Leeds all but down
Bristol added to Leeds Carnegie's relegation woe with an emphatic 30-13 victory at Headingley on Sunday.
Last Updated: 09/03/08 6:00pm
Bristol added to Leeds Carnegie's relegation woe with an emphatic 30-13 victory at Headingley on Sunday.
The Yorkshiremen slumped to their 14th Guinness Premiership defeat in 15 games as a result, despite having held a 13-6 lead at half-time.
Andy Tuilagi got Leeds off to a great start with his early try, but Shaun Perry (50, 57), Rob Higgit (60) and captain Joe El Abd (75) all went over to hand Bristol their first away win in the league since January 2007.
The visitors' bonus point victory takes them above Newcastle Falcons and into ninth in the table.
Hope
Samoan centre Tuilagi gave Leeds the perfect start with his first try of the season as Alberto Di Bernardo converted, but Bristol quickly responded.
Fly-half Ed Barnes landed a sixth-minute penalty to reduce the deficit, but it was the home side who had the better of the territory and possession.
Di Bernado kicked Leeds into a deserved 10-3 lead 25 minutes in and Bristol second-rower Sean Hohneck was then sent to the sin-bin for persistent infringement.
Despite the numerical difference Barnes and Di Bernado could only trade penalty kicks and Leeds went into the break with a fragile seven-point lead.
Comeback
Leeds wing John Holtby was sin-binned in the 50th minute for infringement around the ruck and Bristol took advantage running in three tries during a devastating purple patch.
Scrum-half Perry was the prime beneficiary running in two tries from close range in the 51st minute and 57th minutes before centre Higgitt added a third on the hour mark.
The hat-trick of tries put Bristol in total control and skipper Joe El Abd added a late fourth to secure his side a bonus point.
Barnes ended the game with two conversions to add to his two earlier penalties and leave Stuart Lancaster's men 14 points adrift at the bottom of the table and all but down.
