Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Bristol Bears 31-23 Northampton

Bristol Bears 31-23 Northampton Saints, Ashton Gate

Bristol Bears staged a remarkable comeback to defeat reigning champions Northampton Saints 31-23 in a thrilling Gallagher Premiership clash at Ashton Gate.

Despite trailing 15-0 early on, Bristol rallied to claim a bonus-point victory, thanks to standout performances from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Gabriel Ibitoye.

The match began with Northampton Saints taking control, as George Hendy and Josh Kemeny scored within the first 20 minutes to give the visitors a commanding 15-0 lead. Saints appeared on course for a comfortable victory, but Bristol responded swiftly.

The Bears got on the scoreboard when Ravouvou set up Ibitoye for a try on the overlap, bringing Bristol back into contention.

Minutes later, Ravouvou crossed the line himself, finishing off a clever inside pass from AJ MacGinty to score his first try in a Bears shirt. Despite a penalty from Makepeace-Cubitt just before halftime, Saints led only 18-12 at the break.

After the restart, Ravouvou bagged his second try, using his strength and agility to twist through the Saints' defense and put Bristol ahead for the first time.

MacGinty added a penalty to extend the lead, and 10 minutes from time, Joe Batley finished off a slick attacking move, securing the bonus point for the Bears.

Although James Ramm scored a late try for Northampton with just 60 seconds left on the clock, it was too late to affect the outcome, as Bristol held on to claim all five points and move to the top of the Premiership standings.

With this impressive comeback, Pat Lam’s side showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, putting them in a strong position early in the season.

Team line up:

Bristol: Lane; Bates, Ravouvou, Janse van Rensburg, Ibitoye; MacGinty, Marmion; Woolmore, Oghre, Lahiff, Dun, Batley, Luatua, Grondona, Harding (c).

Reserves: Thacker, Thomas, Kloska, Owen, Heenan, Wolstenholme, Worsley, Elizalde.

Northampton: Hendy; Ramm, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Seabrook; Makepeace-Cubitt, James; West, Langdon, Millar Mills, Mayanavanua, Coles (c), Kemeny, Pearson, Pollock.

Reserves: Wright, Iyogun, Green, Thornbury, Scott-Young, McParland, Savala, Garside.