Stat attack: Bristol Bears 18-17 Northampton Saints

A first Premiership start at full back - no problem for the versatile Henry Purdy.

The man of the match was assured in defence and deadly in attack, crossing for the Bears' opening score and proving a constant threat to the Saints defence throughout the 80 minutes.

Purdy made 112 metres from 20 carries, beating eight defenders along the way in a hugely accomplished display. 

Perfect execution by @BristolBears!@henrypurdy_ pulls one back vs. @SaintsRugby 👊#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/T1Lu6Iybw1

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 4, 2020

Back-to-back tries for Piers O'Conor in the Gallagher Premiership - but the centre's performance on Friday night was about far more than just his try.

The finish was exquisite, racing on to Randall's kick through, but O'Conor's display was an exhibition of line running, slicing through the Saints defence on numerous occasions and linking up expertly with the rest of the Bears back line.

O'Conor made 88 metres from 12 carries, beating two defenders and making four offloads to fire the Bears to a comeback win.

There's still hope for @BristolBears!@OConorPiers rushes through to make it game on vs. @SaintsRugby 🔥#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/TPNJGe4mqg

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 4, 2020

Sam Bedlow's third successful penalty in the Gallagher Premiership could well prove to be the most important he ever kicks.

The replacement fly-half, in just his third appearance for the club at fly half, held his nerve late on to land a monster match-winning penalty.

It's the fourth time in the past two seasons that the Bears have won with the final play of the game, after Ian Madigan's last-gasp penalties against Saints and Saracens, and Dan Thomas' try against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Clutch.

What a finish to the game! 👀

Sam Bedlow nails the kick in the final moment to win it for @BristolBears 🎯#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/mktjL8TDef

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 4, 2020