A game of two halves

Recent results have both given and taken hope from the Irish support. The team can either kick-on and pressure for a top 4 finish or drop back into the mid-table from here. A trip to Ashton Gate was  a key result. Bristol, in a similar position as Irish, needed the result just as much to keep their upward journey

The first half had a cagey start with the sides exchanging penalties followed by the first try, which went to the hosts - scrum half Tom Whiteley giving the lead but missing the conversion. Irish came back shortly aftwards courtesy of Phipps to level and with the conversion lead for a brief time.

Bristol then re-took the lead with a try from Naulago, converted by Whiteley and the home side then held onto that lead into half-time. 

This lead stood for the start of the second half although a Paddy Jackson penalty ate into it before the fireworks started.

The Irish backs were beginning to fire and scored twice within two minutes - first by van Rensburg and followed by Phipps's second for the night. With Jackson converting the second to give Irish a healthy 12 point lead. The visitors weren't finished though with Ben Loader, back from injury, scoring 10 minutes later to extend the lead. Paddy Jackson missed the conversion but made up for it by scoring his own try five minutes later (complete with conversion) and a penalty a few minutes after that.

Even the most jaded of Irish support could start believing surely? Especially when Tom Pearson added a sixth try to the tally and Jackson the extras to complete the Irish scoring.

As the clock ticked past the 80 minute mark Irish were 15 - 49 ahead, Bristol hadn't scored a point all half and Irish had run them ragged. It was done.

Only it wasn't. Massive credit to Bristol Bears, most teams would've called it a bad day at the office and moved-on but the Bears kept playing. It's just possible too that Irish were already on the bus home in their minds. The home side took advantage and scored 3 tries in 4 minutes of stoppage time making the final score a much more acceptable (to the home support) 32 - 49 and earning what may go on to become a vital bonus point.

Quite a second half and one that keeps Irish in the hunt.