By Cherrybomb
December 15 2002

Gloucester were taught a lesson in France which showed that despite being told that we are the best team in Europe, it is up to us to go out and prove it. Pepignan looked incredibly creative. This result totally shakes up the group and tries could now be all important. Perpignan 31-23 Gloucester. Looking at the predictions league this week shows that a few people had cleverly predicted a loss, and well judged them. However most of us were more optimistic and the result will probably go down as a surprise. Another surprise was the way that Perpignan came out with a confidence and style of play which they didn't show at Kingsholm.

Perpignan instantly took the advantage with a penalty in the first five minutes, after Gloucester were caught offside. Manny Edmonds made no mistake. And it was Edmonds, working his socks off, that scored the first try. The brilliant Perpignan maul rolled forward and Edmonds worked his way through a gap to score. He also converted.

Ludo scored a penalty of his own but this was Perpignan's half. They increased their lead with two further Edmonds penalties, and almost put the game out of Gloucester's reach with another try.

As time ticked down the Perpignan maul impressive as ever continually rolled forward, and this time the prop Nicolas forced his way over with Edmonds again hitting the target.

Half time score: Perpignan 23-6 Gloucester

After another penalty a piece for the two fly halves Perpignan put the game out of Gloucester's reach with another try. Edmonds, on fire for Perpignan, cleverly chipped the ball over the flat Gloucester line and Pascal Giordani picked up and scored. Edmonds missed the conversion in rare fashion.

Gloucester did get back in to the game though which could be incredibly important as try count will undoubtedly matter.

Their first try came from probably player of the season so far Jake Boer. And it was the type of try which he scores week in week out as he was driven over by his supporting forwards. Then James Forrester came on and Gloucester looked a different side.

Maybe Forrester hasn't quite performed as well this season as he did the last, but he changed the Gloucester team for the better with not long left. He chipped and chased before Ludo Mercier was released to go under the posts.

It was overall a disappointing day for the Cherry-and-Whites but hopefully it will give us the push that we need to go out and perform in Limerick against Munster.

Final Score: Perpignan 31-23 Gloucester