Bristol Bears earned their third straight win in the Gallagher Premiership to continue their strong start to the 2022/23 season.
In an 11-try thriller at Ashton Gate, Bristol scored six tries through England prop Ellis Genger, hooker Will Capon, winger Luke Morahan scrum-half Harry Randall, backrow skipper Jake Heenan and replacement prop Max Lahiff.
Emerging England international star Henry Arundell was at the centre of London Irish's best moments, created their opening try for Ben White, scoring an 85-metre intercept and then playing a key role in a brilliant counter-attacking move finished by Paddy Jackson.
The Exiles also touched down through hooker Isaac Miller and centre Benhard van Rensburg.
Jackson added four conversions and a penalty for a 16-point haul along with his try.
South West rugby writer John Evely takes a closer look at the individual performances of the Bears.
15. Charles Piutau - 8
The Bears superstar was the second best full back on the pitch as London Irish youngster Henry Arundell proved once again he is the real deal with a stunning individual display, helping to create two tries and running home an interception from 85m out.
But Piutau was still instrumental for the Bears, punching holes with his power and running a brilliant line to help create the hosts’ opening side of the match.
14. Luke Morahan - 7
The winger took his try brilliantly, showing a clean pair of heels to make Bristol’s linebreak count, coming off his wing to look for work and getting reward for it.
13. Piers O'Conor - 7
The centre showed some stunning hands for the second week running to create a try, moving the ball quickly to allow Luke Morahan to escape and complete a perfect setpiece play.
12. Sam Bedlow - 7
The Bears centre did well to limit the threat from Irish’s dangerous centre pairing while doing the basics in attack well to get the ball wide quickly.
11. Rich Lane - 7
The winger had a quiet day in attack and got caught out in defence by Henry Arundell for Ben White’s try, but was solid under the high ball.
10. AJ MacGinty - 7
A horrible interception which was run home by Arundell from 85m slightly marred a very good first competitive start for the club. However his elusive running saw him break the line on several occasions.
A good performance from the tee as well to finish with 10 points from five of his six conversion attempts. Could do with making a few more yards when kicking for touch.
9. Harry Randall - 8
The scrum half is rediscovering his best form and completed a sharp performance with a well taken try, utilising his speed to nip down the blindside.
His break saw Ben White earn a harsh yellow card for a high tackle which allowed the Bears to take advantage of the extra man.
1. Ellis Genge - 9
The England loosehead has been nothing short of sensational since arriving at Ashton. He scored his third try in two games for the Bears on Saturday with some clever thinking, picking from the base of a ruck quickly to dive over the line.
But it was the prop’s defence which really caught the eye as he repeatedly burst out the line like a missile to casuse some serious damage to the Irish attack.
2. Will Capon - 8
The hooker showed some good strength to finish his try after a well constructed maul took him most of the way to the line. Accurate throwing in the lineout.
3. Kyle Sinckler - 7
The England tighthead gave his side the edge in the scrum and was on song in his role as the tip pass king at first receiver.
4. Ed Holmes - 7
The lock played a key role in a couple of big moments, tapping the ball back from a high up and under kick to spark the break that led to Max Lahiff’s try and then wrestling on the ground to hold Irish up over the line.
5. Joe Joyce - 7
Despite getting a hip pointer injury the Bristolian battled through, getting his side on the front foot with some powerful carries.
6. Chris Vui - 7
The Samoan really made the hard yards, spinning and powering his way towards the try line with players hanging offf him to allow Genge an easy finish.
7. Jake Heenan - 7
The skipper was battered and limping at the final whistle but never stopped in the match, being on the spot to pick and dive over to score a vital try.
8. Magnus Bradbury - 8
What a signing the Scottish international has been already. The Bears’ top tackler in the the forwards making 15 without missing and top forward carrier with 47m gained.
An absolute high quality workhorse.
Replacements:
16. Harry Thacker - 7
17. Jake Woolmore - 7
18. Max Lahiff - 7
19. John Hawkins - 6
20. Dan Thomas - 6
21. Andy Uren - 6
22. Callum Sheedy - 6
23. Henry Purdy - 6
