Bath Rugby ended a long-standing Ashton Gate hoodoo with an emphatic 49-19 triumph over Bristol Bears in Round Three of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup. The victory marked Bath’s first away win against Bristol in a domestic competition in 17 years, powered by seven scintillating tries.
Hooker Kepu Tuipulotu and winger Charlie Griffin both crossed the line twice, complemented by tries from Billy Sela, Arthur Green, and Will Butt. Bristol’s tries came from hooker Tomas Gwilliam, who scored twice from driving mauls, and debutant Ellis Bevan. However, the youthful Bristol side couldn’t match the experience and physicality of their visitors.
Bath coach Ryan Davis lauded the squad’s well-rounded and resilient performance. “Playing at Ashton Gate always demands a strong physical and tactical display, and our forwards delivered exceptionally. Despite squad changes and players returning from injury, the team showed consistent commitment, knowing our aim is to retain the PREM Rugby Cup,” Davis said.
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The match began with Bristol gaining an early lead through Gwilliam’s try, but Bath’s forwards soon stamped their authority. Tuipulotu powered through from a driving maul for the first Bath try, while a dynamic break led by Tuipulotu and finished by Sela showcased Bath’s attacking threat.
Though Bristol tried to claw back, errors and missed opportunities hampered their charge. The game was marked by several injuries on both sides, including key backrow players Kofi Cripps and Benjamin Grondona for Bristol, and Alfie Barbeary for Bath.
Bath continued to dominate after the interval, with Griffin scoring soon after the break and successfully breaking through tackles. Bristol’s Bevan responded with a clever dummy to cross, but Bath’s Griffin capitalized on a turnover to sprint 40 meters untouched. Tuipulotu added another try via a driving maul, mirrored shortly after by Gwilliam for Bristol.
The final tries came from a strong carry by Butt and resolute defense that prevented Bristol from gaining a losing bonus point. Bath’s comprehensive performance highlighted their depth, physicality, and determination as they push forward in the competition.