After a shock try only thirty-six seconds in from the visitors, Bristol's composure proved crucial as the home side delivered under immense pressure in this knock-out fixture, climbing back from an early deficit to score three tries courtesy of Junior Fatialofa, Lee Robsinon and Sky's Man of the Match, Roy Winters.
Bristol's victory this evening sees their efforts in twenty-two league games and six play-offs fixtures rewarded with one step closer to the ultimate prize: promotion to the Guinness Premiership.
Regardless of results at Sandy Park tomorrow, Bristol's performance in the play-offs stages sees them claim the second leg home advantage in the Final, to take place on Wednesday May 26th.
The semi-final started with a jolt for the hosts when Adrian Jarvis' chip was charged down by Dominic Shappo, the centre quickly collecting the loose ball to loop in under the posts for a converted try with just seconds gone. 0-7
Stunned by the blow, Bristol tried to hit back but their nerves showed when the ball was over-thrown at an attacking line-out. Fortunately, Welsh knocked the ball on and allowed Bristol to launch an exciting move, with Lee Robinson coming close to breaking through before a Welsh defender stop the attack short. Gordon Ross tried to clear the danger but his kick was too strong, sailing out on the full to keep the momentum with Bristol.
The Bristol pack drove with typical directness from the resulting line-out but anxious handling from the back line saw the move break down. After continued persistence, the home side were rewarded with a penalty when Welsh came offside. Fly-half Jarvis took direction to head for the posts, to which he duly obliged to narrow the gap to 3 - 7.
The visitors were undaunted and were quickly back into the Bristol half, only to be called back for a forward pass. The home side showed signs of early nerves as some poor handling and kicking meant that Welsh gained the initial upper hand, adding a further 3 points through Aled Thomas when the Bristol came offside. 3-10
After another offside offence - this time by the Exiles - Bristol were presented with another chance to drive for the line, superbly executed by the forwards to see Roy Winters burst over from close range for a converted try. 10-10
After a failed penalty kick, Jarvis' decision to kick for the line out paid dividend when, off the breakdown, scrum-half Jason Spice darted round the forwards to move proceedings down the left wing. Jarvis stepped backed in, popping the ball out to James Merriman who powered close with Luke Eves and James Phillips pushing for the line. Junior Fatialofa finished off the assault on Welsh's try line, eventually spotting a gap to cross by the posts. After deliberation from the Television Mach Official, a try was rewarded and the subsequent conversion saw Bristol ahead by seven at the break. 17 - 10 .
Having survived a shaky first quarter, Bristol came out strongly in the second half, knowing the next forty minutes would be truly make-or-break. In a similar fashion to the first half, a further offside offence saw the first points added to the board, Bristol's Jarvis striking between the posts for a clear ten point lead.
The visitors tried to hit back and Michael Hill made good ground to set up a quality field position, edging closer to the Bristol line before solid defensive work from James Merriman at the breakdown averted the danger.
Bristol kept up the pressure on the Welsh and a yellow card was brandished to hooker as the hooker illegally slowed down the Bristol ball.
Against a weakened pack, the forwards produced another strong attack to heave over the line, only for the TMO to rule "no try" with the ball deemed held-up. Bristol's efforts were not lost however when an earlier penalty advantage was called, Jarvis promptly extending the lead 23 - 10.
Now firing on all cylinders and the Final in sight, Bristol proved dangerous all over the pitch and Welsh were unable to contain their assaults as Lee Robinson cut a striking line, taking fellow winger Tom Arscott's outside pass to beat his defender and claim Bristol's third try. 28 - 10.
Despite trailing by eighteen, the Exiles continued to press Bristol and Simon Whatling made an excellent break that wrong-footed the Bristol defenders. His support managed to arrive in time to keep the move going and Errie Claassens went over for what would be the final score of the game, 28 - 15.
Bristol Rugby
Luke Arscott; Lee Robinson, Luke Eves, Junior Fatialofa, Tom Arscott, Adrian Jarvis, Jason Spice (C); Darren Crompton, David Blaney, Wayne Thompson, Nathan Budgett, Roy Winters, Redford Pennycook, James Merriman, James Phillips
Ollie Hayes (70), Mark Irish (55), Dan Montagu (44), Iain Grieve (70), Sam Alford, Mark Davies, Jack Adams
London Welsh
Aled Thomas; Paul Sampson, Dominic Shabbo, Paul Mackey, Errie Claassens, Gordon Ross, Nick Runciman; Dorian Williams, Chris Whitehead, Lorne Ward, Matt Corker, Mike Powell, Jonathan Mills (C), Michael Hills, Lee Beach
Gavin O'Meara (49-59, 78), Michael Holford (60), Ben Thomas, Nathan Bonner-Evans (70), Rob Lewis (63), Simon Whatling (40, YC 49-59), Neil Starling (47)
Now on to the final..... Exeter Chiefs! Bring it on!!
Having secured the second leg home advantage with the most points in the play-off stages, Bristol will welcome their opposition to The Memorial Stadium on Wednesday 26th May, ko 745pm. The first leg will take place away on Wednesday 19th May, ko 745pm.
I will be there. Hopefully.....
£20.00 per ticket and then the cost of a shirt £20.00 so £60.00 all in and I will be loving the evening.
Do I buy this or buy a polo shirt..... hmmmm
Choices choices.
Anyway after a few lovely days off and going to the gym and even swimming with Noah and Cat I am back to work..... Oh the joy.
Bed time now though.........................
Ciao
No comments:
Post a Comment