Bristol v Gloucester recap - Hosts hold on to win PREM Rugby Cup tie in entertaining clash at Ashton Gate

Bristol showed enough quality to suggest they may be able to emulate Pat Lam's intention to challenge for the PREM Rugby crown this season.

After Paddy Pearce opened the scoring on the back of the hosts' dominant mauling, a stand-out feature of their game, Gloucester hit back with the returning Dan Robson and speedy Ben Redshaw scoring tries.

The Bears, despite erratic conversion kicking from Alan MacGinty, took control with tries from Jimmy Halliwell and Noah Heward sandwiching an incredible score from Gabriel Ibitoye. A move started by MacGinty and Thacker involved over half of the home team before Ibitoye burst down the wing to record a try of the season contender.

Bears hooker Harry Thacker and Cherry and Whites new-boy Phil Cokanasiga both touched down either side of half-time as the glut of tries continued - though both had fine days ended owing to head injuries, the former departing on a stretcher.

When James Williams took advantage of another successful maul to record a try, the Bears were 17 points clear but the injuries and extreme fatigue saw the quality of the match deteriorate.

Gloucester made a game of it when Junior Denny, adding to the score from player of the match Jack Clement, went over for his first professional try on debut, bringing the score within three points, but the hosts were worthy winners.

Some incredible scores in the first round of matches in the PREM Cup.

Saracens 96-42 Northampton
Harlequins 45-21 Leicester
Bristol 43-40 Gloucester

A strange game. In the words of Austin Healey: "Tackling was optional", still it as entertaining for the most part.

Will they go for a try or a drop goal?

Just three points in the game now.

The Cherry and Whites' maul does not look quite as dynamic but when they go wide, after a couple of phases, Byrne does well to fake a long pass and then slip a ball to Denny who runs over for his first try - and he is absolutely delighted!

They win a penalty and kick to the corner. Can they be as successful as Bristol with the maul?

He set off to run and chase the ball he received in his own half, but soon realized there was no point.

Ludlow does a good job with a firm tackle which sees the Cherry and Whites unable to set up a ruck cleanly and the referee gives the Bears the ball as the breakdown turns their way.

He booms the ball into touch and into the Bristol half but then he suffers awful cramp to his calf. This is a pre-season friendly-type affair both sides would be happy to call off now you feel.

His fine debut could end disappointingly. He went low trying to tackle Clarke and the doctors are taking their time with an HIA.

Pat Lam was short and sharp with his intentions for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Cherry and Whites number ten reduces the arrears to eight.

Radshaw with a fine run coming inside and almost carrying a couple of defenders over the line. The ball is then fired to Clement who, when tackled, keeps an arm free and stretches the ball over the line.

A flurry of substitutions and a feeling of unease after Thacker's departure have slowed the game.

All our thoughts are hoping the Bears hooker is not on the sidelines for too long. He is giving a thumbs up to the crowd.

The stretcher is on ready to take him off.

Williams puts over his fourth successful conversion.

Once more the Bears pack dominates their counterparts in the ruck. On the cusp of the line, Randall makes a smart offload and Williams dives over for the try.

Ten tries from 12 entres into the respective 22s suggests neither defensive coach will be a happy man.