Columnist Pete Brealey is the co-host of Bristol Bears fans podcast Bears Beyond the Gate

Friday night’s 22-16 defeat at home to Leicester Tigers didn’t really feel like the balloon had burst on our good start to the campaign, but there was still a sense of deflation around the ground at the final whistle.

It was one of those ‘what could have been’ sort of games and given that we were still in the fight right to the end, it is fair to say that on another day we might have nicked a cheeky win and put ourselves right at the top of the table going into the first major Prem break.

However, conceding two tries when down to 13 men, not being as accurate in the red zone as we would have liked, and at times looking just a little bit clunky in attack probably made the difference.

But fair play to Tigers too. They were very physical, disrupted our set piece and took their chances when it mattered. It was a compelling game to watch and let’s be honest, most Bears fans would have taken three wins from five from this first block and with 14 points, we are still right in the mix when the Prem restarts in December.

Of course it was also the first ever Legends Night at the Gate and it was great to see an array of retro shirts around the place celebrating the rich history of Bristol Rugby.

Furthermore, it provided an opportunity to commemorate the passing of former captain Matt Salter and support the charitable foundation set up in his name, and, as the official Remembrance Day match, also reminded us contemporary fans of the sacrifices made by those in the past.

It also marked the return of a one-off physical match day program, and it was fascinating reading about the history of the club down the years. Get a hold of a copy if you can!

It reminded me how a place’s identity is shaped by shared experiences past, present and in the future, and as an adopted Bristolian who arrived in this city in 1999 as a trainee teacher, I am now proud to call it my home and going to watch the rugby is a key part of that.

Just like every Bears fans I am desperate for us to win some silverware, but I am also appreciative of the way that club tries to do as much as possible to draw new fans in and live up to their aim of inspiring a community through rugby. Up the Bris!