Bristol Bears brought a sense of joy back to Ashton Gate on Friday night with a swashbuckling, free-flowing display against Sale Sharks who came to town hoping to secure a home semi-final in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
In the end the Bears, who had nothing to play for except pride, stunned Sale as they ran out emphatic 43-19 winners in an outstanding display.
Ioan Lloyd, who was sensational from start to finish making his first start of the season on the wing, scored a hat-trick and a magical try from Noah Heward as well as scores from Ed Holmes, Harry Ascherl and Fred Davies gave Bristol arguably their most impressive win of the season.
