Gloucester
Glaws book one Twickenham date - more please
Happy days
By Cherry Picker
March 29 2009
If Gloucester can play as well as they did in knocking holders Ospreys out of the EDF Cup in their remaining games this season, some long overdue silverware could be on its way to Kingsholm. In a season of frustrating inconsistency, Glaws produced a gritty squad performance that earned them a final place against Cardiff Blues, who have already beaten them twice in Heineken Cup group matches. So revenge will be on the agenda when the teams meet in the final next month, another big day out for Glaws fans who will be hoping for one more at Twickenham in the GP play-off final in May.
On form like that they produced on Saturday, they can do it.
Ryan Lamb (above) responded brilliantly as he came back into the team for the cup-tied Carlos Spencer, kicking three penalties and a drop goal in a performance that could make those who feels his time at Kingsholm is up change their minds.
Iain Balshaw’s late interception try after he did well to gather in an awkward ball clinched the win, but Lamb’s drop goal was perhaps the turning point.However, in a 17-0 win, Gloucester’s defensive display was equally important against a side boasting some world-class attacking talent.
No wonder coach Dean Ryan was pleased. He told the BBC: “We did so much good work defensively because we didn't have a platform.
"I thought the drop-goal was crucial because that put us nine points ahead. We won a massive game. People say we can't come away from home and we can't win big games.
"I don't know how many Welsh internationals - 10, 11 or 12 - the Ospreys had who just came off the Six Nations and we've got a nil.
"This side's in good shape. It's got good spirit to defend and work as hard as they did in a game where we didn't have much possession or as much cutting edge.
"But we made sure we won the game and that stands you in good stead. It doesn't guarantee you anything. It doesn't mean you'll roll all the way and get silverware, but in means you're in good health.
"And if you can keep working that hard, you may get something at the end of it."
The bad news surrounds injuries to Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel, but the fact that Glaws had class players available to replace them is a good one.
The final is scheduled for Saturday April 18, which means the home GP game with Wuss will have to be rearranged.
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StumbleuponGlaws book one Twickerham date - more please
Discussion started by Shedloads (IP Logged), 29/03/2009 11:13
29/03/2009 11:13
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Not a bad Saturday for us in the Guinness Prem either, Togers losing against Falcons and Sale beating Bath.
That was superb, total commitment from every player and I just felt there was no way a very talented Ospreys were ever going to win. Glaws should take a huge amount of confidence from that game and finally realise they are capable of competing with and beating the top sides. Special mention to Will James who I thought had an absolutely massive game.
Congrats!
You deserved it, was a frustrating game to watch though
See you in the final
You deserved it, was a frustrating game to watch though
See you in the final
I totally agree it was a rubbish game for the neutral to watch but ask me if I care! Glaws cant win with the public, if they lose they are labelled as 'bottlers' etc etc yet when they do win they are criticised for being negative and boring. Ultimately being boring has never harmed Munster or Leicester Tigers
