Rugby / Bristol Bears
Vakatawa scores first Bears try but it’s a narrow win for Quins
In just his second match at Ashton Gate, Virimi Vakatawa scored his first try for the Bristol Bears, but a penalty with just two minutes left on the clock saw a little-deserved last-gasp win for Harlequins.
In a rain-affected but absorbing game in which players from both sides often struggled to catch a slippery ball, it was the boot of Callum Sheedy that almost kept the Bears ahead.
But a very harsh ruling for an alleged high tackle by Jake Heenan gave the opportunity for Will Evans to kick for the Quins win, with the match finishing 21-23 to the Londoners who have form in breaking Bears’ hearts.
is needed now More than ever
Vakatawa profited from a surging run by Benhard Janse van Rensburg, the Frenchman following in the wake of the mulleted South African.
Virimi Vakatawa celebrates his first try for Bristol Bears – photo: JMP
If Vakatawa’s debut score was about power, a try from Harry Thacker came from an outrageous bit of improvisation as he volleyed the ball over the line after receiving a pass from Harry Randall at his ankles.
Thacker just can’t stop scoring tries and gleefully chased his own kick.
Main photo: JMP
Read next:
- Vakatawa: ‘I knew that Bristol was the right place for me’
- Immediate impact from Ibitoye as Bears begin new season with a win
- Bristol Bears partner with Children of the 90s for unique study
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