Ilona Maher Bags Her First Bristol Try in Exeter Showdown

American debut sparks Bristol’s comeback
The explosive back, who joined the Bears on a three-month contract this month, had already made her debut off the bench in a tough loss to Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend. But against Exeter, Maher was unleashed from the start, adding firepower to the Bears' lineup.

Maher’s moment of magic
Maher powered through two tackles to score her first try for the club. Exeter hit back with scores from Alex Tessier and MacDonald, but Bristol held their nerve to secure the victory.

Maher: “It’s the best team I could’ve chosen”
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Maher was full of praise for her new team:
“The team is so welcoming and it’s such a cool environment to learn in. It’s the best team I could’ve chosen. I haven’t played at this level, so to get my feet wet in this has been something that will help me go into a World Cup to be the best player I can be for the USA.”

With Maher already proving her worth, Bristol Bears look set for an exciting season ahead.

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