We chew over the opening day bonus point victory from the Media Conference Room at Ashton Gate. We were the only ones in it mind but it was still quite exciting nonetheless.

A shaky first half, where Tigers did a 'Radwan' on us, subsequently developed into a comfortable victory as the intensity increased, the pack took control and Prem debutant Tom Jordan ran the show.

The atmopshere at the stadium was excellent as the Bristol faithful wallowed in the early Autumn sun and it was somehat apt that as the vicotry strains of 'Drink up ye Zider' echoed around the ground, the Thatchers hot air balloon gently ascended from Ashton Court.

We're up and running (literally!).

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Pod friend James Dun makes his second appearance live from the BBF Taproom to tell us how pre-season has gone, talk us through how the boys will prep for the game during the week and even make some of his own suggestions for ramping up the atmosphere at the Gate, in particular searching for George Kloska look-a-likies in the crowd...

As always, we appreciate his time and it's good to see the 'fourth mic' getting some more action.

We also hear from Elliott Butlin from Tigers fan pod, The Rolling Maul, who gives us the low-down on their season prep, how some of their new players are shaping up and how he sees the game going on Sunday.

The Prem is nearly upon us. Up the Bears!

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Having reached a double ton at the end of last season wth the help of emerging club and Instagram legend James Dun, the boys road-test their brand new crowd funded recording equipment at the BBF Taproom Studio Bar for the season seven opener with Bears CEO Tom Tainton, who, lets be honest, was well impressed with the set up and admtted that he had never done a pod in a lock-in before.

The boys asked him briefly about his journey to the top before diving in with some of the sorts of questions that we hope our listeners would expect us to ask - fan engagment, whether the Big Day Out made money, merchandise, Simba cam and much, much more.

Tom was a very engaging interviewee and took his time to clarify and engage many of the issues that are close to fan's hearts. He admitted that sometimes the club had got things wrong but also reaffirmed his belief that the club is in a great position and that the future is bright.

It was very good of him to come down to our manor on a Sunday night and it can be confirmed that at least two of the can opening sound effects, much loved by many listeners, were definitely of his making.

As always your feedback is welcome both on our socials or via bearsbeyondthegate@gmail.com

Up the Bears!

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