In a pulse-racing encounter at Ashton Gate, Bristol Bears demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a crucial top-of-the-table victory against Sale Sharks, with a stunning late try by Kalaveti Ravouvou proving the decisive moment.

The match was a gripping battle of tactical prowess and determination, with both teams trading blows in a contest that remained balanced until the final ten minutes. Sale struck first through winger Tom O'Flaherty, who expertly finished a well-constructed attack, but Bristol's Joe Owen responded just before halftime to level the scores at 7-7.

The second half saw Sale reassert their dominance, with captain Ernst van Rhyn muscling over and George Ford adding a penalty to extend their lead to 17-7. Bristol, however, refused to surrender. Matias Moroni's try brought them back within striking distance, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

With Rekeiti Ma'asi-White in the sin-bin, Bristol capitalized on their numerical advantage. Jimmy Williams made a decisive midfield break, releasing the ball to Ravouvou, who cut sharply inside past Sale's defensive line to score a match-winning try that sent Ashton Gate into raptures.

The victory marks Bristol's fourth consecutive Premiership win and propels them to the top of the table, showcasing their championship credentials despite early-season injury challenges. For Sale, the loss represents a missed opportunity, leaving them 12 points outside the playoff positions and requiring a strong second-half campaign to maintain their postseason hopes.

This match epitomized the drama and unpredictability of top-tier rugby, with both teams displaying exceptional skill, tactical acumen, and unwavering competitive spirit. Bristol's ability to stay composed under pressure and execute when it mattered most ultimately made the difference in this thrilling encounter.