Bristol trounce Zebre 43-22 in their Challenge Cup opener

Bristol Rugby 43-22 Zebre, Ashton Gate
Scorecard

Bristol Rugby marked their return to the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a convincing 43-22 bonus point win over Zebre at Aston Gate on Saturday.

Bristol are positioned second in Pool 4 while Zebre are at third. The home side had a terrific start to the game as they went on to claim the bonus point in the first quarter following tries from Alapati Leiua (7'), Ryan Edwards (13'), Joe Latta (18') and Nick Haining (20') while Callum Sheedy converted two tries as they managed 24 points.

The onslaught from the Premiership side continued as they scored two more tries through Edwards (32') and Jake Armstong (39') taking their tally to 39 points.

The visitors hampered by a sin-bin to Giovanbattista Venditti managed just 10 points with a 38th minute try from Eduardo Bello while Francois Brummer kicked a penalty and a conversion each.

The Italian side had a much better start in the second half with Tommaso Castello strolling over the line and despite Sheedy was sin-binned in the 61st minute, Bristol slotted their seventh try through Andy Uren in the 63rd minute.

Replacement Tommaso Boni added a consolation try for Zebre in the closing stage but it was Pat Lam's side, who dominated the Saturday's encounter with a comfortable 43-22 win.