JSD - try

By Cherry Picker
December 11 2011

Glouicester needed a win, and they got one at last with a 14-10 Heineken Cup triumph against Connacht in Galway. But anybody who was fussy about the style of victory would be disappointed, because there was nothing spectacular about this performance.

After four straight defeats, it was the result that counted, and Gloucester - without mike Tindall - made it ... just.

But nobody can afford to get carried away - there’s a long way to go yet. After all, Connacht have now lost nine on the bounce, so they are hardly one of the game’s giants.

Glaws coach Bryan Redpath told the BBC: "We knew it was going to be tough - a three to five-point game - but I thought we were probably the dominant side, particularly in the set-piece.

"After the six weeks we have had, and we have lost a few, hopefully that can turn around the season for us because we need to push on with two home games.

"There were some big performances from a lot of people but not necessarily flash - just honest hard-working performances, and we needed that."

They certainly did, and it looked as if they were going to skate away with it as Freddie Burns landed two early penalties before James Simpson-Daniel crossed for a try after a great offload from Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu.

But Gavin Duffy replied quickly for Connacht and Niall O’Connor converted the try and added a penalty to keep the game tight.

But Burns slotted the second half’s only points with a clinching penalty that gave Glaws their win.

Before the game, Redpath said that many of his players had the Connacht double-header to prove they are worth their places, and many will have done themselves no harm with their individual performances.

The Connacht Heineken Cup return next weekend is another must-win game, but the main event is on Boxing Day, when Wasps visit Kingsholm.

That single game can make or break Gloucester’s Premiership season. And it’s vital they build on this victory.

Glaws halt the slide at last

Discussion started by Shedloads (IP Logged), 11/12/2011 10:38

Shedloads
11/12/2011 10:38

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