By Cherry Picker
August 30 2009

There was good and bad on display from Gloucester as they lost their final pre-season game 22-16 against ospreys at Kingsholm. The big questions are, is the good good enough to take them places when the real things starts next weekend, and can they iron out the bad in time to ensure it doesn’t hamper the team’s progress through 2009-10? Plagued by some strange refereeing decisions and confused by a host of personnel changes as the game wore on, most of the fans will have gone home wondering whether to be pleased or disappointed.
The game itself wasn’t a bad one, with plenty to keep them on their toes as Glaws fought back from a slow start to take the lead, then throw the game away as two late tries by Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar proved match-winners.
Charlie Sharples scored two good tries, Nicky Robinson handled and kicked well and there were other positives for coach Bryan Redpath, including the centre pairing of Mike Tindall and Samoan international Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu and the occasional good work in the pack.
But there were perhaps a few too many negatives as well, even though the overall performance was probably the best of the three in pre-season for Glaws.
Ospreys weren’t able to field their British Lions, but they looked a strong side – the sort of strong side Glaws will face every weekend over the next eight months.
Fans will probably not go into the season with the sort of high hopes they have had for the last few seasons, but the backing will be there as usual – will the team’s performances match it?

Fans left pondering after Glaws friendly defeat

Discussion started by Shedloads (IP Logged), 30/08/2009 10:34

Shedloads
30/08/2009 10:34

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Two Sheds
30/08/2009 11:34

I don't think we'll win the Premiership, but we didn't win it when we thought we might so I'd be delighted to be wrong again.

Reply Quote Report

cheerycherry
30/08/2009 12:33

I feel the lack of specialist Fullback cover will haunt Glaws this season. Tinds and Eliota together lack creativity, Lawson needs to speed his delivery up particularly at the ruck. The Forwards as a unit need to get themselves sorted out, yet again they struggled at the tackle area and the scrum was less than convincing. On the plus side, Charlie Sharples looks very sharp, Robinson had a good game and Dave Attwood looks a decent signing. Am naturally optimistic for the coming season but there are definate concerns.

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net