Loughborough…….22 Bristol…………………..57
A 13-try thriller at Franklin's Gardens saw Bristol Bears power to victory against Loughborough Lightning.
Grace Crompton got the ball rolling for the Bears, scoring twice within the first four minutes after breaking through the Lightning defence, with two successful conversions from Amber Reed taking their lead to 14-0.
However, Lighting found their way back into the game, pushing through several phases before working the ball out to Fran Goldthorp on the right, who ran it in to close the deficit.
But the visitors stepped into gear once again, with Elinor Snowsill, Lark Davies and Ella Lovibond all going over to add to their tally.
Goldthorp found herself on the scoreboard once again in the first half, but Sarah Bern made it six for the Bears by diving over the ruck on 39 minutes.
Crompton, just like first half, found the try line first after the break, scoring after 50 minutes before Deborah Wills grabbed their eighth with 70 minutes on the clock.
However, Lightning fought their way back to a try bonus point, with Georgina Tasker and Sally Williams both going over in the last five minutes after Bristol went down to 14 due to Megan Barwick's injury.
But a final Bears try from prop Simi Pam as the clock turned red sealed the victory for the visitors.
Star player
Grace Compton -Bristol
