The Bears left it late as they snatched a dramatic victory thanks to Gabriel Ibitoye’s last-gasp try.
It was a topsy-turvy encounter at Ashton Gate, with the lead changing hands on several occasions. But it was the Bears who had the final say thanks to an incredibly patient attack that ended with winger Ibitoye applying the finishing touches.
“My nerves have been better!” Crane said. “To concede 38 points, that falls on me. I have to accept that and see where we can get better but, all in all, the way the boys ground that out was outstanding.
“We have got to take responsibility, there were a few missed tackles in there but they are very simple fixes, but if we get those right then I think we are on the right track for the start of the Premiership season.”
Northampton had got off to a flying start as Tom Seabrook produced an acrobatic finish in the corner.
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