Bears swept aside as Gloucester power on

PREMIER 15s pacesetters GloucesterHartpury reached their first ever final by seeing off Bristol Bears at Kingsholm

- BEN JAYCOCK

The table toppers, who lost on just two occasions this season, weren’t at their best but return to Kingsholm on June 24 courtesy of tries by Sarah Beckett, Kelsey Jones and Rachel Lund.

Player of the match Alex Matthews said: “This win means so much to the group. We came here to win the tournament and we’re now a step closer, so we’ve now got a big two weeks ahead.

“We know Bristol keep the ball really well. We looked at them throughout the week and know every move; who they were going to hit, where they were going next and that just gave us vital confidence. Yes they can keep the ball for five plus phases but we knew we could get the win by staying patient and composed.”

Gloucester enjoyed a dream start as following a charge down from Keira Bevan’s box kick, Beckett produced an excellent one two with Emma Sing and the No.8 went over for her ninth try of the season.