For a side supposedly lacking in confidence, Bristol started in a composed and solid fashion.  The man cause for concern in the opening period was the loss of Ian Grieve to injury.  His replacement was in the formidable shape of Dan Ward-Smith.  This prompted a fine passage of play which saw Vunga Lilo take a long looped pass Ed Barnes, following a well executed lineout move and powerful run from Alfie To'oala.  Lilo went over for a try that Adrian Jarvis, to the crowd's relief (and, perhaps, his own) converted for an early lead.

Toulon's pack struck back, putting Bristol under pressure.  This set up a neat move with Andreu coming off his wing to fire out a pass to the fullback, Ai'i.  It looked forward to me, but not the officials, and he went over for a try that was not converted.  The remaining scores of the half resulted from penalties with Jarvis landing four and Fauque responding with two of his own for a 19 - 11 score at half time.  However it was certainly not a half in which kicking dominated play. We saw good passing from Graeme Beveridge, and powerful running from both wingers Tom Arscott and Lee Robinson.  The final score never quite came off, but  Bristol looked dominant at the set piece and this allowed the backs the time and space to prosper.

Bristol started the half purposefully, moving the ball quickly away from the breakdown and, interestingly, using the rolling maul to telling effect.  I have said before that I am surprised at the lack of mauling following the ELVs.  Everyone pulled the maul down anyway so why not continue to use it if you were good at it before.  I remember years back seeing a Welsh rugby league side using ‘proper' scrummaging and mauling quite successfully.  In any event this put the visitors under pressure and a really obvious bit of falling on the ball and rubbish tackling saw Pez receive the yellow card as he stopped what looked a certain score for Arscott.  Shortly thereafter To'oala was similarly punished for one of his tackles that arrived somewhat after the ball had passed by.

Bristol then fluffed a golden chance when the ball was shifted on too quickly, instead of the more typical structured approach, and the pass intercepted.  Bristol, however, were then let off the hook when Collins, excellent otherwise, made a stunning knock on with the line at his mercy.  Bristol were able to edge further in front with two well struck longish penalties by Jarvis and a 25 - 11 score.

Bristol had a number of scoring opportunities before notching up two late tries.  Good work from the forwards, neat passing from Beveridge and a short-range powerful run gave Ward-Smith the second try as he went over despite the efforts of the defence to hold him out.  Jarvis converted to take Bristol out to 32 - 11.  There was time left for Joe El Abd, capping a fine display, who went over out wide following excellent runs by Lilo and Arscott.  The try was converted for a final score of 39 - 11.

Some might argue that the final score flattered Bristol, but in fact a number of try scoring chances were squandered.  Overall this was a much improved performance against a side expensively assembled but not gelling as a team.  Now where have we seen that before?  Let us hope that this will be a catalyst for winning games in the sterner tests ahead.

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