LAST TIME OUT AT THE GATE:

Bristol Bears Women 28-20 Gloucester-Hartpury – Sat 7th Oct 2017 

When the two rivals last met at the Gate it was the hosts who came out on top.

The Cherry and Whites came out of the blocks firing and took an early lead, but tries  from Cat McNaney, Caity Mattinson saw the sides go into break on level terms.

A quick fire second-half double from Lottie Holland secured the win for Oliver’s side in-front of a boisterous Ashton Gate crowd.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

ELINOR SNOWSILL

The Welsh out-half has had an outstanding start to the new Tyrrell’s Premier 15s campaign and crossed in the emphatic first half performance away to Quins last weekend.

She controls the game to good effect and at times has an almost telepathic understanding with Reed at inside centre.

CERI LARGE

The 50-cap fly-half will line up opposite Snowsill for the Ashton Gate showdown on Saturday afternoon.

Kim Oliver’s side will be wary of the threats that Large will pose as she looks to carry to the line and create holes for her backline to get front-foot ball.

HOLLIE CUNNINGHAM

The young-second row prided herself on her physicality in the contact area and work rate around the park.

She has carried on her impressive summer – which saw her clinch the Tri-Nations title with England U20’s – into the start of the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s campaign with good performances against both, Wasps and Harlequins.

ZOE ALDCROFT

The Gloucester-Hartpury captain has returned after a long-spell on the sidelines with injury and looks impressive so far this season.

She’s one of many strong ball carriers for Appleby’s side and she will look to drive her side forward from the engine room.

WORD FROM THE CAMPS:

KIM OLIVER

“What better place to play than at Ashton Gate and follow the Bristol Bears, the noise and energy the extra crowd brings will lift the girls and allow them to push themselves and their performance further.

“If we take our first half performance against Quins and play that way for eighty minutes then I’m sure we’ll do more than enough to get the win.”

SUSIE APPLEBY

“It’s going to be tough, Bristol will be full of confidence after an impressive performance against Harlequins last week and playing at Ashton Gate in front of their home crowd.

“We had a good performance last week up at DMP and were more clinical in our execution. However, we know how tough it’s going to be tomorrow, we need to start well and put a performance together for 80 minutes to give ourselves a chance.. ”

FORM GUIDE:

After a loss against a strong Wasps outfit in round one and a scintillating draw with Harlequins at the Stoop last weekend, the Bears will be looking to pick up their first win of the season at Ashton Gate.

Gloucester-Hartpury have had a mixed start to the season after an opening weekend loss at home to Harlequins followed by an emphatic away victory over DMP in round 2.

Bristol Bears Women form: LD

Gloucester-Hartpury form: LW

WEATHER FORECAST:

MET OFFICE SAYS:

Cloudy with rain arriving in most areas during the morning.

This will then linger, giving a dull and wet day with heavy rain in places at times. Maximum Temperature 16 °C.