Fans finally back to feed Bears frenzy

BRISTOL have been running onto the pitch to the sound of The Greatest Showman this season. In truth, the Bears have been playing like lion tamers for months, but all to an empty amphitheater. Like all the best showmen, however, an audience is what’s needed to truly stir the blood.

- TOM BRADSHAW

Just over 3,000 fans were allowed into Ashton Gate on Monday – the first time a home crowd had been in to watch the Bears in 435 days.

What ensued was a festival of energy, noise, strike moves, and, eventually, tries as Bristol ran out winners 39-7. It also turned out to be the busiest night in the history of the TMO.

Rowan Kitt’s video truck must have been going into meltdown before the first 20 minutes were up. By that point, Kitt had chalked off three Bristol tries and been involved in the sending off of Gloucester’s Matias Alemanno for a tip-tackle.

And there was no time for a breather. By the end of the evening, Kitt and referee Craig Maxwell-Keys had between them disallowed seven Bristol tries. Not to feel left out, Gloucester had an effort scrubbed off too.