‘Bears fans turn up in numbers, it’s going to be a showdown’ – Pam

It’s time for us to cast our minds back to Saturday, September 4^th 2021 and the opening round of the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s season.

The Bears were commencing their season against local rivals Exeter Chiefs. A now familiar opponent, but on that day there were some not so familiar faces in Bear Country, as prop Simi Pam recollects:

“It was not only the first match of the season, it was also the first match under our new coaching team of Dave Ward and Tom Luke. We had played a pre-match friendly against Worcester, but this was our first competitive match.”

There weren’t only new faces to get used to in the coaching department, but also new teammates with the likes of Abbie Ward and Hannah West joining the side.

“We were just figuring out how the team was going to gel and what kind of performance we would put out. We had had a really strong pre-season having just moved to the HPC.

“We were able to execute a lot of good things. I have a lot of fond memories of that game. Hopefully we can replicate a lot of what we did during that game this weekend.”

The previous season had been impacted by the pandemic, so this fixture was not only special because the fans were able to return, but it also meant a special someone could see his daughter play.

“It was the first time my dad watched me play at home. We had a fantastic turnout at Shaftesbury Park. It just felt like the first match where we were properly back. The sun was out, and the fans were in full voice.”

We regularly talk about how the fans can act as that sixteenth player on the field for the home side, but Chiefs count on one of the best travelling support in the league and you certainly will see them and hear them.

Pam isn’t perturbed by this fact and answers firstly with her neutral cap on: “It’s to be expected. It’s a local derby, it’s just a trip up the M5 for them.

“We want to play games with big atmospheres and the crowd to be just as much the part of the games as the players are.”

However, there’s no denying how much the Bears fans’ support lifts the players on home matchdays and Pam switches back into player mode: “We need our home fans to come out in numbers to show their support and to drown out the Chiefs’ followers. I don’t want to hear the Exeter fans on Saturday.

“The more people we can get down watching our matches is just amazing to see for the women’s game. It’s going to be a great fixture and a fantastic occasion.”

In a year where international teams such as the Red Roses and Wales have accomplished so much for the women’s game, in Bear Country there have also been some key moments; a stand-alone fixture at Ashton Gate and the names on the backs of the player’s shirts to name but two.

“I think we’re paving the way; we’re trying to be pioneers and really push for that equality across both men’s and women’s rugby. It’s not just about ‘the men have it, so we should have it’, but it’s more about ‘think how special that is’.

“I get to play with the name on the back of my shirt every week, that is so special. It also makes it easier for spectators and people watching at home to put a name to a face and start to really build that affinity towards teams and towards individual players.”

The last time the side played at home in the Allianz Premier 15s was against Harlequins, a match which was a nailbiter.

With another big crowd expected this weekend at Shaftesbury Park, the match being televised, and the weather expected to be a barmy 19C, we’re anticipating another showstopper.

“Exeter are relentless, a very physical side which is filled with experienced players who are well drilled. They have a cohesiveness about them, and they play at pace. We have to match fire with fire.

“They’re going to travel up probably hurt off the back of the loss to Saracens last weekend. They’re definitely going to come with a point to proove. We just have to match that and surpass it.”

“We’re playing at home; they’re coming to our home turf. We’re going to front up, we’re going to put the best version of ourselves on the pitch and I think that that version is good enough to beat anyone.”

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