By Cherrybomb
December 29 2002

Gloucester hung on for a narrow win in probably the most exciting game of rugby this season, away at Franklins Gardens. Gloucester started well but Northampton fought back and were unlucky not to draw level. Northampton 13-16 Gloucester. You could tell what sort of match this would be when Phil Vickery led the Cherry and Whites out of the tunnel. The sheer determination going through their minds was painted on their faces. A win would put Gloucester 9 points clear of Sale, and put Northampton along way from touching distance.

The first try was in typical Gloucester fashion. A lineout on the Saints 22 turned in to a maul and Gloucester destroyed the Northampton forwards with clever rolling and sheer strength. Olivier Azam was at the centre and was the man to crash over the line. Gloucester were ecstatic as were their fans, and Ludovic Mercier added to the celebrations by converting.

The next score took Gloucester in to the lead 10-0. After illegal handling in the ruck Gloucester were awarded a penalty and the Frenchman made no mistake.

A weak point in the Northampton team seemed to be the full back. He looked shaky with his decisions and his kicks often found a short touch.

Once again Henry Paul will be a talking point, as he looked decidedly shaky with the bouncing ball, and his kicks rarely found touch.He did help Gloucester out of some tricky situations though.

If medals were to be awarded they would have to go to the Gloucester defence. Time after time Northampton pressurised and the Gloucester forwards did all they can to disrupt every single scrum, ruck and maul.

It was from a Gloucester mistake that Northampton first scored. The Cherry and Whites stormed forward but the ball was dropped and picked up by a Saints player. They flew forward in brilliant fashion with overlaps a plenty. It was Marcel Garvey's first input of the game that was the most impressive though. He cleverly tracked back blocking any pass, before brilliantly catching up and tackling the Saints player who looked certain to score.

The forwards got back as quickly as possible but Rob Fidler was adjudged to have illegally stopped the Saints drive for the score. He was given a yellow card by Steve Lander, and the Saints were rewarded a penalty just metres from the line.

With the extra man the pressure told with centre John Lesley diving over to score. It was converted easily by Grayson to pull them back within 3 points.

Just as half time was approaching Gloucester stretched the lead with another penalty, after more forward dominance.

Half time score: Northampton 7-13 Gloucester.

The second half was as much about mistakes as good play. Grayson missed a penalty and Mercier hit a drop goal to increase the lead further. However Grayson hit back with two penalties to pull them within a score.

Then came the injury to Marcel Garvey. Steve Lander had blown up, but Garvey hadn't realised. He out ran two Northampton players and combined well with Thinus Delport to break free, before pulling a muscle in his upper leg. And all for nothing as the whistle had already gone.

With just a few minutes left Grayson had a chance to pull the scores level. It was the same end at Franklins Gardens that Ludo had missed the kick to win the Parker Pen Semi Final. He hooked the kick and Gloucester fans were joyous. The nerves were really frayed from then on but Gloucester held on for the narrowest of wins.

Final Score: Northampton Saints 13-16 Gloucester.