mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit played a major role as Bristol posted an early season win by defeating champion Gallagher Prem Northampton 41-26 at Ashton Gate.
Rees-Zammit followed up his two tries against opening opponents Sala Sharks with another double to put Bristol on course for bonus point success.
He also shone in defense as Bristol largely canceled out Northampton’s free play, while Harry Randall, Gabriel Oghre and Tom Jordan added more Bristol tries, and there were also penalty tries, with James Williams kicking three conversions and a penalty.
Northampton trailed by just a point at half-time and were in contention throughout but ultimately fell short despite scores from George Hendy (2), Alex Mitchell and Josh Kemeny, while Fin Smith hit three conversions. Saints finished with 13 men after yellow cards for Tommy Freeman and Ion Neculai.
There was also good news for Bristol when theirs England center Benhard Janse van Rensburg was able to watch the second half from the touchline after being carried off following a collision in midfield that required extended treatment.
Bristol conceded 94 points when they last played Northampton in May, but Pat Lam’s side were quick out of the blocks to open their account after just seven minutes when Oghre tapped in after an impressive drive.
The lead lasted barely 100 seconds though, with Saints hitting back after a slick move saw number eight Henry Pollock slide a scoring pass to Hendy before Smith crossed from the touchline.
Williams’ penalty from close range pushed Bristol back in front and the Bears dominated territory during a fast and furious first quarter as both teams looked to show their famous attacking intent.
Bristol thought they had extended their lead eight minutes before half-time when Jordan latched on to AJ MacGinty’s cross and slotted home unopposed, but it was denied after Randall brought the ball into play during the early stages.
The Bears continued to press and deservedly extended their lead thanks to a fine finish in the restricted area by Rees-Zammit, with Williams crossing the touchline to open up an eight-point lead.
However, the half drew to a close after a long break while Van Rensburg received treatment, but there was still time for Hendy to convert his second try, which was converted by Smith.
But Bristol started the second period strongly and Jordan grabbed a third try after the forwards built an imposing attacking platform. Williams’ conversion made it 22-14, putting Northampton on the back foot again.
It was then the Saints’ turn to see a try conceded when Alex Coles’ try was ruled out after an obstruction by Saints’ hook Curtis Langdon on his opposite number Oghre, and then fell further behind as Randall’s score secured the bonus point and Williams added the extras.
Rees-Zammit’s second touchdown put Bristol 30 points clear but Northampton served a reminder that they were not completely out of sorts through substitute Mitchell’s score on 16 minutes after Smith converted before Kemeny scored to further devastate the home side.
Bristol, however, did enough to make it two wins from two in Prem and set themselves up for a meeting with Saracens the next time out, sealing it with a penalty try after Freeman’s illegal challenge on Rees-Zammit.