It was game day at Ashton Gate, and the Bristol Bears were facing a stern test against Exeter Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup. For the Bears, this match carried the weight of a difficult pool stage. Sitting at the bottom of Pool A, their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds were slim, especially after a tough 16-8 defeat at home to Gloucester Rugby the previous weekend.
On the other side of the pitch, the Exeter Chiefs were in a much stronger position. They arrived at Ashton Gate second in the group, with the top two teams earning a coveted spot in the semi-finals. The Chiefs had been in formidable form, evidenced by their commanding 59-14 victory over Sale Sharks at home just a week prior.
The atmosphere was electric as the game kicked off at 2pm. While the final score saw Bristol Bears fall 35-46 to Exeter Chiefs, the match itself was a testament to the unpredictable nature of rugby. Despite the loss, there were moments of brilliance and promising performances from the Bears.
Young George Taylor, in particular, announced his arrival with an outstanding display in the number seven jersey, earning high praise in the post-match player ratings. For the Chiefs, winger Campbell Ridl stole the headlines, bagging a hat-trick and further solidifying his reputation as a player to watch. Paul Brown-Bampoe also contributed significantly with a try, as did Lewis Pearson, who powered over from a lineout drive.
The Bears fought back valiantly, with tries from Tomas Gwilliam and Sam Worsley, the latter adding the extras from a difficult angle. Joe Owen also crossed the whitewash for Bristol's first try of the game. These scores, while not enough to secure a win, showcased the team's resilience and fighting spirit.
Ultimately, the victory for Exeter Chiefs put them in a prime position to compete for a semi-final spot, setting up a crucial final group game against Gloucester. For Bristol Bears, the focus shifts, but the experience gained, especially by emerging talents like Taylor, will be invaluable as they look to build for the future. The PREM Rugby Cup, even in its development stages, continues to provide thrilling encounters and opportunities for players to shine.
