Leiua seals the glory for Bears
BRISTOL are back. Pat Lam’s Bears made a grand return to the Premiership last night with a dramatic victory in this pulsating West Country derby. In front of a record 26,079 crowd, the promoted club delivered an early statement of intent. Alapati Leiua’s try eight minutes from time was the decisive strike after four penalties by Ian Madigan had laid the platform for this famous victory. It was a magnificent occasion to launch the new season. Ashton Gate has been transformed into a smart, modern arena and it was packed for this tussle between close neighbours. Lam’s side may have been missing injured All Black full back Charles Piutau but captain Steve Luatua is another recent New Zealand Test player and he was inspirational. The flanker is a machine. He made a series of dominant tackles and carries as Bristol fought to protect a slender lead after Madigan slotted the first points of this Premiership campaign in the ninth minute. The visitors squandered chances to take the lead. First, Rhys Priestland missed a shot at goal, then Tom Homer spilled the ball as he reached out to score unopposed, drawing wild delight and derision from the stands. Bristol kept inviting pressure with a reckless streak in their own 22 but somehow they repelled an onslaught and turned the tables. Luke Morahan showcased his electric running class to come within inches of a long-range classic. Moments later, just before the half-hour, Madigan landed another penalty and Lam’s men were still 6-0 up at the break. Madigan added another successful shot soon after the restart but then came Homer’s personal salvation as he raced in from 10 yards. Priestland’s conversion brought Bath to within two points. Bristol centre Tusi Pisi was sin-binned on the hour and three minutes later Priestland sent over a penalty to give his side the lead for the first time. Yet, just as local hopes appeared to be fading, the Bears rallied again. Their tenacity at the tackle area was rewarded with another penalty in range and Madigan restored their edge on the scoreboard. Then came the moment that brought the house down. Morahan went through on the right and gave a brilliant off-load to Leiua, who juggled the ball before going over. Bristol are back.