Despite Bristol Bears being a ‘top of the table’ club this season, Gloucester-Hartpury kick-started their new year on Bristol Bears’ territory with a winning success.
The Cherry and Whites’ rising star Sisilia Tuipulotu quickly opened the scoring with her try in the third minute of the first half.
Tuipulotu stated that: “It’s always a great feeling to score a try, but this one felt so good because it was the first try of the game, three minutes in and it was against the top of the table.”
Gloucester-Hartpury are next in action against Sale Sharks Women, who currently place ninth on the Allianz 15s league table, on January 15.
Tuipulotu reflected on her teams outlook, stating that: “at Gloucester-Hartpury we’re looking at going into each game with a positive mindset and to play the game with smiles on our faces”.
“To be honest, when scoring a try I never expect it. But when it’s on, it’s on.”
Tuipulotu continues: “We were patient during the game in the red zone and luckily enough I managed to score that try but I wouldn’t have scored that try without the efforts of my teammates.”
Despite a few last minute changes due to the coronavirus outbreak, against all odds the Cherry and Whites kept pushing for the Bears’ try line.
After Hartpury’s scrum was set, the forward force of Zoe Aldcroft quickly broke the line in the Bears’ danger zone to secure the visitors a healthy 12-point lead.
Although the Bears started to have a gloomy look on their faces, the battle to secure the victory was not over for Gloucester-Hartpury.
Keep up to date with all the latest sports news on our live blog
After a long time in defence with the Bears pushing for the try line, the home side kept driving to secure their first try of the afternoon.
On the 38th minute, Gloucester-Hartpury’s conceded a penalty and gave Bears’ and Wales’ player Keira Bevan the momentum she needed to tighten the points on the scoreboard.
Even though the Gloucester side started off strong, at half time the Bears were only two points behind with a close score of 14-12.
With the second half in motion, Gloucester’s Tatyana Heard’s tactical pass to Racheal Lund secured another easy try for the Cherry and Whites before Emma Sing’s steady kick between the posts which gave the visitors a 19-14 lead.
From here Gloucester-Hartpury continued to gain momentum.
Despite the Bears trying their best to break through the visitor’s defence, it just wasn’t possible, with a late flurry making the final score a 36-14 victory for the visitors.
After Bristol Bears’ star performance so far this season in the Allianz 15s, this closing result will be one that their head coach, Dave Ward, will not be proud of.
With Gloucester-Hartpury’s forward force and quick transition to get the ball out to the wings, the simple tactics of rugby worked wonders for the visitors.
Towards their next fixture against the Sale Sharks, Tuipulotu comments they will “look to bring the work rate, discipline and accuracy in order to hopefully secure that away win” like they do with “each game”.
In the closing fixtures of December last year, the Cherry and Whites built momentum with their 8-10 victory against Exeter Chiefs Women and a 10-36 result against Worcester Warriors.
Time will tell as to whether the Cherry and Whites can keep their winning streak, but it is looking likely for their up-coming fixture this Saturday against the DMP Sale Sharks.
