The strength of the wind was shown as Pirates kicked the ball dead from just on their 22.  It was possibly the wind that allowed a horribly not straight throw at a lineout, although it was most likely the officials who missed this offence throughout.  In any event it allowed Pirates to make good ground down the left wing before knocking-on.  The Bristol pack, looking to exert their strength, mauled the ball on and then got the ball out to a nervous looking Lee Robinson who flung out an aimless pass that was picked up by Pirates.  However, they were penalised at the ruck and Adrian Jarvis equalised.  Bristol almost immediately gave the advantage back to Pirates by giving away a penalty kick for a high tackle as the Pirates player slipped, but the ball struck the upright and Bristol were aware enough to deal with the rebound.  Bristol worked back up field but a Pirates player was able to undo this work when he scooped the ball out of the ruck by coming in at the side and using his hands.  Despite this being really obvious the touch judge was apparently looking elsewhere.

Pirates kicked the ball long and Bristol were penalised for going off their feet and Pirates were back in front at 6 - 3.   Bristol went through some well structured phases and territory and possession were rewarded after a long advantage and Jarvis again equalised.  Encouraged, Bristol took play into the Pirates 22.  Awarded an attacking scrum; Bristol had both wingers out right, but moved the ball left and promptly knocked-on.  With the half drawing to a close  Pirates were able to ‘chip' the ball into the Bristol 22 as they attacked down the right wing, but Arscott was just about able to get the ball off the field as Pirates followed up.

Bristol started the second half positively as the drizzle relented.  Dan Norton showed his kicking skills by finding a good touch.  Pirates were penalised as the Bristol forwards pressurised the breakdown and Jarvis made no mistake with his kick to take Bristol into the lead for the first time.  A high restart was held up in the wind and actually failed to make ten metres (well, it did initially make it over ten metres but was then carried back before being played).  However, Pirates knocked-on anyway.  Redford Pennycook then broke to the 22 before being halted but the ball went out to Jack Adams who drew the defence and showed that he can pass by feeding Arscott who cut back to cross for the first try of the game.  Jarvis converted to take Bristol to a 6 - 16 lead.

Pirates attempted a riposte but the increasingly dominant Bristol pack was able to maul the ball back at them.  David Blaney was typically sharp as he flipped a quick ball on to Norton who jinked and swerved past two defenders and then speed over the line for an unconverted try and 6 - 21.  Creditably, Pirated tried to come back from these blows and launched a tricky kick up field.  Norton was just able to get the ball to touch on Bristol's 22.  Pirates launched a good attack into midfield but the promising move was halted by a clumsy knock-on just a few metres out.  They were penalised at the scrum allowing Jarvis to kick to touch.  However,  this throw was adjudged to be not straight and Bristol destroyed the Pirates scrum.  The ball was hoofed downfield and Pirates were penalised for holding on as no support arrived for the last defender.  Bristol went for touch and went for the catch and drive.  The defence crumbled and Pennycook went over for a converted try and 6 - 28.

Bristol continued to pressure the home defence and rubbed salt into the wound by electing to take a scrum when awarded a penalty five metres out.  Pirates struggled and it was reset before Bristol made a mess of things to hand the put-in to Pirates, who then promptly knocked-on.  This time Bristol really put on the squeeze and the referee had seen enough to award a penalty try that brought up the try bonus point and a 6 - 35 lead.  Bristol still looked to score again and replacement Sam Alford, looking sharp behind a dominant pack, made a lovely break that carved open the Pirates defence.  Unfortunately, his speed of thought and execution were not matched by his support and, isolated, he was penalised for holding on.  With time running out Bristol were guilty of complacency and Pirates won the ball at the lineout.  Once again the throw was so far from the centre line that the Pirates player could barely reach the ball, but, taking advantage of the officials' laxity, they instigated a flowing move which ended with a try in the corner that was well converted for a final score of 13 - 35.

So, Bristol got back to winning ways.  The first half was a disjointed affair but wasn't helped by the conditions.  Although someone might wasn't to mention to the squad that rugby can be played outdoors on grass in the wind and rain.  Longer studs might be appropriate.  In the second half the pack was very dominant and this allowed the side to string together some good moves.  However, let's be honest.  Pirates, although a professional side by the RFU's definition, aren't professional in the same way as Bristol, and were heavily depleted.  An away win was nice, as were the pasties, but we still have a lot of work to do to get the level of sharpness necessary to be a consistent threat to any side.  In addition, the defence is still prone to lapses and I remain to be convinced about our kicking game.  On to Friday night and a traditional fixture with Moseley who attracted their largest crowd of the season, 950, with a win against Plymouth.

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