After a hard-earned victory at the Recreation Ground on Friday night it seems almost sacrilege to criticise a rare victory at the home of our closest rivals from across the A4, but there has to be an open and honest discussion about that performance.
Yes, mitigating circumstances can be provided; yes, key internationals were missing to the Six Nations - but there was more than enough talent in both squads to have produced a blend of rugby that would keep supporters entertained and give value for money. Unfortunately, the paying punter got served complete dross.
A performance from both teams that did nothing to showcase West Country rugby in any sort of light and left me feeling oddly numb in victory. Imagine paying as much as £77 hard-earned British pounds to watch that game.
I know there will be Bears fans shouting a win is a win and to some extent I agree, but as a loyal honest fanbase we must not allow mediocrity to seep into our collective thinking.
As great as it was to watch Joycey start up the rendition of 'Blackbird' on the mud bath circled by the whole squad, and Dave Alred wearing a sock on his cranium, we must not deter from asking hard questions about whether that display was acceptable.
From the minute Pat Lam arrived in BS3, he has driven up the standards and expectations of everyone at the club, he has demanded high performance from the tea lady to the chairman. He has asked tough, forthright questions of the people around him and it is only right we now ask the same hard questions to him in return.
Why are we making the same mistakes time after time? Why do we kick the ball away when everyone in the crowd is shouting to keep it in hand? Why do we concede double digit penalties every game? Why is our game management so abject at crucial times?
These are the questions supporters want answered.
I will certainly take a filthy win against anyone, especially against them up the road, but it shouldn’t stop us asking the hard questions and demanding the very best from our team. After all, expectation levels and driving high standards are not exclusive to Lam. Up the Bears.
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