Ep 226 - Play off hopes hang in the balance as Sarries do what Sarries do for the tenth time in a row

In this last episode of yet another eventful but ultimately unsuccessful season we unashamedly put the stopwatch away and ramble on until we run out of gas.We chart our performances through the season and reminisce over the ups, the downs and the in betweens. It's actually quite a cathartic experience and leads us into a more wide ranging discussion about what coming 6th actually means both in terms of this season in particular and where we are as a club more generally.Squad size, salary spend, injuries, Academy progression, The Big Day Out and yes,. marketing, all get a mention. It feels like we put things to bed and tuck them up ready to go again in September.Thanks to all our listeners and followers for all your input especially those of you who make the effort to pen short, sharp summaries, poems and at times fantastic rants. We also appreciate meeting many of you face to face and it always makes us remember why we continue with this labour of love.... By fans, for fans! Stay stay safe, have a good summer and....Up the Bears!Donate to 'Walk for Arthur' here:Let us know what you think!

We look back on the excellent victory vs TFDTR on Friday night a the Gate which was a fitting way to say good bye to the leavers as well as purge some of the Franklin’s Garden horror from the previous round.We admire the endeavour to bagel Bath in the second half and actually come back to win from 14 points behind - despite one or two heart-in-mouth moments - and revel in some excellent individual performances…Fitz Hardings broken hand bravery...BJVR’s confirmation that he is clearly one of the best centres in the League…Harry Thacker’s personification of the phrase ‘evergreen’…We also discuss some of the more general issues that the game raised and even feel obliged to admit that we thought Karl Dickson has a good game apart from getting hoodwinked by Ben Spencer who shamelessly ran down the clock during Arundel’s yellow card absence. We also find time for some more general chat about all things rugby and run through a number of shout-outs at the end including encouraging listeners to sign up to the ‘Fans to 5k’ fitness initiative which we are backing on behalf of Bristol Rugby. More details can be found hereLet us know what you think!

It's a sombre pod and many things have already been said about Friday's chastening and record-breaking defeat against Saints across various platforms. There are lots of interrelated reasons why teams lose matches both contextual and in the heat of battle, but ultimately shipping that many points to a rival is almost impossible to comprehend let alone accept.How do you analyse a game like that? We do our best to try and put in into perspective and discuss some of the issues that it raises. Hopefully it is fair and balanced although we appreciate that everyone has their own opinions and that's absolutely fine.Although mathematically still possible it is fair to say that the hopes of a play-off spot are now swimming with the fishes but we do have a home game against Bath to look forward to in a couple of weeks. It is a chance for both players and fans alike to dig deep and try to purge the memory of Franklins Gardens.Lets get the Gate rocking and keep that home Prem win streak intact.We also remind everyone that the PWR will start again on May 30th with the Bears Women playing Chiefs at Shaftesbury Park. It is actually the last home game of the season but will be 'pink' themed in order to raise money for breast cancer aweeness and research so get yourself along.Up the wounded Bears!Let us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode, Pete, Lee and Miles discuss Bristol's dominant victory away at Newcastle.It was another welcome five points but it came at a cost with more injuries to contend with.On the postive side we have two weeks to recover and prepare for the vist of Saracens which will be the 'must wins' of must wins. Can we get that irritiating North London monkey off our back or will the Death Eaters suck the life out of us yet again.That said, at least it's not taking place on November 5th. We will never forget.Miles and Lee also report back from their experience watching the Red Roses beat a spirited Wales side and we then discuss more ideas for filling Ashton Gate including taking the flag idea to another level!Stay Stay safe, have a good week and up the Bears!Let us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!

In this special preview episode Pete is joined by Rob from the Rosbifs Rugby pod.He gives us the lowdown on what to expect from Toulouse on Saturday. It's not particularly optimisitc but there are a few crumbs of comfort and who knows, stranger things have happened?Equally, or maybe even more importantly, the second half of the chat is all about what to do when you get out there this weekend including going to watch Colomiers vs Dax on Friday night as well as following his recommendations for places to eat, drink and be merry whatever the result!Marche Victor Hugo - classic French market:Click here for locationLa Voie Maltee - craft beer bottle shop for takeaways to enjoy by the river:Click here for locationLa Bierographe - bar for craft beer nerds:Click here for locationChez Tonton - Student bar by the river. A bit rowdy but a Toulouse institution:Click here for locationThe Hopscotch Pub - Scottish bar with beers brewed in house:Click here for locationLittle Big Bar - small bar with good beer and a decent mixed platter. Lots of restaurants on the same street:Click here for locationPub O'clock - next to Marche Victor Hugo. A big sports bar with good range of beers.Click here for locationLe Dahu - Great value restaurant with traditional 3-course meal and amazing Dauphinoise potato. Click here for locationFinally, Rosbifs Rugby favorite place - a small wine bar with generous pourings. Listen to the end of the pod to find out its name!Let us know what you think!

In a slight diversion from the norm Pete, Lee and Miles record live from The Philarmonic on St Mary's Street, Cardiff, both before and straight after the game.What a difference a few hours makes!You can only say what you think and the Thatchers fuelled pre-match expectation and optimism is countered by the harsh reality of the post-match result. If that doesn't remind anyone of the fickle nature of being a fan then we don't know what does!On further reflection we may think differently or we may double down on our initial thoughts. Who knows? But as always we try to give a balanced view on a game that we barely had time to process before hitting the record button. You may agree, disagree or not give a toss but either way it is what it is!Enjoy and up the Bears!Time stamps:00:00 - 08:32 - Pre match chirpiness08:33 - 18:00 - Post match reflection18:01 - 18:45 - A small ray of sunshine - Look-a-like-cam?18:46 - 23:30 - The  debrief continues23:31 -  25:06 - A positive listener viewpoint25:07 - 26:30 - A random positve chat with Rob from Skewen RFCLet us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!