Gloucester
Glaws strength in depth opens up a GP gap
Olly B - 11 points
By Cherry Picker
February 15 2009
Losing games and then winning them, all in the space of 80 minutes, is becoming something of a speciality for Gloucester. It’s leaving a few frayed nerves in its wake, but as long as the trend stays that way and doesn’t go the opposite way, there won’t be too many complaints from the Kingsholm faithful.
And if they do feel a bit peeved, they can always look at the Guinness Premiership table.
Glaws now lead by four points from London Irish, and perhaps most importantly, they have a ten-point lead over Harlequins, who are just outside the play-off places in fifth.
Not bad for a team most people will agree is not yet at its peak and with a string of important players injured or playing internationals.
Beating Sale 24-17 on Saturday was a vital result and a deserved win for Dean Ryan’s men.
The coach told the BBC: "I was really pleased with Carlos Spencer and Olly Barkley and the relationship that is growing off that.
"Carlos has looked sharp for a week, I would not have played him otherwise. He has come in deliberately just to change the dynamics and he has done that. At the same time, he has lifted people, which fits quite neatly into what we are trying to do.
"There are elements that we will talk about on Monday and things he could have done better but we will also show the seven or eight things that he brings to us. It is an understanding because his brain works at a million miles an hour."
Sale appeared to be in control as they took a 17-8 lead into the second half, Lee Thomas and Charlie Hodgson going over with Mark Foster replying.
But when Apa Satala narrowed the gap, Barkley’s kicking became crucial and his 11 points made all the difference (even though he did miss a few), helped by sub Ryan Lamb’s drop goal.
The result was made all the sweeter by London Irish losing, and it really looks now as if Gloucester’s strength in depth is going to be a crucial factor this season.
Not many clubs could cope with them list of injuries suffered this season, and add to that the loss of players to the Six Nations and you can see why Ryan was always so keen to have top names available.
Spencer looks the business and his arrival, as Ryan says, appears to have lifted others in the squad. Now we know why he was signed.
All of a sudden, things are looking good - look at the table again.
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
15/02/2009 10:35
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Quote:It is a pity James goes to ground all too easily.cheerycherry
Thought James and Brown both had good games
Quote:That's not true, because he often loses the ball in contact. I'm afraid Digi Dave and Andy M have proved themselves to be more knowledgeable; Borto and Browner are the better pairing.cheerycherry
Okay, he is more concerned with retaining possession than driving on
