Bristol edge Exeter in Derby thriller with 18-14 win
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam
©Steve Haag
Bristol Bears produced one of their most resilient performances of the season to defeat Exeter Chiefs 18-14 in a fierce Gallagher Prem derby at Ashton Gate.
The contest had everything—early scoring pressure, a controversial red card, a strong Exeter fightback, and ultimately a dramatic late penalty that sealed victory for the home side.
Bristol struck first through Tom Jordan, who slotted a penalty in the opening minute to settle the nerves of the home crowd. Exeter had a chance to open their account early but Henry Slade's penalty drifted wide.
Bristol's forward dominance was rewarded midway through the half when Viliame Mata powered over in the 25th minute, though Jordan missed the conversion that would have extended the lead further.
Exeter quickly showed their intent to respond. In the 28th minute, Slade broke the defensive line to score and converted his own try a minute later, cutting the deficit to one point. The momentum then swung dramatically when Tom Jordan was sent off in the 30th minute for a high tackle, reducing Bristol to 14 men.
Exeter capitalised swiftly as Ben Hammersley crossed in the 32nd minute, with Slade adding the extras to give the Chiefs a 14-8 lead at half-time.
Bristol Fight Back
Despite being a man down, Bristol started the second half with renewed determination. Their pack reasserted itself, and in the 56th minute Gabriel Oghre muscled his way over the line. Sam Worsley, taking over the kicking duties, converted to nudge Bristol in front 15-14.
Exeter threw everything into attack, and at one point had tries disallowed that could have changed the course of the game. Even when Max Pepper was shown a yellow card around the hour mark, the Bears’ defence stood tall, repelling wave after wave of Exeter pressure.
As the clock struck the 80th minute, Bristol were awarded a penalty. Worsley stepped up under immense pressure and calmly slotted the kick to extend the lead to 18-14. Seconds later, the full-time whistle blew, confirming a remarkable win for the Bears.
