It was the highest-scoring game of the Premiership season by a country mile, and if you want to reel off the names of all 14 try-scorers then be prepared to take a very big breath indeed.
In truth, it was breathless throughout. And how Bristol managed to hold on despite conceding almost 20 penalties will remain unfathomable long after the West Country derby dust has settled.
Following an ignominious exit from Europe, and an underwhelming Premiership season so far, this encounter had a must-win feel for the Bears – and director of rugby Pat Lam. And the orders from the very top – chairman Steve Lansdown – were for Bristol to go for all-out attack with ball in hand.
“Steve had a quiet word with me and said he wanted us to go back to the Bears way and for us to be exciting – he’s not too keen on the kicking – and I think he is happy and excited now,” said Lam after his men just managed to repel a late Bath rally.
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