Bears at their best in superb victory against Saracens

BRISTOL Bears delivered a statement win with a 35-10 victory over Saracens in the Allianz PWR at Shaftesbury Park.

Two tries apiece for Phoebe Murray and Reneeqa Bonner, coupled with a Lark Atkin-Davies score just after the break, secured a memorable win for Dave Ward’s side, who have now won six out of their last seven games since Christmas.

Bears came out of the traps in emphatic fashion, scoring two tries in the opening 10 minutes through Murray and Bonner. Murray, pictured, went over on five minutes, before Bonner fended off a series of Saracens defenders to crash over from 25 metres out.

Both scores were converted by Amber Reed, the centre impeccable with the boot for the full 80 minutes. The visitors cut the gap with a converted try on 15 minutes when quick ball from a tab penalty put back-row Georgia Evans in for a try in the corner.

Zoe Harrison reduced the deficit to four points for Sarries, kicking a penalty after Bears were penalised at the breakdown.

Bristol could not have asked for a better start to the second half, with Atkin-Davies driving over from a line out. Again Reed converted with aplomb.

Murray went over for her second try of the afternoon on the hour with the pick of the tries. Holly Aitchison’s sublime chip five metres from the line found Murray, who collected with ease to dot down under the posts.

With the last play of the contest, Bonner raced in under the posts to put the icing on the cake as a hearty Bears crowd sounded their appreciation.

» This report first appeared on www.bristolbearsrugby.com.