Bristol Bears managed to secure a thrilling 40-35 victory against Exeter Chiefs in a nail-biting match at Sandy Park. The Bears pulled off an impressive comeback, with Gabriel Ibitoye scoring a late hat-trick in the final eight minutes to seal the win. This victory marked Bristol’s first win over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park since 2021.
The game started off with Exeter Chiefs dominating, with wingers Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Paul Brown-Bampoe scoring two tries each to give their team a 32-12 lead with only 18 minutes remaining. However, a costly yellow card for Exeter Chiefs’ replacement hooker Dan Frost turned the tide in Bristol’s favor. While Frost was off the pitch, Bristol managed to score 28 points, running in four converted tries. Gabriel Ibitoye scored three of those tries, with Gabriel Oghre adding another. Kieran Marmion and Joe Batley also crossed the try line in the first half. AJ MacGinty was on point with his kicking, converting five out of the six tries scored by the Bears. Exeter Chiefs’ full-back Josh Hodge contributed 15 points from successful penalties and conversions.
South West rugby writer John Evely provided individual player ratings for the Bristol Bears team. Rich Lane, who replaced the injured Max Malins, impressed with his defensive skills and attacking prowess. Jack Bates showcased his agility and made significant progress with the ball. Joe Jenkins, making his first start, displayed solid defense and skillful play. Benhard Janse van Rensburg stood out with his work rate and versatility, making key plays throughout the game.
Gabriel Ibitoye’s standout performance earned him a Player of the Match award, with his exceptional finishing ability shining through. AJ MacGinty displayed exceptional footwork and game management, guiding the Bears to victory. Kieran Marmion, stepping in for Harry Randall, made an impact with an early try. Gabriel Oghre redeemed himself with a spectacular individual try after conceding an early penalty. Josh Caulfield made a crucial turnover in the final moments, securing the win for Bristol Bears.
Overall, the Bristol Bears showed resilience and skill in their victory over Exeter Chiefs. The team’s depth and individual performances were instrumental in securing the hard-fought win. With players like Ibitoye, MacGinty, and Janse van Rensburg in top form, Bristol Bears have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Gallagher Premiership.
