An ugly win but one that might be so important

I THINK it’s fair to say, that game wouldn’t enter the most memorable matches category in my years as a Bristol rugby supporter. But if we were to go on and achieve the greatest accolade in European rugby and lift the Champions Cup, it could ultimately be one of the most important games we will ever witness.

Although it wasn’t pretty to watch, these are the gritty, grinding, grimy types of games that make or break a team. To borrow a famous quote “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived”. On Saturday, we were the willow, we stuck to our foundations, we bent with the wind, put a restraining order on that big Sale Sharks pack and came away from the AJ Bell Stadium with a very important victory.

We all know it’s only half-time in the tie, but I was impressed with the resilience and determination we exhibited to grind out victory in a stadium where Harlequins, Saints and Tigers have all succumbed this season.

If we are to achieve our aim, we now have to provide a prolonged level of consistency that has so far eluded us this season. Next Friday promises to be another huge night of rugby in BS3, let’s prime our voices, put our positive heads on, get behind the boys and, unlike the first leg... make it a night to remember.

Easter Sunday I am dusting off my old walking boots and heading from Ashton Gate to that ground near the River Avon. On the podcast we have always tried to shine a light on the amazing people in our community who do so much fantastic work for great causes.

This particular cause is close to my heart. Young Minds is a mental health charity that provides vital support for children, young people and their parents. The walk was the brainchild of my Bath-supporting friend Tom Dabinett and Harlequins fan Meg Stevens who have recently set up Rugby Talks, a safe place where people of all ages can discuss rugby and mental health in equal measure.

I will make sure to pack my wellington boots for that last leg as I limp my way into the swamp of the Recreation Ground.

Up The Bears!

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