By Ned
November 30 2024

Not the send off Joe Marler would have wanted but he was the first to admit that Bristol Bears were very good value for their party-pooping 24-48 win at the Stoop.

Quins had no answer to the high energy game and, in perfect conditions,  Bristol made full use of their pace and skills running in tries six to Quins' four.

It was pace which 34 year old Joe admitted got the better of him. He told the TV audience that he had asked to come off early in the second half.

He said: "I was out there and I went..... 'I can't do this, get me off'.

" It's been wonderful and the game's been so good to me considering I've been so bad to it. I've loved every minute of it.It's been great."

Joe played his part in a pulsating first half which Bears shaded through scores from  Kavaleti Ravouvou, Gabriel Ibitoye and Kieran Marmion. A lively Alex Dombrandt crossing for Quins with  Cadan Murley getting a lung bursting interception  and Luke Northmore ripping the ball to race in from half way.

However, Vialiame Mata's debut try for Bears set the tone for the second half with further quick scores from  Bernhard Janse van Rensburg and Santiago Grondona.

Tyrone Green got one back for the hosts but it was a consolation bonus point as Bears went top.