Bristol Bears reach first-ever European Challenge Cup final

Bristol Bears reach first-ever European Challenge Cup final

Posted on: 28 Sep 2020

Pat Lam's side will be competing for their first piece of silverware in October.

 

Bristol Bears confirmed their spot in the European Challenge Cup final over the weekend, coming out on top at Ashton Gate Stadium against French outfit Bordeaux-Begles.

 

World-renowned winger Semi Radradra shone once again as the Bears left it late to secure the contest, eventually running out 37-20 winners after extra time.

 

The hard-fought win sets up an intriguing matchup with RC Toulon in their first-ever European Cup final, set to take place at Stade Maurice-David on Friday 16 October.

 

 

Despite the absence of supporters amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Ashton Gate Stadium was brought to life on Friday night by a rollercoaster contest between two sides at the top of their game.

 

After going down 13-0 and seeing Radradra sent to the sin bin in the first half, the Bears fought back to take a 20-13 lead courtesy of tries from captain Steven Luatua and fly-half Max Malins.

 

A valiant Bordeaux side levelled the score with 13 minutes of normal time remaining, before the Bears broke away in extra time to seal the victory.

 

A try from substitute Piers O'Connor and a second from Malins put the tie to bed, setting up Bristol's first-ever European Challenge Cup final on Friday 16 October.

 

 

Speaking to Bears TV after the match, Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, praised his side for sticking to a game plan and digging deep to get over the line.

 

“I’m obviously extremely proud of the boys," he said. "We played with endeavour, but you know a bit of déjà vu from last week - we had six turnovers in 10 minutes, we had 13 penalties at half-time and we only had about thirty per cent possession.

 

“At half-time, I said to the boys they (Bordeaux) were tired and there were lots of holes, but we didn’t finish it off, we didn’t have control and we were making those little mistakes.

 

“So, I said imagine what these guys are going to be like when we can keep the pressure, keep trusting the system, keep working.

 

“I’m proud for the team, proud for the club to get us into a final in about three weeks’ time, but you know we’ll be wasting time if we don’t get that trophy now.”

 

Bristol have just under three weeks to prepare for the all-important Cup final against Toulon on Friday 16 October. To follow news and updates, or for extended match reports and coverage, head to the Bristol Bears website.

Read more:

 

 

Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.