The Prem: Sale 24-34 Bristol: Bears put down marker with win at Sharks

Bristol Bears got their Premiership campaign under way with a bonus-point win away to Sale Sharks, dominating in the try count despite a disappointing first night for the hosts. Bristol scored five tries with no newcomers in their starting lineup, running in attempts through Louis Rees-Zammit and Harry Randall before Tomas Gwilliam sealed victory with a 73rd-minute effort as a replacement hooker. Sale, who suffered 13 defeats in Prem matches last season, hit back through Luke Cowan-Dickie early and Tom O’Flaherty twice in the second half, but finished short of earning either bonus point. Bristol won 34-20.