Matchday programme: Bristol Bears vs Harlequins

TOBY FRICKER
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The season is flying by, so
don’t blink or you will miss it.
The second half of the season
is already underway and the
race for top four and European
qualification is hotting up. Games
are getting more competitive and
everyone has to play at their very
best. Ultimately, the second half of
the season is always the hardest.
The coaches often remind us that ‘heroes
are made in the last 10 minutes’ - this is
to say that with 10 minutes to go on the
clock, each player on the field can work
within system and help the team to win
the game. Not lose focus or think that the
game is won, but to continue playing until
the final whistle. This has been crucial
over the last couple of weeks.
Three wins over Wasps, Worcester and
Saints paints a pretty picture as we begin
the second stint of the Premiership
season. However, these encounters have
been tough and have tested all aspects
of our game. Obviously, we are still
working towards that complete 80-minute
performance, but our character and hard
work has prevailed, especially in the final
‘10 minutes of these games.’ This has
allowed us to not only win in these games,
but also secure crucial bonus points.
The last couple of weeks have also
highlighted one of our biggest strengths:
the depth of our squad. Boys have stepped
up across the board, with the likes of Tiff
Eden playing a major part in our first win
over Wasps in 15 years. Fitz Harding has
also shown his potential, making a huge
impact off the bench against Saints when
he linked up with Andy Uren to clinch
a victory in the final minutes. Having
a squad of players that are capable of
winning games at the highest level will be
hugely significant as we move closer to
the latter end of the season.
This week we face Harlequins, a team who
have recently shown very good form. They
attack from anywhere and will capitalise
on our mistakes if given the opportunity.
We know that this week more than ever,
consistency and focus throughout the
80- minutes will be massive. Moreover,
what better an incentive than leaving the
Premiership on the back of another win as
we head into to finals rugby in Europe.
BRISTOL BEARS VS HARLEQUINS | 2020/21