By BrianC
March 8 2006

I'll apologize immediately for the title of this preview. Recent message board threads must be having their effect on me. It seems like ages since we played Bristol away.

In fact it is over three years since we took on this side at home. The truth is that both sides have a history of drawing with each other. Our last match at Bristol was back in November 2002. That time we managed a conclusive 32 - 32 draw with them.

One of the things that gives me greatest pride about this site is that we have built, and maintain, an archive. That match was only four months into this site's existence yet PaddyG caught the occasion, from a supporters' point of view, perfectly....If a dazzling display of mediocrity was your idea of a Sunday afternoon’s entertainment, then the Memorial Stadium was the place to be. Desperate defending and good set piece work marked the Irish contribution, whilst Bristol had the upper hand in open play.

Bristol were relegated that season, we played no small part in that. On the last day of the 02/03 season we not only beat them, we denied them bonus point. Those who were there will remember what an emotional day it was. Some of the nicest supporters in the land were distraught at the prospect of relegation.

As it turned out relegation was not the death knoll for Bristol. Many of their long standing supporters will tell you it was, perhaps, the best thing that could have happened to them. Without going too much into the politics of the time it appeared that Bristol would have been 'merged' with the likely relegation candidates at the time and would have been renamed Bath.

The shock of relegation brought the Bristol rugby community together. They spent a year regrouping then battled their way back into the Premiership. Since their promotion they have showed that they are no slouches. With six wins and one draw out of the sixteen games thus far this season they are currently tenth in the table and, whilst not safe, seem to be leaving the relegation dogfight to Leeds and Saracens.

This weekend they face a London Irish side that is a cut above any other in recent seasons. Bristol have an impressive home record. LI are, for the first time ever, set to make their West Country visits successful.

The match looks likely to be played in poor weather (drizzle) on a tortuous pitch with an uncertain referee. Who is your money on? I'd say a high scoring draw.