Bristol Bears stunned the Premiership Women’s Rugby league on Sunday at Kingsholm, beating defending champions Gloucester‑Hartpury 26‑21. Winger Reneeqa Bonner earned player‑of‑the‑match honors with a brace,while coach Scott Lawson finally saw his side climb off an eighth‑place finish.

Reneeqa Bonner’s two‑try burst decides the match

Bonner’s first try arrived early in the second half after she exploited a defensive lapse and sprinted to the corner, giving Bristol a crucial lead. her second effort, a perfectly timed support run, sealed the victory as the clock wound down, a detail highlighted by the match report.

Prop Sarah Bern and hooker Holly Phillips add vital scores

Beyond Bonner’s heroics, prop Sarah Bern contributed a close‑range try, and replacement hooker Holly Phillips capitalised on a turnover for a late‑game score, both cited as key moments by the source.

Gloucester‑Hartpury’s rotated squad falters in the final minutes

Having already secured the league title, Gloucester‑Hartpury rested many England internationals to preserve fitness for the semi‑final, a strategy that left them vulnerable. The report notes that the lack of experience in the second‑string side became evident as defensive errors allowed Bristol to pull ahead .

Play‑off picture sharpens as Exeter and Trailfinders secure semi‑final spots

Exeter Chiefs extended their winning streak to four games with a 50‑24 win over Sale Sharks,while Trailfinders Women clinched fourth place and will face Gloucester‑Hartpury in the semi‑final at 14:00 BST on Sunday, according to the coverage. The other semi‑final pits Saracens against Exeter Chiefs at 16:30 BST.

Who will fill the remaining semi‑final slot?

The report leaves unanswered whether Loughborough Lightning’s high‑scoring win over Leicester Tigers will translate into a semi‑final berth, and it does not detail the exact lineup Gloucester‑Hartpury will field after resting key players.