In a one-sided encounter at Ashton Gate, Bristol Bears emphatically defeated Gloucester Rugby 53-12, highlighting the vast gulf in performance and execution between the sides in Round 13 of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership.
Ahead of the match, Gloucester head coach George Skivington expressed hope that a strong showing would impress new technical director Chris Boyd, watching in the stands after traveling from New Zealand. Instead, Bristol’s ruthless display underscored the steep challenge Boyd faces as Gloucester suffer their 11th loss in 13 league games this season.
Bristol’s attacking dominance was reflected in seven tries scored by Kieran Marmion, Kalaveti Ravouvou (two), Fitz Harding, Tom Jordan, Gabriel Oghre, plus a penalty try. Gloucester’s only touchdowns came from George Barton and Deian Gwynne, but their efforts were overshadowed by disciplinary issues, with three yellow cards shown to Seb Blake, Charlie Atkinson, and Josiah Edwards-Giraud further crippling their resistance.
READ MORE: Kittens Narrowly Escape Tragedy on Landfill Site
READ MORE: Forest Green Rovers Fall to Hartlepool United, Dropping to Seventh in National League
Bristol set the tone early, surging into a 7-0 lead within four minutes. Marmion’s opportunistic try followed an intense 25-phase buildup, quickly compounded by Seb Blake’s sin-binning for a high tackle. Despite being down to 14 men, Gloucester briefly fought back when Barton capitalized on a charged-down clearance to score.
However, Bristol ruthlessly exploited overlaps and defensive lapses, with Ravouvou grabbing two quick tries to extend their lead. Gloucester’s hope flickered briefly when Harding’s disallowed try was overturned due to a knock-on, only for further disciplinary problems to result in a penalty try for Bristol after Josiah Edwards-Giraud’s deliberate knock-on.
Gloucester managed a late first-half score through Gwynne, but tensions spilled over, requiring player intervention as emotions ran high.
The second half saw persistent Bristol pressure. Tom Jordan and Ravouvou combined for another try after reading Gloucester’s attack, while Harding’s hooker Oghre powered over from a well-executed maul to maintain Bristol’s commanding grip.
Despite George Taylor’s sin-binning for Bristol late in the game, the Bears elected for penalty kicks to steadily increase the scoreline, ultimately reaching 53 points with Jordan adding the final conversions.
Gloucester face a critical reassessment as they prepare for their upcoming clash with Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm, while Bristol keep their hopes for the playoffs alive with this comprehensive victory.
Lineups:
Bristol Bears: Rich Lane, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, James Williams, Gabriel Ibitoye, Tom Jordan, Kieran Marmion; Ellis Genge, Gabriel Oghre, George Kloska, James Dun, Joe Batley, Joe Owen, Fitz Harding (captain), Benjamin Grondona.
Replacements: Harry Thacker, Jake Woolmore, Lovejoy Chawatama, George Taylor, Luka Ivanishvili, Harry Randall, Matias Moron, Noah Heward.
Gloucester Rugby: George Barton, Josiah Edwards-Giraud, Max Llewellyn, Seb Atkinson (captain), Ollie Thorley, Charlie Atkinson, Caolan Englefield; Dian Bleuler, Seb Blake, Afo Fasogbon, Danny Eite, Arthur Clark (vice-captain), Deian Gwynne, Lewis Ludlow, Jack Clement.
Replacements: Jack Innard, Val Rapava Ruskin, Ciaran Knight, Matías Alemanno, Will Trenholm, Mikey Austin, Will Joseph, Ben Loader.
Match officials:
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce, Veryan Boscawen
TMO: Dan Jones