Bristol Bears 21-19 Bath recap - Gallagher PREM result as hosts come from behind to keep faint play-off hopes alive
PREM / Regular
Ashton Gate Stadium / 29.05.2026
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Updated 29/05/2026 at 22:29 GMT+1
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22:00
BEARS BOUNCE BACK TO KEEP FAINT PLAY-OFF HOPES ALIVE
Bristol Bears kept their slim Gallagher PREM play-off hopes alive with a hard-earned 21-19 victory over local rivals Bath.
The hosts claimed bragging rights in the West Country derby at Ashton Gate, where they overturned a 19-7 deficit to claim four points.
However, Pat Lam's side remain outside the top four, and they could be ruled out of contention if results elsewhere this weekend go against them.
Bath, already assured of a play-off place, took early control as Ollie Lawrence battled over the line in the 20th minute, before Guy Pepper made it 12-0 after a superb burst from Ben Spencer.
Fitz Harding went over to get Bristol's first points on the board, but Thomas du Toit restored the visitors' 12-point buffer at the break.
The Bears were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty try three minutes into the second half, with Harry Arundell penalised and sent to the sin-bin for a knock-on.
Louis Rees-Zammit went agonisingly close to completing the turnaround, while Dan Frost saw a try ruled out for a knock-on at the other end.
However, Max Lahiff went over in the 65th minute for what proved to be the decisive try for the Bears, who held on for victory after Santi Carreras' last-gasp penalty from distance drifted narrowly wide.
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Highlights: Bristol keep play-off hopes alive with win over Bath
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:57
'THAT WIN MEANS A LOT TO OUR FANS'
"It's bittersweet because we didn't get the five points that we came for," Bristol skipper Fitz Harding tells TNT Sports.
"I'm just so proud of the lads. It's been a really tough couple of weeks. We regrouped, and I'm proud of how we fought and came back.
"In that first half, we were down and out, but the boys stuck together.
"I know that win means a lot to our fans. Whether it's your last derby or first derby, it's one of the most passionate games of your career. I just love how much the city care about this fixture. It fills us with pride to be able to represent the city."
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'The first half was hell' - Harding reveals he broke his hand against Bath
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:54
HOW TO WATCH THE GALLAGHER PREM
What a start to the penultimate weekend of the regular campaign!
You don't want to miss any of the action during these final weeks.
21:52
LOCAL BRAGGING RIGHTS
21:49
A GAME OF TWO HALVES
Bristol produced a spirited second-half fightback from 19-7 down to prevail narrow winners in the West Country derby.
The Bears were still reeling from their 94-33 pummeling by leaders Northampton Saints last weekend, and the hangover from that was evident during the opening 40 minutes.
Nevertheless, they responded well after the break - aided by the penalty try - before Lahiff completed the turnaround on his 200th PREM appearance.
The four points aren't quite enough to get them in the top four, and though they're not out of the play-off picture yet, Bristol are reliant on favours from elsewhere.
FULL-TIME
Bristol Bears 21-19 Bath Rugby
83'
PENALTY TO BATH
Carreras is going for goal with a penalty from just inside their own half.
It's a chance to end Bristol's play-off hopes once and for all, but his ambitious effort drifts narrowly wide.
The hosts have the chance to push their way back up the other end of the field, but opt to kill the game.
80+1'
BATH HAVE THE BALL
The visitors retrieve possession as the clock ticks beyond the 80-minute mark.
They're playing on, though. Clearly, they want the victory and bonus point.
Their play-off place is already secure, but Bath still have the opportunity to secure home advantage in the semi-finals.
That's why they haven't just kicked the ball into touch.
78'
TWO MINUTES REMAIN
Bristol have a scrum just inside Bath's half.
Can they launch a final surge to get that bonus point that would lift them into the top four for now?
73'
GOOD TACKLE
Bath push to try and regain their lead, but a combination of Moroni and Van Rensburg stop them in their tracks.
Bristol maintain their advantage, but they could do with another try to realistically boost their play-off hopes.
71'
NO CARDS
There's a TMO review after a head-on-head challenge involving Underhill.
The home fans want the number eight to be shown a yellow card, but the referee decides there isn't enough to warrant that.
It's the right decision in all fairness.
67'
TRY!!! BRISTOL BEARS 21-19 BATH (LAHIFF)
Moments after Hill does brilliantly to keep Bristol out on the line, Bristol are not to be denied this time!
Several strong spells of pressure culminate in Lahiff going over on his 200th PREM appearance.
Jordan converts and the hosts lead for the first time tonight!
63'
WATCH OUT REF
Mr Dickson is very unfortunately positioned, as he finds himself sandwiched between Richards and Genge, and is sent crashing to the ground.
To his credit, though, he styles it out brilliantly, turning it into a backward roll and straight back up onto his feet!
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'Like watching The Rock sell a Stone Cold stunner!' - Ref takes comical fall
Video credit: TNT Sports
60'
NO TRY
Bath think they have the bonus point, as Frost chases a loose ball to touch down.
However, a TMO review reveals the substitute forward knocked the ball on initially, so his try is ruled out.
58'
BRILLIANT FROM BAYLISS
The Bath substitute received an RPA Personal Development award earlier this week, and you can see why...
55'
BATH BACK TO FULL STRENGTH
Arundell has served his 10 minutes in the bin, so returns to the action to give the visitors a full compliment of players once again.
53'
SO CLOSE
Rees-Zammit is whiskers away from drawing Bristol level!
The wing chases his own punt towards the line, which evades Bayliss, but he cannot quite get the ball under control to ground it.
His head goes into his hands, as a great opportunity goes begging.
51'
LEADING FROM THE FRONT
Bath push for the tryline, but they are denied by a superb intervention from Harding, who eventually earns a penalty.
The skipper celebrates as if he's scored a try!
49'
GAME MANAGEMENT
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bath have done everything in their power to take the sting out of Bristol's momentum.
So far, it has been successful - whether it be taking their time with scrums, or halting their opponents' attacks.
45'
PENALTY TRY AND A YELLOW CARD
A huge offload towards Rees-Zammit on the right is tipped out of reach by the outstretched Arundell.
Following a TMO review, the England wing is deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball on by the five-metre line.
As a result, a penalty try is awarded, with Arundell then sent to the sin bin.
Bristol have momentum!