After a topsy-turvy pulsating encounter it was Les Kiss of death for London Irish after they were finally put to the sword at Ashton Gate. On the inaugural family fun day, supporters were treated to 76 points as well as the usual dose of heart-stopping moments Bears fans have grown accustomed to.
There has been lots of discussion about the areas in which we can learn from the mistakes of last season. For me the most strikingly obvious improvement has been in the scrum. Granted, having the baby rhino Ellis Genge back in Bristol was always going to help, but full credit should be given to Mark Irish who has completely transformed the whole unit.
From a position of abject creakiness, how reassuring has it been to see us dominate that area? Allowing us the platform to get on the front foot and release the undoubted talent we have in the backs. Only three games in, no one is getting carried away but after the agony of last season, it is lovely to see Bristol sitting proudly at the top of the Premiership.
As great as it was to gain another victory, it pales into insignificance against the current backdrop and uncertainty Premiership fans are facing in general. It has been another week of turmoil for supporters of Worcester and Wasps and as part of the rugby family it is heartbreaking to see the drama unfolding before our eyes.
Although the Covid pandemic intensified matters, this situation isn’t new. For years fans have talked about the lack of funding in the game but nothing has been done to address the matter and now we find ourselves in a critical position with at least two teams facing extinction and possibly another couple balancing on a fine tight rope.
At Bristol we are extremely lucky to have a benefactor such as Stephen Lansdown, but we need to look at the bigger picture overall. It is an embarrassment that French second division teams can offer more money than our top-flight. For the integrity of the league ways must be found to generate more income into the whole structure, we need bums on seats. Otherwise the game we all love is in danger of falling into the abyss.
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