A plucky performance from Nottingham nearly saw the visitors clinch victory from the arms of defeat but Bristol's resolve saw them 32-28 victors.

An early penalty from Bristol fly half Nicky Little put the home side ahead just minutes into the match up.

But a heroic defensive effort from Delaney's men never allowed the Bristolians to run away with a game they looked set to.

But it was not long before the home side crossed the whitewash, Ross Johnston taking his side 10-nil up after the opening quarter.

Jack Adams was next in line to punish the visitors, his effort in the corner stretching the lead to 15-nil.

But Nottingham's reply was not far behind, Tom Youngs storming over the line. Dave Marshall, a blood replacement for James Arlidge sent the conversion wide leaving the score 15-5 on the half hour.

A James Arlidge penalty took the visiting side closer, 15-8 the score with just minutes before the break.

But the physicality of the South Westerners proved too much on the stroke of half time as their Tongan crossed the line to take his side 22-8.

Dave Marshall opened the half with a penalty, taking his side 22-11. It was a break from Andy Savage that opened the game up for Nottingham.

With the backs unleashed, Tim Streather popped a perfect pass to number 8 Alex Shaw to send him crashing over the line. The trusty boot of Arlidge brought the score to 22-18.

It was this score that saw the Green & Whites rejuvenated and the game looked to swing in the visitors' favour. A five metre scrum gave Nottingham the position for a third try but they made hard work of it.

Finally Streather crossed the line for the visitors third try of the afternoon to take the lead. Arlidge added the extras to take Nottingham 22-25 ahead entering the last quarter.

But Little's boot brought the home side level on 61 minutes. Arlidge regained the lead for the Green & Whites with yet another successful penalty with 15 minutes to go.

A tense last 10 minutes saw the home side on the attack, hoping to clinch a victory. But a heroic Nottingham defence looked set to deny their hosts.

Jamie Miller was able to break through to secure the bonus point try for the home side and a Little conversion took the lead 32-28 to close the match.