Latest NewsA View From The Terraces: Cornish Pirates
Blackthorn Pete says what a difference a year makes
It’s just over twelve months since this column started and it’s interesting to reflect on how things have changed since then.
Last weekend’s emphatic victory over Moseley took us to 75 points – enough to ensure that we finish the regular season at the top of the RFU Championship.
This time last season we were not even sure of a place in the top eight. A win over Plymouth on the penultimate weekend of the campaign saved us from the dreaded relegation play-offs.
The achievements of this Bristol team, which only really came together last summer, cannot be underestimated.
Liam Middleton and his coaching team have done a superb job in turning our Club into real contenders and it’s great to see how the team ethic of ‘Bristol Fashion’ has filtered through the entire squad.
Now, we have a young and talented group of players - playing attractive running rugby without fear. The feel-good factor has returned to Bristol Rugby. Sunday afternoons are definitely not a chore this season!
Bristol notched six tries – the pick of them Will Helu’s late effort in front of the Blackthorn Terrace. It was great to see Luke Eves make his return to the hoops and a special mention must go to Steve Uren who made his senior debut at the tender age of 17.
If you want to see more of the exciting rugby being served up at the Memorial Stadium at the moment, you could do worse than buy yourself a season ticket for next season – they’re a bargain at the moment!
Tomorrow we meet second placed Cornish Pirates – arguably one of our most potent rivals in the battle to win this competition. The Pirates lost a cracker 37-33 at the Mem back in November and will be determined to deny Bristol the ‘double’.
So, if you fancy a weekend or even an away-day in Cornwall, why not get down to the Mennaye Field to shout the men in the Blue and White Hoops (or plum jerseys) to victory.
C’mon Bris.
