Bristol disappoint in away loss to Leeds

Only try
By Duncan Wood
October 6 2002

Bristol's away day blues continued as Leeds ground out a 25-13 win. Not a classic match and Bristol will be kicking themselves for failing to take their chances. Leeds didn't make the same mistake and were rewarded with the win.

After the heroics of last week against Leicester, this defeat will come as a severe disappointment to everyone connected with Bristol, players and supporters alike.

Shane Drahm started at fullback as Lee Best failed to recover from the rib injury picked up against Leicester and Saul Nelson deputised for Neil McCarthy who was also injured in the win over the Tigers.

Bristol weren't bad but lacked composure at vital stages. They were never entirely out of the game but never got on terms with a disciplined and determined Leeds side.

The first twenty minutes was very tight and 2 Braam van Straaten penalties were all that separated the sides. But when Matt Salter was sinbinned a few minutes later, Leeds took full advantage of the extra man and Isaac Feaunati powered over for the first try after a lineout and maul.

Former Bristol hooker Mark Regan was the next man to see yellow when he infringed on the floor and Felipe Contepomi slotted the penalty to make the score 11-3.

The last minutes of the first half were a killer blow to Bristol. Firstly Dan Scarborough notched his usual try for Leeds to extend the lead to 16-3. Bristol responded well but Matt Salter couldn't ground the ball despite getting over the line. Felipe then missed a penalty.

He made amends a few minutes into the second half with a successful kick and Bristol were right back in it when Cammie Mather was sinbinned. Garath Archer went over from a catch and drive but was held up.

However, the score wasn't long in coming. Brendon Daniel made a great break and fed Phil Christophers who put Alex Brown in under the posts. Contepomi's conversion narrowed the gap to 16-13 which was as close as Bristol got.

Van Straaten added another penalty when Ben Sturnham went over the top and Gordon Ross slotted a drop goal to move Bristol out of bonus point range.

Bristol turned down kicks at goal to go for the corner on several occasions but the lineout wasn't functioning as efficiently as usual. Bristol also had a few 5 metre scrums but the control at the base was sadly lacking.

The final score came from a Bristol scrum under the Leeds posts. Poor control meant that the Shoguns were going backwards and then Leeds turned the ball over and broke away. Bristol held out but conceded a penalty which Van Straaten slotted to make the final score 25-13.

It was all about poor execution really. Felipe didn't have his usual superb day with the boot and we messed up several great territorial positions.

Leeds deserved to win because they took their chances. Simple as that.