Holland double the key as hosts triumph
GLOUCESTER-Hartpury tasted defeat for the first time this season, as Bristol Ladies battled to a 28-20 victory.
A sizeable crowd created a lively atmosphere for the two sides, with the home fans going home happy after an impressive showing from the hosts.
Visitors Gloucester-Hartpury kept up their efforts throughout the game, but mistakes ultimately cost them as numerous penalties gave Bristol the advantage.
Gloucester got off to a great start as Rachel Lund opened the scoring in the third minute with an unconverted try.
But strong pressure from Bristol in response eventually told when Amber Reed gathered a high ball and popped it to Cat McNaney who went over in the corner to even the score.
Scrum-half Caity Mattinson then sniped over from a ruck, Reed converting to give Bristol a 12-5 lead. Gloucester duly got back on terms through a penalty try after a terrific push from their forwards, resulting in Bristol collapsing the scrum.
But Beth Jones was sin binned on the stroke of half-time, Reed landing the resulting penalty for 15-12.
Gloucester came out fighting in the second half with both sides hammering at each other’s defences, until Bristol conceded a penalty converted by Goddard to even the scores.
However, Bristol’s class shone through as the match wore on, and Lottie Holland scored two further tries to stretch the home’s side’s lead, Reed also slotting a penalty.
However, the visitors kept plugging away and were rewarded with a consolation try from Hannah Jones late on.