Bristol Bears star on returning from ‘toughest game’ of career as Bath victory gives slither of hope
Bristol Bears star on returning from 'toughest game' of career as Bath victory gives slither of hope
Bristol Bears captain Fitz Harding has reflected on Friday night’s 21-19 victory over local rivals Bath, saying just how “proud” he is of his teammates.
Speaking to TNT Sports following the match, the 27-year-old said it has been a “really tough couple of weeks” after losing first to their play-off rivals Saracens at home and then shipping 94 points to Northampton Saints the week after.
“I think that Saints game was the toughest game in my career, and I think the squad really took it hard,” Harding explained.
“But we regrouped, and I’m just so proud of how we came back and fought in that [victory over Bath], because at the end of the first half, we were down and out, but we stuck together. So, yeah, really happy with that.”
The Bristol v Bath derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in club rugby, and Harding knows just what it means to his club.
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“I said in the week that, you know, whether it’s your last derby or first derby, it’s one of the most special games of your career. And I just love how much the city cares about this fixture.
“It fills us with pride to be able to represent the city, and to see so many of them out here today, screaming so loud for us after what’s been a tough few weeks for them, we’re so privileged.”
Bristol’s play-off hopes
Thanks to their victory over Bath, Bristol can still achieve a play-off spot, but will need Exeter to lose to Leicester on Sunday, then win with a bonus point next weekend against Sale Sharks.
Also, next week Exeter and Saracens will need to draw and not pick up bonus points, or Exeter win without a bonus point, as the Bears have two more victories than the Chiefs.
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