Wow! Where do you start with a game as exhilarating and pulsating as that? To comeback from 20 points down in that last quarter to win 40-35 against Exeter Chiefs is rare even for the Bears.
A game of two halves is a metaphor often used to describe such a match, but this was much more. This was a 65 minute, 15 minute switch around and by definition was far more exciting and for us Bears supporters, and stressful!
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My mate Paddy who is a lifelong Exeter supporter and proud Devonian would have been tearing his hair out, his lad Patrick Junior has recently been talking more about Bears than he has of Chiefs and I’m sure he felt this would have been the game to quash any transfer of allegiance to the hoops of Bristol Bears.
Chiefs will certainly feel hard done by, it was a travesty they went in at half-time only 3 points ahead, and without doubt Dan Frost’s yellow card turned the game on its head, but I want to focus on the positives we have seen in Bear country this campaign.
The first thing that has stood out for me has been the doggedness, determination and fight these boys have. Even when it’s staring them in the face, this squad simply refuses to admit defeat; it has a togetherness and collective spirit that all good teams need. These players 100% have each other’s backs and that allows them to express themselves and the Bears way on the pitch. This was a game we would have lost in previous years but full credit is due for the way we kept plugging away until the final whistle blew.
We have seen it on numerous occasions already this season, undoubtedly we have had standout performers; Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Gabriel Ibitoye, Gabriel Oghre, Joe Batley, Fitz Harding and AJ MacGinty are producing the best rugby of their careers but taking those individuals aside, if we delve deeper into the squad the real strength has been the depth.
Losing Williams was a huge blow but up stepped Joe Jenkins, when we lost Siva Naulago in came Jack Bates, Rich Lane has replaced Max Malins, Oghre came in for Harry Thacker and Santi Grondona has been a revelation in the back row. Yes we do have a small squad but when its personnel are this motivated and driven, I believe this team has the courage to achieve big things this season.
Up The Bears!!!
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