Rampaging Bears tear Tigers apart

BRISTOL produced a memorable display of attacking rugby which left Leicester thoroughly shaken and stirred.

- ROB WILDMAN

By the end, Bristol had inflicted one of Leicester’s biggest home hidings and had extended their run of away wins in the Premiership to a record 10. Their mix of muscle and dextrous handling and support left the Tigers gasping by eight tries to four. Fittingly, Bristol’s final try was scored by Kalaveti Ravouvou, the man of the match for his power and pace, who raced from his own 22.

Leicester’s only saving grace was a last-minute try from wing Josh Bassett which earned a try bonus point. They used to love the now-defunct Barbarians match every Christmas in these parts and the first 40 minutes more than matched anything from that era.

Tigers raced on to loud music and cheers but by half-time their faithful were either silenced or had the grace to applaud Bristol who led 40-12.

Leicester had been first out the blocks, eager to take on Bristol at their own helter-skelter game.