BBC Rugby Union: Bristol Bears Edge Harlequins in Thrilling Season Finale
In a captivating Gallagher Premiership clash, Bristol Bears secured a bonus-point victory over Harlequins at The Stoop, but ultimately missed out on a semi-final spot despite their impressive performance.
The visitors scored four tries in a scintillating second-half display to overcome Harlequins 53-28. Tries from James Williams, Ellis Genge, and former Quins winger Gabriel Ibitoye gave Bristol the lead at half-time, with Chandler Cunningham-South and Alex Dombrandt replying for the hosts.
“Fair play to Bristol, they ran everything, challenged us around the fringes, challenged us wide and we got cut to ribbons,” conceded Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson.
After the break, Bristol’s Harry Thacker, Max Lahiff, Noah Heward and Gabriel Oghre all crossed the line, while Luke Northmore and a second from Cunningham-South secured a losing bonus point for Quins. However, it was not enough to propel them into the end-of-season play-offs.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam praised his side’s resilience, saying, “We’re a much stronger team at this stage of the season than a few weeks ago.”
Despite the win, Bristol finished fifth in the table, two points off the top four, while Harlequins ended up three points and one place below their opponents. The surprise defeats of Northampton Saints and Saracens ensured that Bath and Sale Sharks would join them in the play-offs.
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