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Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
Competition: Gallagher Premiership 2024/25 – Round 7
Venue: Twickenham Stoop
Attendance: 12,935
Bristol Bears delivered an impressive all-around performance to claim a decisive 48-24 victory over Harlequins. While the match was a thrilling display of attacking rugby, the Bears' clinical finishing and AJ MacGinty’s masterful kicking were the deciding factors.
The opening exchanges saw Harlequins strike early with captain Alex Dombrandt touching down in the 3rd minute. However, a missed conversion by Jarrod Evans left the score at 5-0. The Bears responded quickly through Kalaveti Ravouvou’s try in the 12th minute, with AJ MacGinty converting to put Bristol ahead 7-5.
Gabriel Ibitoye extended the Bears’ lead in the 16th minute, showcasing his speed and footwork. Another successful MacGinty conversion pushed the score to 14-5. Harlequins fought back with tries from Cadan Murley and Luke Northmore, taking a slender 17-14 lead, though Evans struggled from the tee.
Kieran Marmion restored Bristol’s advantage just before halftime, with MacGinty’s flawless boot giving the visitors a 21-17 lead at the break.
The second half was all Bristol. Exploiting a yellow card to Harlequins’ Simon Kerrod, the Bears began with a try from Bill Mata in the 43rd minute, converted by MacGinty. The fly-half added a penalty goal in the 47th minute, extending the lead to 31-17.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Santiago Grondona joined the try-scorers’ list in the 51st and 55th minutes, with MacGinty continuing his perfect kicking performance. A consolation try from Harlequins’ Tyrone Green in the 63rd minute brought the score to 45-24, but MacGinty’s final penalty in the 72nd minute sealed a comprehensive victory.
Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears): Scored a try, carried 177 meters, and made 18 carries with 5 clean breaks.
AJ MacGinty (Bristol Bears): Scored 18 points (6 conversions, 2 penalties) with a 100% kicking record. Also contributed 34 passes and a try assist.
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins): Scored an early try, made 109 carry meters, and beat 4 defenders.
Tyrone Green (Harlequins): Carried 96 meters, crossed the gain line 7 times, and scored Harlequins’ final try.
Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol Bears): Contributed 105 meters from 17 carries, including a try and 5 clean breaks.
Harlequins 24 – 48 Bristol Bears
Bristol’s commanding win cements their position as title contenders, while Harlequins will need to regroup as they aim to solidify their defensive structure moving forward.
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