Bristol
BRISTOL BRING HIGHFLYING FALCONS DOWN TO EARTH
Contrasting Reaction
By Ali Robson & Ian Todd
April 21 2013
It was a bittersweet victory for Bristol. An excellent performance to end runaway leaders Newcastle Falcons unbeaten run, coupled with the news that Leeds had done enough in their match against a Nottingham side in some disarray to pip Bristol to the final play-off spot. Oh well, at least Bristol got to show just how well they are actually capable of playing, and few stalwarts of the club got to sign off on a high.
In lovely conditions for rugby Bristol came out of the blocks quickly taking the game to the unbeaten visitors. The speed and fluidity of the early play caught Falcons on the hop and Bristol should have gone into the lead within the first five minutes, only for Adrian Jarvis to miss a straightforward penalty from in front of the posts. This small setback did nothing to halt a Bristol side playing in a way that virtually monopolised possession and territory. Jarvis atoned with a much better penalty kick and then Bristol were rewarded with another penalty following a fine break from George Watkins.
Bristol were making tremendous inroads into the Newcastle half, but although the defence creaked it did not break. Ruki Tipuna showed what purposeful and accurate kicking game can do as he kept the defence turning, and guessing, at nearly every ruck. Bristol were guilty of trying to force the final pass a few times as they sought a way through, but were finally able to take the points their efforts deserved when Fautua Otto dotted down for his second try of the season following another incisive run from Watkins.
Newcastle were just managing to hang on and had a chance to narrow the gap, only for the normally reliable Gopperth to send his effort wide. With half time approaching the hosts at last managed to get some possession and started to put Bristol under pressure. They went close, only to knock on over the line before, in the last move of the half Fury darted over in the corner to leave the game finely poised at 7 – 13.
Bristol must surely have hoped to be first to score in the second half, but instead it was a resurgent Falcons who carried on from where they left off when Fitzpatrick smashed into the defence and the supporting Hogg took full advantage to crash over. The conversion took Newcastle into a one point lead.
Bristol were undaunted. Although never able to exert the degree of control they had in the first half, they put Newcastle back under pressure and, crucially, maintained their discipline when the hosts tried to come back into the game. Jarvis saw one penalty kick bounce off the posts directly into the hands of a defender, but soon was able to edge the visiting side back in front with a coolly taken kick.
He was on target again with just ten minutes to go as Bristol moved into a 14 – 19 lead. Newcastle have had a couple of late wins this season and were keen to preserve their unbeaten record. Relentless attacks came in, with Cato and then Powell going close. But the Bristol defence, prone to the occasional frailty in previous matches, stood resolute. The hosts could not find any chink in the Bristol armour. The referee, too, incurred the ire of the home supporters as he refused to give any penalties. Or perhaps it was that Bristol played with an unwonted composure despite the pressure. All the desperate efforts came to naught when, with stoppage time up, Bristol seized possession and Grindal was able to boot the ball into touch.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:03:14:13:27 by SenorJuan.
21/04/2013 10:24
Snow White XXX
Bit ironic that we peak at just the right time, but some results earlier in the season and lack of bonus points has been our undoing.
Think next season will be good for us, hopefully you guys can improve after your 'transitional' season under a new coach.
New coach, where did you hear this, if you're thinking Josh Lewsey he's only here on a 6 month contract and is more to do with the marketing side of things. If not Josh who have you heard?
Falcons could not afford to rely on Leeds winning and had this opportunity to not only achieve 22/22 but also to ensure that whatever happened with Leeds that a resurgent Bristol would not be their semifinal opponents.
Imagine if we had to play them again in a week's time now. We'd approach that game very differently than just a few weeks ago.
We've done Newcastle a favour by beating them, it should shake them up for the playoffs and helps get them out of this lottery for next season and to our benefit.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:04:25:09:35:00 by wyntngley.
