Bristol Bears started their Prem season with a bonus-point triumph, securing a 34-24 victory over Sale Sharks at CorpAcq Stadium. The Bears ran in five tries, with Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit and Harry Randall each contributing two scores.
Replacement hooker Tomas Gwilliam sealed the win for Bristol with a 73rd-minute try. James Williams added three conversions and a penalty for the Bears.
For Sale Sharks, Luke Cowan-Dickie scored an early try, and Tom O'Flaherty added two in the second half. George Ford converted three tries and kicked a penalty, but Sale finished without any bonus points.