Pury take the derby honours despite the rain
GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY took the West Country spoils after a hard fought win over Bristol, making it two victories in a row to start 2018.
Conditions were very much a leveller on the day, with handling difficult and the quality of the game was credit to both teams.
The first score was worth waiting for. England full-back Ellie Kildunne breaking the deadlock with a great run from just inside Bristol’s half.
Neither team could really gain the upper hand in the minutes that followed, with conditions wet.
And it was only on 37 minutes that Gloucester Hart pury forwards Abi Burton and Sarah Bern combined to send hooker Laura Swan over.
Susie Appleby’s team got off to a flyer at the start of the second half, a neat kick from Kildunne sending right wing Ellie Underwood away for Gloucester-Hartpury’s third.
Things got even better on 44 minutes when Bern found a gap in Bristol’s midfield defence and powered through to score.
That secured the bonus point, but Bristol were not done just yet as Amber Reed’s pass put centre partner Lagi Tuima over for the visitors’ first try.
Six minutes later, Sydney Gregson crossed out wide and, with the score now 24-12, Bristol were back in it.
However, Gloucester Hart pury showed great composure and Bianca Blackburn exploited the blindside to send Underwood over for her second. Three minutes later, prop Sasha Acheson finished off a powerful catch and drive.
Clara Nielson finished off a break from Phoebe Murray to give Bristol the last word.