Bristol 36-34 Lyon: Callum Sheedy hits 85th minute drop-goal to deny Lyon comeback in Investec Champions Cup

Semi Radradra (centre) scored on his return to his old side

Callum Sheedy kicked an 85th-minute drop goal to deny Lyon an incredible comeback victory in the Investec Champions Cup.

Bristol appeared to cruise to a bonus-point victory after a fifth try by Gabriel Oghre to take a 33-10 lead.

But two tries from Thaakir Abrahams alongside a Semi Radradra score set up a grandstand finish.

Alfred Parisien's solo try looked to have won the game with three minutes to go before Sheedy struck.

South African Abrahams showed good speed to finish a try out of nothing after an optimistic offload landed in the winger's arms.

The 2020 Challenge Cup winners then lost control of the game when winger Kalaveti Ravouvou was sent to the sin-bin with 17 minutes remaining after a dangerous tip tackle.

With a player advantage and confidence high from scoring, Lyon pounced through former Bears centre Radradra, who spotted a gap at the ruck to stroll over.

Abrahams again showed sharp acceleration to finish off another score before Parisien sliced through in what looked to be a match-winning try.

However, Bristol made their way up the pitch with the clock in the red and set up Sheedy to convert in front of the posts.

Bristol save brilliant opening period

The game at Ashton Gate was between two sides struggling for form in their respective leagues.

Bristol last weekend appeared to turn a corner after a 51-26 victory over Gloucester - only their third win of the season.

Lyon, who are 12th in the Top 14, like Bristol have only won three games this season and the two sensed a potential rare win in a frantic opening period.

Bristol had a perfect start when Gabriel Ibitoye's basketball pass sent over Richard Lane in the corner.

But the French side responded with two quick-fire tries. Scrum-half Martin Page-Relo was instrumental in both - first his bullet pass ensured a simple finish for Ethan Dumortier before a moment of individual brilliance with a break and long pass to Marvin Okuya doubled Lyon's lead.

The helter-skelter opening half continued when centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg's offload was gathered by Samoa international Steven Luatua, who was able to stretch his long arm to the tryline. Hooker Harry Thacker was next on the scoresheet with an attempt from the back of a rolling maul.

Though the high pace and tempo did not slow down as half-time approached, the accuracy from both sides dwindled after over 200 metres were made in the opening half.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with the speed increasing after the break in what was a truly thrilling encounter.

Bristol travel to Bordeaux Begles next Saturday, with Lyon hosting the Bulls, who beat Saracens 27-16.

'It is about not switching off' - what Bristol head coach Pat Lam said to TNT Sports

"It was entertaining for all the neutrals watching at home but not for us. I think the thing is, two weeks in a row we have taken the foot off and become sloppy.

"Naturally when you are ahead, things like body language can slip off and decision making to get out of those situations is crucial.

"It is all about not switching off and doing your job and unfortunately that is what we did."

Line-ups

Bristol: Malins; Ibitoye, Vakatawa, Janse van Rensburg, Lane; Sheedy, Randall; Woolmore, Thacker, Sinckler, Dun, Batley, Luatua, Harding, Bradbury.

Replacements: Oghre, Grahamslaw, Lahiff, Caulfield, Thomas, Wolstenholme, Williams, Ravouvou.

Lyon: Abrahams; Dumortier, Parisien, Radradra, Ioane; Smith, Page-Relo; Taofifenua, Charcosset, Tafili, Kpoku, Geraci, Okuya, Pacheco, Guillard.

Replacements: Coltman, Rey, Fotuaika, Roussel, Vignolles, Rimet, Godwin, Tchaptchet.

Referee: Craig Evans

Sin-bin: Kalaveti Ravouvou (63)

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