AcademyMerriman: The Mem Is Our Fortress
Flanker says home support is vital on Friday evening
James Merriman has urged his teammates to continue their unbeaten home run in the RFU Championship when Bedford Blues visit the West Country on Friday evening (6.15pm KO).
The flanker, who captains the side in Iain Grieve’s absence, is relishing the chance for Bristol to extend the four-match winning run in front of a packed Memorial Stadium.
“It’s always a massive honour to play at the Mem,” he explained. “We’ve been in some real battles there this season and the fans have always been outstanding.
We’ve dug in and grinded out some impressive wins against the likes of London Welsh and Cornish Pirates. With the home support behind us, it’s like having a sixteenth man on the field.”
Merriman believes that the top-of-the-table clash on Friday is the Club’s biggest of the campaign so far.
He added: “It’s going to be a huge challenge on Friday – Bedford are one of the toughest sides in the division.
“We’ll take confidence from that victory at Goldington Road earlier in the season, but now we have to knuckle down again and work hard.
“They’re right behind us in the table and breathing down our necks, so it’s imperative we get the vital win and stay in top spot.
“The Memorial Stadium has been our fortress this season, and we’re hoping a win on Friday will continue our momentum heading into a busy Christmas period.”
Tickets for Friday’s Christmas cracker are available online, through the Club store, or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 208 2234
