Bears Beyond The Gate
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A Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. Each week your hosts Pete, Lee and Miles will take a light-hearted look at developments from Ashton Gate and beyond.
195 Episodes
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Only a couple of hours after the end of the disappointing defeat against Tigers we knock out a pod. It's raw and a bit unstructured and involves a long discussion about how many more fortress metaphors we can realistically use before just giving up and accepting that we're never going to win lots of home games in a row. Supporting Bristol continues to be like riding a roller-coaster but today it felt like we were more at Peppa Pig World than Alton Towers. Are play off hopes in the balance or ...
Miles and Pete break down the humbling defeat at Gloucester by piecing together what they can remember from an excellent away day in the Shed. Bristol's defence left a little bit to be desired but fair play to Gloucester as they were on fire and it was an honour to witness once of best no-look offloads in the history of rugby union. Despite the heavy defeat, the Bears still remain in second place after this mini block of games but the pack are closing fast. Does the fact that we have sh...
We run through the key moments of the 52-38 victory at a pulsating Ashton Gate as the Bears saw off the Chiefs with a disciplined second half display after losing Santi Grondona to a red after 30 minutes. The first half however... We also briefly look forward to the away fixture at Kingsholm with a game of 'who is most likely to...?' and finish with a short discussion about the merits or otherwise of the proposed plan to introduce dedicated away fan sections. Finally, Miles doffs his tweed ca...
We look forward to the return of the Premiership after the long Six Nations hiatus with a little help from Sports Reporter Elgan Alderman from The Times who was the ONLY journalist to tip Bristol for glory at the start of the season. We ask him why he went against the tide of peer opinion and whether he thinks we've still go it in us to go all the way. We also review the Bears Woman' semi final loss at Queensholm and ponder over the fact that every single stat apart the final score went in ou...
The boys are back at the Bristol Beer Factory for yor favourite Bristol rugby lock-in. Unashamedly long but to help you out here is the running order: 0 - 6m45s: Intros, beer review, riders and the BBF Quiz night details6m45s - 22m0s: Bears Women's win at Quins and qualify for play-offs22m0s - 29m33s: PWR Commentator cliches29m33s - 30m40s: Instagram followers roll of honour30m40s - 36m30s: Bears Men beat Bath again but don't qualify for play-offs36m30 - 44m30s: Post-match Pat and even more B...
1As we head towards the Six Nations break we are sitting pretty in second place in the Prem table on 40 points. It might have been a bit of a topsy turvey win against Falcons that we appeared to try and win at least three times, but ultimately we scored 8 tries and pulled away in the final 'quarter'. We break down the game in our somewhat cheery and rambly way as well as going off on a few tangents with thoughts on whether we should sign Santi Carreras and whether it was appropriate fo...
You’re listening to Bears Beyond The Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We three regulars at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears. This week we look back on two Saturday fixtures with the Women going first with a bonus point victory 43-29 win against Leicester Tigers women at Ashton Gate and the Men managing to snatch defeat from the Jaws of a Draw at the Stade Marcel Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand. It was another welcome 5 points for the Women in their...
The boys come together at the Bristol Beer Factory after a couple of cheeky pints to review the narrow victory at the Gate aganst Benetton. It was an inconsistent win but with plenty to be postive about despite almost losing at the end. Before that though, Miles issues a public apology to the whole Italian nation and we run through a large list of people who we saw at the game. We then offer our analysis based on what we could actually remember as well as broadening the discussion to ...
So, after the Christmas comedown, a visit to Saracens was always going to be a tough assignment given their team and our track record in North London. In the end a cheeky point was probably about right although we did look a few gift horses in the mouth and on another day we might have left with a few more. The Bears Women were also in action today with nearly 10K fans at Ashton Gate keen to catch a glimpse of Ilona Maher and equally as importantly, a league victory. They got the ...
In this week's episode Miles is off sick so we bring in a heavyweight replacement to provide laser sharp analysis of where it all went wrong. Welcome Mr Dave Attwood for his second appearance on the pod! Dave breaks down Friday's disappointing result from a recent player's perspective and we jump on his bandwagon to give our view from the stands. Ultimately we decide that it's a blip that needs to be flushed down the toilet and never be mentioned again. That said, we continue with our li...
We are back after a two week break and dive straight into a quick review of the tough European campaign. A great effort from the lads away at La Rochelle but ultimately we are sitting at the bottom of the table. We briefly discuss what this might mean for the ‘Andy Uren derby’ when Benetton come to town in January and then swiftly move on to more pressing matters… You know… The rugby massacre at Welford Road. We do our best to give justice to the record-breaking events that unfolded ...
In a very short late Sunday night post-match pod Pete and Miles reflect on the defeat to Leinster at a very windy Ashton Gate. Lets be honest - they were lucky to be 7-7 at the break having lost two men to the bin and struggling to find a way through the Bristol's inspired defence that also had to contend with the loss on AJ MacGinty after 5 mins, and a reshuffle that put BJVR at fly half. However, they were lucky enough to have both a World Cup winner and runner up on the bench alongside t...
To mark the European heavyweights from Dublin's visit to Ashton gate on Sunday, former Bristol Bear and Leinster player Ian Madigan joins us for an episode packed with insights and nostalgia. He shares treasured memories from his time at Bristol, revealing what it was like to play under Pat Lam's leadership and how it shaped his approach to rugby. We also talk about Ian's transition to life off the field, where he's now navigating the worlds of television and marketing, and the excitin...
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Ever wondered how professional rugby players navigate the transition from one team to another while maintaining their game and sanity? Join us as we chat with Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas, ex Bears who recently set up shop in Cardiff. They share what it's like to move from familiar territory, the emotional rollercoaster of starting anew, and how commuting together helps them stay connected to their roots. You'll hear a personal story or two about their first days at ther new club, the ...
What happens when you mix a makeshift dining room studio with lively rugby banter? You get a fun-filled episode of Bears Beyond the Gate! Join us as our usual podcast space at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom is commandeered by the BBC, forcing us into the homely pod studio. Miles shares his up-close experience from the England versus Australia clash at Twickenham but despite England's loss, the electrifying atmosphere, seamless pint access, and scrumptious street food made it ...
In this week’s episode we discuss the extent to which Ashton Gate is on its first steps to becoming a fortress after the first home win of the season against Saints despite our general lack of historical knowledge and the fact that the boys had to dig deep from 15-0 down. We also analyse TNT’s official post match interview with Joe Batley as well as our own unofficial one with pod favorite AJ ‘Adge’ MacGinty. As well as the regular ‘poet’s corner’ we introduce a new angle with ‘relatives co...
In this week's episode we re-live the agonising defeat against Sarries, who are now well established as our Ashton Gate bogey team. We were much the better side but just couldn't put the game to bed when in front and on top. However it was a great spectacle for the 18K fans who turned up for the family day double header and long may the fast flowing and exciting rugby continue. We talk about both games and have soundbites from James Dun, fans from both teams and also, for the first time eve...
This week the boys break down yet another away win for the Bears down at Sandy Park. At 32-12 down with all stats against us and only 14 minutes left on the clock, we somehow snatch victory from the jaws of defeat leaving us in dreamland and top of the table after four games. We try to make sense of the mayhem whilst opening cans of beer and marveling at how sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. After that we look forward to Family day next Saturday and the double header vs Sarrie...
We can bearly contain ourselves this week as the Boys went to the Rec on Saturday as underdogs but left it with a wholehearted Blackbird ringing in their ears. It was a game of passion, purpose and no little skill on both sides but for the 145th time in the history of this fixture the Bears were triumphant. We break down the events at the Rec and then look forward to the next game at Chiefs with the help of SW Rugby writer John Evely. We've had to cut down on the acrostics this week as...
In this week's show Pete and Miles review the Friday night harem scarum defeat to Gloucester with help from many listener contributions and the Deputy Manager of the Bristol Bear Factory, Lewis. It was one of those games where every single statistic was in our favour apart from the one that matters, that is, the final score and perhaps on another day we would have strolled to victory. But we didn't. That said, the Cherry and Whites played with purpose and passion and undoubtedly forced us i...
This week we review the start of the Premiership with the gritty but points-profitable win away at Newcastle. Was it a solid start with a few leanings or rather as good as you might expect given the time of year, the weather and the fact that they are coached by Steve Diamond? We read out listener thoughts, both poetic and prosaic, give our views on the game and forensically analyse Bennard Janse Van Rensburg's post match interview in full. Next stop is Ashton Gate for the first rene...
The boys get Season 6 (yes 6!) off to a solid start from the world famous Bristol Beer Factory and 'talk about' the following things: The Big Day out - good, bad or a bit of both?The new home and away kit - obviously good but just how good?The pre-season game vs Dragons - Miles and Pete report back along from a wet night at Clifton RFC with a bonus post-match sound bite from Pat and a during-match one from Harry Randall.The season ahead - the squad is discussed.Miles' 'merch' - the Duke comes...
The lads finally manage to organise a time to meet up and record their final thoughts on what turned out to be yet another roller coaster season for the Bears. They run through the season and their memories of each game, reveal the results of the listener vote and outline one final Lee-related Goat. Has he managed to secure a seat for next season or have sinister forces been at play working against his desire to come in from the cold like a modern day George Smiley? Listen right to the end ...
In this week's pod we re-live our epic journey to SW London on the Supporters Coach where we experienced, quite simply, one of the best rugby away days ever. We loved the Stoop... We loved the running rugby... We loved the ale and the Chicken Caesar burger (albeit a bit pricey) And one of us loved the cheeky little techno DJ... What a day, what a win and what a shame Sarries let us down. Oh well, at least Pete can play cricket on a Saturday, Miles can sort his allotment out and Lee, well...
In this week's episode, Pete, Miles and Lee review the defeat against Saracens at Ashton Gate. Despite a good start the Bears ultimately lost control of the game in the face of an incredibly experienced, focused and effective opposition who delivered a classic 'been there, seen that and worn the T-shirt' sort of performance led by the mercurial Owen Farrell. Fair play to the them. They did a job, played some decent rugby and got the result they needed. No real complaints from us. We then loo...
This week we pick over the carcass that was the massacre in BS3 and we’re not talking about the hammering of Falcons at Ashton Gate last weekend. No, we’re talking about the first ever live pod at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom. We look back on an evening of structured chaos, discuss the learnings and then move quickly on to more pressing matters such as the fantastic victory yesterday away at Welford Road that keeps play off hopes firmly in our own hands. 19- zip down on 69 minutes...
It's a carnival atmosphere down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom this week as having constantly 'talked about' doing a live pod the lads actually execute one straight after the 13-try massacre of Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate. It's raw and it's raucous but the lads try their best to analyse the game despite 10% off the beers and 50% of the champagne. They also look towards Tigers and beyond and dare to believe. Back in the top four from no-where. Can we? You bet we can... We al...
In this week's episode we formally announce our first ever live pod, in the sense that we are inviting an audience to the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom post Falcons at 6.30pm next Sunday. If you are interested in finding out more, and even contemplating joining us, then complete the Eventbrite registration below (it's free but it helps us get an idea of numbers) as well as the Google form where you can submit a question in advance and provide us with answers to a few short questions about the...
You’re listening to Bears Beyond the Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We’re two and a half season cardholders at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears. Well, Miles is happy as Pat listens to his selection advice from the ski slopes of France and moves Max to full back, Noah Howard to the wing and gives Gengey the starting berth at loosehead. And it works, as Bristol retain the Rifles Cup by winning at Kingsholm for only the third time since 2006.It...
In this week’s episode Pete and Miles dial in from their respective ski resorts whilst Lee shakes his head at the whole middle classy-ness of it all. That said, it was worth the effort as the boys chew over the fantastic victory against Saints on Friday and give their thoughts on what was very close to being the elusive 80- performance. They discuss various key moments in the game, reflect on the myriad quality performances and celebrate the atmosphere down at the Gate. When it comes ...
In this weeks's episode we preview the return of the Prem with help from the Telegraph's Charlie Morgan. It's been a long break but there's all to play for and as we're only three points off 6th and six points off 4th can we dare to dream? We also comment on Pat's interview on Bears TV this week and then try and pick the team for Friday. With a lot of players seemingly available it's actually quite a pleasurable task. Finally we also revel a piece of news that will send shockwaves around BS...
In the second of our occasional 'doc-pods' we head towards the end of this long fallow period by hearing from Paul Morgan, who is the Communications Lead of PWR and previously Communications Director at Premier Rugby and before that editor of Rugby World. He talks about the rebranding of the PRW this season, his thoughts about Bears Women team and offer some more general thoughts on where domestic rugby union is going given the challenges that is has faced in recent times. Sit ba...
In this week's slightly delayed pod (technical difficulties) we hear from Bristol legend and current Galway resident Joe Joyce . He gives us some insight into what it's like getting a bit of niggle going with some of your best mates in the European Cup, speaks candidly about why he left his home town for pastures new and 'talks about' his future aspirations as well as revealing a surprising candidate for 'hardest man' in the Bears camp. We also review the excellent Bears' Women victory...
It's only Pete and Lee this week down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom supping a couple of cheeky beers, as Miles calls in sick at the last minute. However, they still manage to fill the time, with help from listener posts, discussing the Bears Women victory against Loughborough Lightening in particular and how their season is hotting up more generally, as well as intertwining their thoughts with other subjects as wide ranging as Super League netball and the importance of not doing well i...
In this week's BUMPER episode we hear from Dave Attwood about: His life since retirement...His time at the Bears and what it was like working under Pat...THAT semi final defeat and why it all went wrong...What he thinks about Bristol's season so far AND how we are not 'a million miles away from clicking' and finally...His answers to some incredibly searching short sharp questions, including one that is on every fan's lips i.e what might be considered appropriate attire at rugby matches...We t...
In the first ever Bears Beyond The Gate 'docu-pod' we hear from Kiera, Kaye and Sophie about the work of the Bears Together Supporters Advisory Committee (SAC) an initiative that was announced at the start of the season as a way of the club being able to gather more direct feedback from fans about off-field matters. They talk about who they, and other members of SAC are, how the first meeting went and their aims of for the future. They are there to represent US so if you have any ...
As the Premiership takes a mid season break for the Six Nations, we review the monumental banger at Ashton Gate as Bristol maintain their seven-game home town winning streak against Bath. Basically it was just a mental game of rugby. Multiple line breaks, gorgeous offloads and 14 tries AND virtually no box kicks or scrums. It was rugby played the way it should be! As well as hearing from both sets of fans before and after the game thanks to our brand new audio recording device and Miles...
In this week's episode we welcome work experience fella Reg to deputise for Lee who is still in witness protection after his new year Bristol Post article - or is he just taking the Christmas Tree down? We discuss the poor result and performance against Connacht which essentially saw us dumped out of both European Cups in one go and debate what this means in terms of goals and targets for the rest of the season and beyond. Is change needed and if so, what should it look like? That said ther...
Vote for us at the Sports Podcast Awards 2024 and help us bring home some silverware for the Bears! Click on the link below... https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-rugby-podcast/ And in other news, the Bears lose to a decent Bulls outfit who out-muscle them in the scrum and generally look a bit better all round. Hear our thoughts and then those of Alan and William from Connacht's 'The Craggy Rugby Podcast' as they help us preview the final pool game from gorgeous Galway. ...
In this week's show we prepare, bake and scoff large amounts of humble pie after the surprise Bears' victory away at Sale Sharks. How can we be so bad and so good all in one week? We get the views of regular social media followers and also hear from yet another roving reporter who saw the game live, as well as throwing in our thoughts and opinions for good measure. The last time a South African side game to the Gate a whole nation was disappointed but this time we welcome the Bulls in the ne...
Crocodile Dundee returns to chew the Christmas cud with a somewhat unstructured ramble thought the festive period culminating in a long discussion about the impacts of last Friday's hugely disappointing defeat against Exeter 2.0 in front of sell-out crowd. Despite leading 14-12 at the break the Bears were bageled in the second half at the hands of a young, hungry and well drilled outfit leaving many fans wondering were we go from here. You'll have to put in a big oral shift to find out what w...
In this week's episode we relish the record breaking 51-26 victory over Gloucester and the retention of the Rifles Cup. After five losses on the bounce this was as a cathartic an experience as you are likely to get and the relief flowing around the Gate on the final whistle was palpable. We read and hear the thoughts of our listeners and then briefly discuss what this means for our chances against Lyon and Bordeaux as we head for a brief diversion to the group stage of the Champions Cup befor...
We slip to a fifth defeat in a row at the Stone X but battle hard for a cheeky try bonus point which was the least we deserved. We may have scored a couple of worldies but we also shipped seven and if Owen Farrell had put his boots on the right way round it could have been a lot worse. We review the game with help from a few listeners and the Chair of the Supporters Club and then look forward to the Rifles Cup on Saturday which really, really, really is now a must, must, must win game. We als...
In this week's episode - our 150th - we chew over the agonising last ditch defeat at the Rec with help from our listeners and reflect on how we really need to start getting on the right side of 'fine margins' otherwise the season is going to slip away. That said, there were plenty of positives to take from the game and we pray that they might be somehow converted into points, cheeky or otherwise, at the Stone X stadium on Saturday. On that note we hear from Jez Denton from Saracens' Fezcast p...
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WARNING - THERE IS THE SOUND OF RAIN FALLING AT VARIOUS POINTS DURING THIS RECORDING BUT WE WERE TRYING SOMETHING NEW SO BE PATIENT WITH US! 😩 So, our unerring ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory continues with a second frustrating result in a week down at Sandy Park. To be fair it was a gritty performance at the place where both Sarries and Sale have recently been humbled and a hat trick of cross field kick tries for Rich Lane was a delight to behold but ultimately, we ...
So, the brief winning run is over thanks to a last gasp penalty for Quins at the death on Saturday. It was family day at the Gate but unfortunately the Bears were unable to keep all the kids happy with a mixed display that included some very good but also some frustratingly sloppy bad. Ultimately we were the architects of our own downfall and our decision making under pressure and sometimes not under pressure came back to haunt us. We look back at the game with help from our listeners again ...
It's the first time in three years that we have won away at Franklin’s Gardens although after going 18-9 down early in the second half it was great to see the boys ‘dig’ themselves out of a hole and ‘sow the seeds’ of a victory with a penalty and a converted try before the break ultimately making Miles ‘soil’ his pants at the death by efficiently managing the game out in the second half. We revel in this bonus point 33-27 victory and continue our strategy of involving our listeners in the pod...
Well, the waiting was over and after an extended pre-season the Premiership finally returned to Ashton Gate with the visit of Leicester Tigers. With both teams missing international players, it was an opportunity for new signings and squad players to impress, and impress they did, albeit mainly for Bristol. At 25-0 up and cruising some of us were wondering whether we were going to get that magical 80-minute performance in game day one. However, the second half was more of a battle but ultimat...
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