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Mon 3 Sep 2018 | 11:09
Butchered try by Tom Homer helps Bristol Bears on Premiership return

8
Comments

Bristol Bears got their Premiership return off to a stirring start in front of a packed home crowd, beating Bath after the visitors blew a simple chance early in the encounter. It ultimately proved costly, as the new boys got the better of the derby.

Fullback Tom Homer was served a try on a platter but somehow butchered it as the ball slipped from his grasp inches above the tryline. Rhys Priestland could have gone over himself, but unselfishly - or, wisely - gave Homer the easier run in.

Unfortunately that didn't work out, as Homer dived forward to place the ball one-handed, losing the ball in the process. In fairness, it was a very near thing, with a few replays being shown before anyone even noticed.

"Little errors didn't go the right way and the arm wrestle we were in started to swing the wrong way," said Bath Rugby captain Matt Garvey.

WATCH: 'The Bear Pit' documentary - Face to face with the Bristol Bears

Homer did cross successfully for a try in the second half, but four Ian Madigan penalties and an Alapati Leiua try took the home side to a 17-10 victory, in front of a raptuous 26 079 fans at Ashton Gate.

"I am extremely proud of the guys. It has been a big day for the club," said coach Pat Lam.

"The thing about the Premiership is that we are going to be under a lot of pressure and spend time without the ball, and we had to dig deep as a team.

"It was a magic occasion tonight to kick off a wonderful competition. It's nice to be back, and it was a good start for us, but we get back to work on Monday."

Catch up on match highlights:

credit: rugbypass/premiershiprugby

Posted By: Grant Constable

8 Comments

  • drg
    1:40 AM 06/09/2018

    Yeh, I agree with you, he probably would have, he's not exactly a small 10 either, I'm just looking for excuses for him..

  • flanker2712
    2:53 PM 05/09/2018

    Suppose so. I just think that had he charged for the line he'd have easily made it. Maybe that's why I'm not a professional rugby player.

  • drg
    2:18 AM 04/09/2018

    Pause around the 0:09 mark, I think Priestland knew the hit was coming from behind, but I can only assume his vision was filled with the opposing 11. Had he been slowed by the initial tackler the 11 could have come in midriff level and smashed him backwards...

    Because he passed, I think the 11 changed tack.

    But I suppose one can never guarantee, that he wouldn't have made it himself..

  • flanker2712
    6:51 PM 03/09/2018

    The big question for me is why the heck did Priestland not just hold on to the ball and go for the line?

  • flanker2712
    6:49 PM 03/09/2018

    I think the assistant called the ref over just after the try was scored. Seems like the ref was turning around with his arm raised for a try and then looked at the assistant and hesitated. He then seems to say something into his mic, possibly asking the video ref to check the grounding.

    I think it's hard to argue that the decision was too petty! I see where you are coming from but if a decision is taken to use video evidence to try to eliminate incorrect decisions, the decision has to be made on the basis of whatever the video shows, no matter how minimal the detail.

  • drg
    2:02 PM 03/09/2018

    I'm surprised it was even flagged up? Who called it? TMO just bored thinking "let's just watch this"? Or was it shown on the big screen, crowd groaned, referee saw it, stopped the kick from taking place and then asked tmo and subsequently over ruled his own decision?

  • drg
    1:58 PM 03/09/2018

    "D'oh"

  • pickay
    1:08 PM 03/09/2018

    I would have preferred if this try would have been given. This kind of decision is too petty for my liking. It looked totally fine in real time, and the decision was made based on the super slow-motion replay. The ball may have left his hand for a fraction of a split second, but it was good enough for me to say he was in control of the ball.

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