delivering the statement performance they needed on the final day.
Bristol wasted no time setting the tone. In the opening minute, George Kloska powered over from close range, and just three minutes later, Joe Batley added another following relentless forward pressure, making it 12–0 within four minutes.
Harlequins responded through Cadan Murley in the 16th minute with a try out wide, but their hopes were quickly dashed. Kalaveti Ravouvou cut through for a spectacular solo try in the 19th minute, and Viliame Mata extended the lead again in the 23rd minute with a dominant surge through the defence.
Despite Murley scoring again in the 33rd minute—his second of the day—Bristol had already sealed the bonus point and went into halftime with a commanding 26–12 lead.
The Bears kept the scoreboard ticking soon after the break. Gabriel Ibitoye, playing against his former club, crossed in the 46th minute to continue his standout season.
But Harlequins fought back. Tries from Alex Dombrandt (49’) and George Hammond (52’) reduced the deficit to just five points, bringing the score to 31–26. For a moment, the comeback looked on.
That was as close as Quins would get. Santiago Grondona struck back in the 57th minute for Bristol with a powerful finish. Then came Ibitoye again, claiming his second try in the 63rd minute—his 13th of the season—effectively sealing the game.
Bristol finished in style as Benhard Janse van Rensburg darted over in the 69th minute for the eighth and final try of the match. Fly-half AJ MacGinty orchestrated the Bears’ attack with calm authority, converting six of the eight tries and keeping the tempo high throughout.
The win capped a remarkable late-season resurgence for Bristol, who now march into the playoffs with confidence and form. Their semi-final matchup with Bath promises fireworks as both sides head into the clash with strong momentum.
