We will fight to the end, says Tainton as Bristol sink closer to relegation

the Premiership. We will fight to the very end. And who knows, two points from some of those games could be important.”

Gloucester broke the deadlock, courtesy of a penalty from Billy Burns inside three minutes, but the hosts dominated the ball. But for all their possession and promise, Billy Searle’s 13thminute penalty was their single first-half reward until the outside-half added a second in the 40th minute.

Their disappointment was compounded by the fact that Gloucester scored on each of the three occasions they ventured across half-way.

Burns kicked the opening penalty then converted a try from blood replacement Charlie Sharples. His second penalty meant Gloucester led 13-6 at half-time.

When Searle added a third penalty 13 minutes into the second half Bristol were momentarily buoyed. But Gloucester’s response was emphatic, Burns converting his own try a minute later.

Replacement Lewis Ludlow added a third try for Gloucester 10 minutes from time. Bristol grabbed a consolation through Max Crumpton, but Jonny May went clear from half-way for the bonus-point try.

“We didn’t have enough of the ball in the first half, but we soaked up a lot of pressure and took our chances in the second half,” Bell said. “I thought the lads rolled up their sleeves and showed what they are all about.

“The next four or five weeks is going to be like a mini-season for us. We need to focus on what is in front of us – Cardiff in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.”