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Date: 31 May 2025
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Competition: Gallagher Premiership, Final Round
Bristol Bears roared into the Premiership semi-finals with a commanding 52-26 win over Harlequins at a sun-drenched Ashton Gate. Playing with pace, flair, and power, the Bears dominated large spells of the match, led by a player-of-the-match performance from fly-half AJ McGinty and two electrifying tries from wing Gabriel Ibitoye in front of an expectant crowd at Ashton Gate.
The Bears raced into a 26-7 lead within the first half-hour, with tries from George Kloska, Dave Batley, and Viliame Mata – all orchestrated by McGinty’s tactical kicking and sharp decision-making. Ibitoye was unplayable on the wing, lighting up the game with his footwork and pace, as he continued a stellar try-scoring season. The perfect day out in Bristol, as the Bears were ravaging through the sunkissed turf, flexing their strength ahead of a Semi Final vs Bath next week Friday!
Harlequins, despite being outplayed early, mounted a spirited second-half comeback. Two quickfire tries reduced the deficit to 31-26, with Cadan Murley scoring twice and looking dangerous throughout. Murley capped an excellent individual season with another strong display, but it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit.
When Bristol needed to respond, they did so with style. Ibitoye crossed again, McGinty kept the scoreboard ticking, and the Bears pulled away decisively in the final quarter.
AJ McGinty (Bristol) – Man of the Match, perfect kicking and smart game management.
Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol) – Two tries and unstoppable down the wing, makes wing play look like an art form.
Cadan Murley (Harlequins) – Two tries, continued fine form ahead of a crucial summer with England.
Bristol now turn their attention to a mouth-watering Premiership semi-final against fierce local rivals Bath Rugby. This West Country derby, held at the Rec will be the biggest game of Bristol’s season, even bigger than their recent trip to Cardiff and possibly their biggest in years.
Bath, with Finn Russell, Max Ojomoh, and Sam Underhill, bring world-class firepower. But Bristol’s attack, spearheaded by McGinty, Ibitoye, and a rejuvenated pack, looks dangerous and well-timed. Just hoping the timing is good for Ellis Genge to return to the starting 15 on Friday night!
Key questions:
Can Bristol’s defence hold firm under playoff pressure?
Will Bath’s set-piece dominance and Russell’s control nullify Bristol’s wide game?
Will Ibitoye or Russell deliver the game-breaking moment?
Prediction: A ferocious contest with no love lost. If Bristol Bears replicate their first-half intensity from this weekend, they could book a place in the final, but Bath’s form and home record makes them favourites.