In this week's episode we review yet another defeat at the StoneX but discuss whether it was quite as bad as the 30-7 score suggested.

Overall, we weren't great but there were some positive 'moments' and it was good to see new players stand up and be counted.

Ultimately though, our ill discipline and lack of red zone efficiency let us down. The wait goes on (sigh)!

However, Pete did manage to grab a word with Jimmy, Bats, Gabs, Harry Wells and the Mighty Bosh straight after the final whistle to get their (refreshingly honest) thoughts and, equally as importantly, try to discover who might get in Business Class on the flight to Cape Town and who might be in the overhead lockers.

We also discuss the pitch thing and Pete gives an upbeat verdict on the match day experience although that was potentially influenced by the fact that he managed to blag himself a stack of free donuts at half time.

All this and more. Up the Bears!

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Recorded as a two way chat this short-ish episode serves as a preview for the visit to the Stone X, where (in)famously a Bristol Senior team has never won although the Cubs did recently.

Is this the year? Given our impressive start to the season, why not? Duncan thinks so but inevitably Pete employs the use of some 'caveats' and 'alludes' to the weight of various statistics that suggest otherwise.

But hey? We've got to beat them sometime. Give us your thoughts via the usual channels.

Enjoy!

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In this week's episode Pete, Lee and Miles crack open a cheeky beer at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom and raise their glasses to the excellent win against Northampton Saints on Family Day.

It was a game of two halves, each one with its own compelling narrative but yet another profession and disciplined performance from the pack created opportunities for the backs to shine.

LRZ got another brace, Rands executed a perfect dummy and snipe and BV got knocked out by launching him 3ft onto a Saints knee just short of the speed of sound.

It was a game with everything including 5 points to the Bears.

In other news Pete also managed to gain access to the the new post-match NFL style mixed zone and had a nice chat with Jimmy Williams, Gabs Ibitoye, Joe Batley, Adge MacGinty and the big man himself. It certainly seems like a good new initiative.

The boys also speculate on the away trip to Saracens and wonder whether this is the year where the Stone-X hoodoo is broken. It's as good a time as any and finally we finish with Listener shout outs, a Goat/Anti Goat and that's your slightly longer than planned episode done.

Up the Bears!

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In the first review of the new Prem season we discuss Bristol's first bonus point win in Manchester THIS CENTURY.

There had been a fair amount of trepidation in the run up to the game but in the end it was a professional dismantling of a side that has often outmuscled us.

We talk through the key points of the game and discuss player performances including our regular homage to Sir Fitz of Hardingshire. He's a legend.

Finally we look forward to what will no doubt be humdinger at the Gate on Saturday when the reigning champions, Northampton Saints, roll into town. There will be match-ups galore. It's not been a happy hunting ground for them in recent seasons but they are likely to be locked and fully loaded. Strap in everyone!

We finish off with listener shout outs and that's the episode done.

Up the Bears!

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Pete, Miles and a special 'pod royalty' guest sit down with a cheeky beer at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom and discuss the season ahead more generally and the upcoming campaign opener at Sale in particular. It is episode 231 by the way, despite what you heard otherwise!

• Will we make the play offs?
• How far will the 'next men up' step when the injuries hit?
• Will we adapt our style and bring in more tactical kicking?
• Is Pedro Rubiolo the key to our success?
• Have all our competitors improved their squads more than us?
• How will we counter a strong Sale team who have recruited well and tend to always beat us at home?
• Is an early win essential when you see what is coming in October and November?

Questions, questions, questions and maybe a few answers!

Join us for season 8 as we yet again start out on our quest to win that elusive title.

Up the Bears!

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The lads are back for another season.

They whip through news and updates from the off season, briefly review the first Prem Cup game and then give their thoughts, hopes and opinions on the season ahead.

Is this the year?

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for cheeky beer and a bit of Bristol rugby banter...

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In this last episode of yet another eventful but ultimately unsuccessful season we unashamedly put the stopwatch away and ramble on until we run out of gas.

We chart our performances through the season and reminisce over the ups, the downs and the in betweens. It's actually quite a cathartic experience and leads us into a more wide ranging discussion about what coming 6th actually means both in terms of this season in particular and where we are as a club more generally.

Squad size, salary spend, injuries, Academy progression, The Big Day Out and yes,. marketing, all get a mention. It feels like we put things to bed and tuck them up ready to go again in September.

Thanks to all our listeners and followers for all your input especially those of you who make the effort to pen short, sharp summaries, poems and at times fantastic rants. We also appreciate meeting many of you face to face and it always makes us remember why we continue with this labour of love....

By fans, for fans!

Stay stay safe, have a good summer and....

Up the Bears!

Donate to 'Walk for Arthur' here:

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We look back on the excellent victory vs TFDTR on Friday night a the Gate which was a fitting way to say good bye to the leavers as well as purge some of the Franklin’s Garden horror from the previous round.

We admire the endeavour to bagel Bath in the second half and actually come back to win from 14 points behind - despite one or two heart-in-mouth moments - and revel in some excellent individual performances…

• Fitz Hardings broken hand bravery...
• BJVR’s confirmation that he is clearly one of the best centres in the League…
• Harry Thacker’s personification of the phrase ‘evergreen’…

We also discuss some of the more general issues that the game raised and even feel obliged to admit that we thought Karl Dickson has a good game apart from getting hoodwinked by Ben Spencer who shamelessly ran down the clock during Arundel’s yellow card absence.

We also find time for some more general chat about all things rugby and run through a number of shout-outs at the end including encouraging listeners to sign up to the ‘Fans to 5k’ fitness initiative which we are backing on behalf of Bristol Rugby. More details can be found here

Let us know what you think!