Bristol Bears were left to rue missed opportunities and ill discipline as they were denied a first win in seven games in a 26-26 draw with current Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester Tigers.
Bristol Bears took three points out of the encounter, two for the draw and a try bonus point thanks to scores from the returning Semi Radradra, Charles Piutau, hooker Bryan Byrne and Man of the Match, Gabriel Ibitoye.
The draw ends the Bears six game losing run but they also remain without a win in seven games and speaking to Bristol Bears TV after the game Bristol Bears’, Director of Rugby, Pat Lam felt they had enough chances to win the game.
“We had numerous opportunities straight after half time, we had a few more and then we nailed a few good ones. It was frustrating again, I think the penalty count was 15-8 again in the second half and there was a scrum, when you’re chasing the game which was set up for three minutes but all in all it’s good to get three points but a couple went missing.”
The former Samoan international was also pleased with the character his side showed having recovered from a 26-12 deficit with 15 minutes remaining .
“Really proud of the guys. We started off really well. We just got on the wrong side of the penalty count. I don’t think I’ve been in a game where the penalty has been 10-0 at half-time, which gave them free entry. The boys had to really dig deep. We conceded tries during the yellow card; the yellow card is a 50-50 call. Unfortunately, we went behind but proud of the effort.”
However, the result leaves the Bears joint bottom of the table with London Irish and Newcastle Falcons and Lam is aware of the predicament his side find themselves in.
“We know there’s been some close losses and we know where we are. We know we’re close. The boys work hard during the week, they’re determined to turn the corner and start climbing and that was a massive effort tonight.”
Lam has been outspoken about the ambitions of the club and they are aiming at a top four finish but their fortunes need to change quickly if that is to happen, with them currently nine points off Gloucester in fourth.
Bristol are in need of wins but Lam was clear that it’s not his primary focus.
“The result is what we’re after of course, but we’re not focused on that. We’re focused on getting the little things right, the performances, there’s a lot to like about that.”
Despite Lam’s confidence it is apparent that Bristol are repeating the same mistakes.
Lam said after the Saracens defeat last month : “Certainly, it makes the game tougher. Discipline is massive as we know and especially in tight games. ”
Bristol were poor again in that regard on Saturday, conceding 10 penalties in the first half alone and there appears to be limited improvement in that area of the game, and is a telling reason why they find themselves bottom of the Gallagher Premiership.
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Bristol now have a break from domestic action as they turn their attention to the European Challenge cup with fixtures away at Perpignan and Zebre hoping to find some confidence before they return to the Premiership against Harlequins at Twickenham on the 27th of December.
