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Bristol Bears' hat-trick hero Jack Bates says title challenge will 'take care of itself' after win over Exeter Chiefs
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Published 22/03/2025 at 20:10 GMT
Jack Bates scored three tries for Bristol Bears as the Gallagher Premiership challengers went down to 14 men after Santiago Grondona was sent off in the first half of their 52-38 victory on Saturday. The victory sees them move within a point of league leaders Bath. Speaking after the win, Bates said that he and his team-mates would keep their focus on winning the matches ahead.
‘Ashton Gate are on their feet!’ - Bates scores hat-trick for Bears
Video credit: TNT Sports
Bristol Bears’ hat-trick Hero Jack Bates said their title challenge will "take care of itself" if they keep winning after defeating Exeter Chiefs 52-38 on Saturday.
Bates opened the scoring within the opening 90 seconds, heralding a remarkable passage of play in the first half, with the Englishman completing his hat-trick in the second half.
There were 10 first-half tries, and a red card for the home side, as Santiago Grondona saw red for a high tackle on Martin Moloney on the half-hour mark, which resulted in a crunching clash of heads for the pair.
Speaking to TNT Sports after receiving the Player of the Match award, Bates said that the focus of the game changed when they lost their team-mate.
He said he found it "very tough. I think I was bowing that whole game, especially when we went down to 14.
"When you lose a player like that, the emphasis comes on keeping possession. For parts, I thought we did that well, and we finished. It got a little bit loose at times."
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The home side went in 40-24 ahead, and Bates said the players decided then to try to keep things tight.
"At the start of the game it was a bit like tennis: we scored, they scored, we scored, they scored," he continued.
"We came in and just said, look after the ball, go through our phases, and those opportunities will open up."
In the second half, Steven Luatua added another try for The Bears on 47 minutes, with Bates’ hat-trick coming 10 minutes later.
There was a late rally for the visitors, with Will Rigg recording the last try on 75 minutes to take the match total to 90 points, and ensuring they came away with a losing bonus point.
Bristol are now a point behind leaders Bath, who have a game in hand, and Bates said that the team would not look too far ahead as they try to keep racking up wins.
He said: "We go game by game, week by week. If we can win, then it makes our focus easier, and plan through the season. We're not thinking too far ahead, and if we get those wins, then it will take care of itself."
Exeter remain ninth, seven points clear of Newcastle Falcons in last spot.
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