Bristol Bears edge out Stade Francais 16-18 after Thacker's late-try

Stade Francais 16-18 Bristol Bears, Stade Jean Bouin
Scorecard

Harry Thacker scored a last-gasp try while Callum Sheedy followed with the conversion as Bristol Bears edged out Stade Francais 16-18 in the fourth round of the European Rugby Challenge Cup at Stade Jean Bouin on Saturday.

This is Stade Francais' third defeat from fourth game as they languish at the bottom of Pool 4 while Bristol Bears are at the top of Pool 1 after winning all their four matches.

Bristol started the game with eight players including Charles Piutau and John Afoa rested. Stade Francais had an early try disallowed because of a forward pass and minutes later Nicolas Sanchez's penalty kick drifted wide.

Callum Sheedy started the proceedings for Bristol with a 22nd minute three-pointer before Nayacalevu Vuidravuwalu's converted try in the 25th minute provide Stade Francais an edge. However, Pablo Matera's sin-bin in the 28th minute allowed Bristol to comeback in the game with Will Capon's touchdown.

Sanchez kicked penalties on either side to ensure Stade Francais had a 13-8 lead following which Callum Sheedy and Joris Segonds exchanged three-pointers making the scoreline 16-11.

Just as Stade Francais thought they got away with the game, Thacker's second try in as many games in the 78th minute followed by a conversion from Sheedy ensured two point victory for Pat Lam's side.