Bristol Bears moved 44 miles across the Bristol Channel on Saturday, May 10, 2025, to play a ‘home’ game against Bath Rugby at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. In front of a club record crowd of 51,095 fans, Bristol triumphed over their West Country rivals with a decisive score of 36-14.
The match, dubbed the Big Day Out, saw Bristol’s tries come from Gabriel Ibitoye, Rich Lane, Gabriel Oghre, Fitz Harding, Will Capon, and Bill Mata. Despite Bath taking an early lead through a try from Ciaran Donoghue, Bristol quickly turned the tide.
Harry Randall delivered a standout performance, earning the man of the match honors, and Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam, praised the team’s effort, stating, "It was a massive effort from everyone. The discipline was not great but we got what we wanted...a bonus-point win. We are right in there with a chance of top four and need to grasp it."
The atmosphere at the Principality Stadium was electric, with fans from both sides contributing to a vibrant spectacle. The event kicked off with a DJ set from Eats Everything and a performance by Newcastle’s Maxïmo Park, who entertained the crowd during halftime. Lead singer Paul Smith humorously remarked, "This is weird," highlighting the unusual setting for a derby match.
As the game unfolded, Bristol’s dominance became evident. But it wasn’t without its challenges; the Bears faced four yellow cards during the match, a record-tying feat in the Premiership. Max Lahiff, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Joe Batley, and Viliame Mata all spent time in the sin-bin, yet Bristol's defense held strong against Bath's attempts to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Bath, already secured at the top of the Premiership table, fielded a weakened side, resting key players like Finn Russell and Will Stuart in preparation for their upcoming European Challenge Cup Final. Despite this, they remained a formidable opponent, but Bristol was relentless, with Genge leading the charge.
Genge, who played 70 minutes, expressed his excitement post-match, calling it "a very special day" and adding, "I prefer BS3 to be honest," referring to Bristol's home ground. His performance was crucial in setting the tone for the Bears, especially after their recent struggles in the league.
As the game progressed, Bristol's attacking prowess shone through. After trailing 0-7 early on, Ibitoye's try sparked a comeback, followed by Lane and Oghre crossing the line for further tries. By halftime, Bristol had established a 19-7 lead, showing resilience even while down to 13 men.
The second half saw Bristol continue their offensive onslaught. Fitz Harding scored early in the half, followed by tries from Will Capon and Viliame Mata, sealing the victory and ensuring a crucial bonus-point win for the Bears. Bath managed to score a late try, but it was too little, too late.
With this victory, Bristol moved up to third in the Gallagher Premiership, bolstering their playoff hopes significantly. Lam emphasized the importance of the win, stating, "If we win three games now, we're in a semi-final. That’s kind of been our mindset."
Reflecting on the rivalry, James Dun, a lock for Bristol, shared his perspective on the derby's significance, saying, "People just care more about this game. It’s like they’re always our sell-out games. Bath is like the old enemy." Dun's family legacy in the club adds an emotional layer to the rivalry, making the win even sweeter.
Looking ahead, the Bears are now focused on maintaining their momentum as they chase a playoff spot. With just three matches remaining in the season, every game is critical. The victory over Bath not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a statement that they are contenders in the league.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams will be looking to build on their respective performances. Bath, despite the loss, remains at the top of the table, while Bristol aims to continue their ascent towards the playoffs. The Big Day Out may have concluded, but the excitement of the Gallagher Premiership is far from over.
