LAM: RANDALL IS READY EDDIE
Gallagher Premiership
EXETER CHIEFS ............. BRISTOL BEARS ..........
BRISTOL boss Pat Lam insisted scrum-half Harry Randall is ready for Test rugby after he led the Bears to the top of the table. This was the biggest home league defeat for the champions in four seasons and proved there is plenty of competition in the top flight – even with no Saracens.
Fijian superstar Semi Radrada scored the game-breaking try after 69 minutes after a neat pass from fellow centre Piers O’connor.
Eddie Jones was in the crowd and saw a storming performance from Bears flanker Ben Earl, who must be close to a start in Jones’ England side.
Randall, who is eligible for England and Wales, stole the show with a try and a sparkling display.
Director of rugby Lam said: “He has the skillset to play at the next level if he keeps working. I can’t control Eddie’s decisions but he has gone from strength to strength.
“I believe a lot of these guys are international class if they keep on working.”
After their 34-5 defeat by Wasps, Exeter boss Rob Baxter wanted to put a marker down against one of their title rivals. It didn’t happen and Baxter said: “I hoped they would be better after a slap in the face and I thought we were but we did not capitalise on our opportunities. Bristol had a lot more composure.”
Bristol struck first as the Chiefs conceded seven penalties in 15 minutes. Steven Luatua won a line-out, transferred the ball to Nathan Hughes and after the pack piled in Randall came up smiling.
The Chiefs levelled it just before the break when lock Jonny Hill went over from short range, but Radrada’s score and the boot of Callum Sheedy finished it off in the second half.
Newcastle are second after they made it five wins out of six with a 22-10 victory over bottom club Gloucester. Tries by Adam Radwan and Matias Orlando put the hosts on top but Jonny May struck back for Gloucester, who trailed by only two points with five minutes remaining. Brett Connon’s penalty and George Mcguigan’s try from close range sealed the points.