Bristol defeat Gloucester to close gap on top four

Fitz Harding (right) scored Bristol's fourth try in the 32nd minute [Getty Images] The Prem Bristol (33) 53 Tries: Marmion, Ravouvou 2, Harding, Penalty try, Jordan, Oghre Cons: Williams 5 Pens: Jordan 2 Gloucester (12) 12 Tries: Barton, Gwynne Cons: C Atkinson Bristol Bears boosted their Prem play-off hopes with a convincing seven-try win over Gloucester at Ashton Gate. Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said they "had to" beat the Cherry and Whites to have any hope of reaching the top four after two straight defeats, and his side scored with their first three entries into the visitors' 22. Kieran Marmion dotted down from close range before two tries from Keleveti Ravouvou, a Fitz Harding score, and a penalty try gave them a bonus point and a comfortable 33-12 lead at the break.

Tom Jordan and Gabriel Oghre scored tries in a quieter second half, but the victory means Bristol, who broke the record for their highest-ever points tally against Gloucester in all competitions, are now two points off Exeter Chiefs in fourth. Gloucester's miserable season, however, continues. They have won just twice in 13 attempts, and produced yet another leaky defensive performance.

In the opening 20 minutes of games this season, George Skivington's side have conceded 23 tries, five more than bottom side Newcastle Red Bulls. Having conceded four early tries against Leicester in their last Prem fixture , the fact they allowed a 19-5 lead inside 16 minutes here at Ashton Gate will be a source of intense frustration for Skivington and new technical director Chris Boyd. They showed some endeavour in attack, scoring tries through George Barton and Deian Gwynne, but the loss means they remain in eighth.

Bristol, meanwhile, showed a timely return to form. Defeat, as Lam suggested, might well have been terminal for their chances of reaching the play-offs. However, they played with their trademark freedom in attack and solidity in defence.