Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Leicester Tigers 24-54 Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam
©EPCR/Inpho

Leicester Tigers 24-54 Bristol Bears, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Bristol Bears delivered a commanding performance at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, securing a 54-24 victory over Leicester Tigers in round eight of the Gallagher Premiership.

Despite a late try earning Leicester a bonus point, the Bears' relentless attacking display proved too much for the home side.

Leicester Tigers drew first blood, with Ollie Hassell-Collins crossing the line after a well-executed setup by Handré Pollard and Freddie Steward.

However, the early lead was short-lived as Bristol quickly responded with a try of their own, converted by AJ MacGinty to level the scores.

Bristol's hooker struck again moments later, doubling their advantage as MacGinty’s reliable boot extended the lead to 14-5.

Hassell-Collins secured his second try shortly after Bristol's hooker’s effort. Cameron Henderson's quick reaction and Solomone Kata's precise offload allowed Hassell-Collins to finish clinically.

The frenetic opening 20 minutes reached a crescendo when Kalaveti Ravouvou powered over for Bristol’s third try, with MacGinty adding the extras.

The Bears maintained their momentum as Viliame Mata crossed the line in the 30th minute, with replacement kicker Sam Worsley stepping in after MacGinty’s injury.

Leicester attempted to rally before halftime but a knock-on in the Bears' in-goal area opened the door for a Bristol counter-attack. Fullback Rich Lane capitalized, sprinting clear for the visitors' fifth try to leave the halftime score at 33-5.

Leicester started the second half on a brighter note, with Freddie Steward finishing a well-worked try. However, Bristol's attack continued to dominate.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg added his name to the scoresheet, and Ravouvou's electric pace sealed another try to put Bristol firmly in control at 54-19.

In the dying moments, Josh Bassett managed to cross the line for Leicester, securing a bonus point for the home side. Despite the effort, the match ended 54-24, leaving Tigers with much to ponder after a disappointing defensive display.

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