Scrum.com : Hill admits defeat for Bristol

Bristol head coach Richard Hill concedes that Bristol's season is over.

Hill admits defeat for Bristol

24 March 2008, 9:26 am

By PA Sport

Richard Hill virtually wrote off the rest of Bristol's season following their 28-15 Guinness Premiership defeat to Harlequins.

Head coach Hill watched his side slump to their ninth league defeat of the campaign after a second half to forget at the Memorial Stadium.

"There was just a little more riding on the match for Quins than there was for Bristol - and that showed through," said Hill.

"Heineken Cup is out the window for us.

"I can now plan for next year by bringing young lads in, rest a few of the old soldiers who have been battling on, let those who need minor operations have them - so basically start planning for next season."

The visitors, drawing 8-8 at the interval, scored tries through wing Charlie Amesbury, full-back Mike Brown, replacement hooker Gary Botha and lock George Robson.

Fly-half Adrian Jarvis kicked a penalty and a conversion - with one goal from replacement fly-half Chris Malone.

Jarvis, joining Bristol next season, was yellow-carded early in the second half - and during his spell in the sin-bin, the hosts were awarded a penalty try to add to the first-half touchdown from wing Tom Arscott - with fly-half Tom Barnes kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Quins director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Full credit to the young boys again - they played very, very well.

"The beauty is that the youngsters are maturing with every game, and they're learning with every game as well."

Bath head coach Steve Meehan is hoping South Africa's World Cup-winning fly-half Butch James will be back to boost is side's title bid in the next two weeks.

In James' absence, Meehan's men went top of the table thanks to a 19-16 victory over London Irish, Saturday's only Premiership action.

"We are hopeful that he will be available for the match against Leeds in the European Challenge Cup in a fortnight," Meehan said.

"But if the physios deem another week is necessary or even two then so be it."

London Irish forwards coach Toby Booth admitted a top-four place was a forlorn hope after his side had to be content with a losing bonus point.

He said: "I imagine it's mathematically possible to get into the top four but whether it's really achievable is another matter. We will shift our attention now to getting a Heineken Cup qualification place."

Andy Goode insists Juan Martin Hernandez will face a fight for the Tigers fly-half jersey if the Argentina World Cup star does complete his desired move to Welford Road.

Hernandez, who helped the Pumas to an historic third place last October, stated this week he wants to swap Stade Francais for a "new challenge".

Goode has been linked with a summer move in the opposite direction, with Brive one of the Top 14 clubs supposedly interested.

But after his virtuoso performance in Leicester's 34-24 EDF Energy Cup semi-final victory over Wasps, Goode vowed to remain at the east midlands club next season whatever competition there is for his jersey.

Goode said: "If he (Hernandez) turns up, he will have a battle on his hands.

"I have a year left on my contract at Leicester, I love the place and I have no intention of going anywhere."

Gavin Henson will celebrate sending the soar-away Ospreys to a second successive Twickenham final in his own inimitable fashion - by having an overdue haircut.

The centre intends heading straight for the hairdressers to "start looking good again" after his side's 30-3 semi-final win over Saracens.

He said: "I am just chuffed to win man-of-the match.

"I haven't won one since 2005, and it had been playing on my mind. I haven't cut my hair since, so I am going to get it cut now!

"I can have it cut now and start looking good again."