Dec 27, 2024, 10:43 PM
Dec 25, 2024, 4:00 PM

Bristol Bears dominate as they face Sale Sharks in crucial clash

Highlights
  • Sale Sharks achieved a historic 38-0 win against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
  • This defeat marks Bristol's first scoreless game in the Premiership since 2016.
  • The match highlights a significant turnaround for Sale, positioning them for playoff contention.
Story

In one of the most surprising results in Gallagher Premiership history, Sale Sharks secured a stunning 38-0 victory against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on December 27, 2024. This match marked Bristol's first scoreless performance in the league for eight years, as they were outplayed by Sale in all aspects of the game. The Sharks had entered the match without a win on the road in the Premiership all season but came out swinging, showing impressive defensive solidity and opportunistic scoring through quick breaks and structured play. Bristol entered the game with high hopes of moving to the top of the table, but their ambitions were quickly halted by Sale's aggressive start. Scrum-half Raffi Quirke opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, leading to a barrage of pressure that Bristol could not withstand. Despite losing their own players to injuries, Sale maintained their momentum, while Bristol’s performance faltered under the intense scrutiny of their home crowd. Notably, England international Ellis Genge withdrew from the lineup due to a back spasm, exacerbating the Bears' difficulties. The match continued with Sale Sharks dominating both possession and territory. Their tactical discipline paid off as they converted opportunities into points, with centre Rob du Preez kicking three penalties and completing conversions for several tries scored by his teammates. Sale's captain, Ben Curry, and wing Tom Roebuck were particularly effective, capitalizing on Bristol's defensive lapses to add tries to the scoreboard. The second half saw Bristol's attempts to rally thwarted again, with Sale extending their lead and ultimately sealing their maximum point win with a late bonus point try by Tom O'Flaherty. This emphatic result serves as a wake-up call for Bristol Bears, who had achieved consistent try-scoring success in previous matches. With this defeat, they find themselves reflecting on their tactics and performance, needing to reassess their strategy moving forward in the league. For Sale Sharks, the victory propels them into the playoff positions, marking a decisive turning point in their season and providing a much-needed boost in confidence as they chase title aspirations.

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