By New Cherry
May 5 2024

Cup specialists Gloucester are in the final of the European Challenge Cup! The 40-23 defeat of Bennetton sets up their fifth final in this competition with South Africa's Sharks waiting for them at the Spurs Stadium on Friday May 24th.

The win was never much in doubt as Gloucs scored five tries against the Italians three with Josh Hathaway getting things going taking a kick from Chris Harris to go over.

Bennetton's  Tomas Albornoz traded penalties with Adam Hastings before a superb 50:22 from Hastings resulted in Seb Blake getting his side's second to make it 15-6.

However, Rhyno Smith eventually scored while Zach Mercer was in the bin to make it 15-11 at  the break.

Benetton did take the lead wity a try from replacement hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi before Hastings spotted a narrow gap to go over. The game was effectively clinched when Freddie Clarke scored a barnstorming try after intercepting to make it 32-16.

 

Lucchesi got a second with Ollie Thorley roundingthings off in the final minute when he picked up a loose ball.

George Skivington told the media he was  delighted: I think the biggest thing really is half-way through the season we sat down as a group and the Prem hadn't gone the way we wanted -we committed to two cups and said we've got two things we can go after. The boys committed to it and through thick and thin they've just stayed on task."