The game started amid the now normal Friday night conditions of gusty winds and driving rain.  The pitch though was in a marvellous condition given the weather conditions over the previous week or so.  Sadly we were unable to turn it in to the ploughed field that would have put paid to any chances of Rovers playing their usual slick passing game (!).  The initial exchanges were inconclusive although Bucuresti had the self-assurance to attempt both an early, long-range, drop-goal and to kick for touch when presented with a penalty chance.  Indeed, Bucuresti played throughout with great confidence and determination.  Technically they were somewhat lacking and this was exemplified by their being shoved off their own ball at the five metre scrum that resulted after their initial penalty kick to the corner.

Bristol hit back with a fine break by Morgan from well inside the Bristol half.  Bucuresti gave away a penalty which went to touch and Bristol’s lineout functioned efficiently.  The forwards gathered round the ball carrier and drove over the line and Mariano Sambucetti, making the most of his starting opportunity, was the last to get to his feet.  The try was duly converted by Strange to extend the lead to 14 – 6. Strange then showed that he is not just a kicking fly half and made a nice little break that released Morgan for a chance that went begging as the Bristol support was just too slow in getting to the breakdown.  A fantastic break by Burcea showed that Bristol didn’t have a monopoly on speedy back-rowers and he made it all the way from inside his own 22 to well inside the Bristol equivalent. He was finally hauled down by Rob Higgitt who just about had the pace and angle to stop his man.  Not to be outdone Dan Ward-Smith broke away back in to the Bucuresti 22.  This time the supporting players were up with play and Pozzebon was on hand to take the pass.  He fed on to Lemi ( actually I was going to the bar at this point and was dead in line with play and this looked pretty well forward to me, but the referee and touch judge were hopelessly out of position) who put Morgan in for another score.  Strange was narrowly wide with the difficult conversion attempt so it was 19 – 6 to Bristol.

Bristol kept up the pressure and Bucuresti incurred the wrath of the referee as the hooker Zebega was sin-binned for some indiscretion at the ruck.  I would guess it was using the hands as, if Bucuresti have a flaw in their game, it is that they are really obvious in using their hands to slow down or win ball in the ruck situation.  Frankly they could (and perhaps should) have lost more players to the yellow card than they did.  Despite the one man advantage at the scrum Bristol were unable to turn the pressure into points and Bucuresti were able to hang on till half-time.

Indeed the remaining scores were to come from Bucuresti as the game began to lose its shape as both sides made numerous replacements.  Firstly Bucuresti sent an awkward looking grubber kick down towards the far right corner.  I had moved to the other end at half-time, and had a poor view, but it did look as if the replacement scrum-half, Greg Nicholls, was held back or charged as he tried to get back to the ball.  Be that as it may, Nicolae was able to pounce and go over for a try that was converted by Dumbrava.  A score of 33 – 16 reflected well on the efforts that Bucuresti had put in against their fully professional, Premiership-leading, hosts.  The last word was to go Bucuresti’s way also when Dumbrava landed a tricky penalty kick to make the final score 33 – 19.  Bristol still had some opportunities and ended the game controlling possession and seeking a way through the defence.  Errors meant that they were unable to contrive a way through and so they game came to its conclusion.