BRISTOL'S CUP RUNS (not) OVER IN ST GEORGE'S DAY BATTLE

Bristol banished any nightmares following from last week's record defeat with a stylish victory over treble-seeking Pontypridd.  Five tries took the game away from Ponty before two late tries from the hosts made the score look much closer than the game actually was

Bristol got off to a great start when Ed Barnes kicked a good penalty following a couple of powerful drives from the forwards and a half break from Junior Fatialofa.  Better was swiftly to come when Robbie Shaw, who had perhaps his best game for Bristol, took full advantage of disorganised defence following a turnover to set up (St) George Watkins who in turn fed Dan Norton to cruise over for a converted try and a 0 - 10 lead. 

Ponty had scarcely touched the ball in the first ten minutes or so, and it looked as if Jack Adams might extend the lead but he just could not release the ball as he was tackled short of the line.  The hosts began to make some progress with a neat kicking game and some impressive forward play of their own and eventually Siggery managed to work his way over for a converted try to bring his team back to within three points. 

Bristol struck back almost immediately, taking play rapidly into the Ponty 22 before Shaw again created space for Watkins who must have been just inches short of the line when tackled.  However, the tackler failed to roll away as the Bristol support tried to get hold of the ball and deliver the killing blow and the referee, to the disapproval of the home supporters, decided to award a penalty try.  The conversion took Bristol to 7 - 17.  The visitors continued to play with great dynamism and strength, driving  the opposition back in a series of attacks including a fantastic maul that deserved a more positive outcome.  Despite this Ponty managed to close the gap at half time to a worrying 13 - 17 with two well struck Humberstone penalties. 

Ponty looked to start the second half in more positive style than the first and attacked well, keeping hold of the ball and pushing Bristol back.  A break from their winger seemed to have the Bristol defence in trouble but try-scorer Siggery knocked-on to hand over possession to Bristol.  Showing an unfamiliar ruthlessness and handling precision Bristol surged downfield and David Blaney finished off the move to go over out wide.  Barnes was off target with his conversion attempt but it was still 13 - 22. 

In more familiar style Bristol almost managed to let Ponty back in the game with some frantic play in front of their own posts and a poor forward pass, but then redeemed themselves by winning a strike against the head in the ensuing scrum.  This appeared to steady Bristol who now played a much tighter and more controlled game in the heat that completely nullified the efforts of the hosts to find a way back into the game.  The anxiety of Ponty as they struggled to escape the suffocating grip led to errors and Bristol seized on these when Watkins demonstrated his speed and strength to hammer over for Bristol fourth try, converted by Barnes for a score of 13 - 29.

 Bristol took the game beyond Ponty with an exquisite try that saw replacement Anthony Elliott take full advantage of some slack defending to take play down the wing .  A nice interchange with Norton culminated in a second converted try for the winger.  At 13 - 36 Bristol can be forgiven for some slight relaxation, particularly given the strength-sapping conditions.  Credit, however, must go to Ponty who demonstrated tremendous fortitude in disappointing circumstances.  They launched a good set of drives and Humberstone went over from a quick tapped penalty.  He converted to take the hosts to 20 - 36. 

Indiscipline from Dan Montagu gave the referee little option but to flourish the yellow card.  Ponty drove from the subsequent lineout and Waters went over in the corner for a try that made the final score a respectable-looking 25 -36.