 | MATCH SUMMARY Gloucester 27 (20)
Tries: Forrester, Richards
Cons: Mercier
Pens: Mercier 5 Newcastle 20 (7)
Tries: Harris, J. Wilkinson
Cons: J. Wilkinson 2
Pens: J. Wilkinson 2 |
Fifteen points from Newcastle's Jonny Wilkinson were not enough to prevent a Ludovic Mercier-inspired Gloucester from gaining a deserved win. Gloucester made the brighter start but it was Newcastle who scored first when Cory Harris touched down.
Gloucester's James Forrester hit back with a try before Mercier, who kicked 17 points, took over with the boot.
Peter Richards scored a second try for the hosts before Wilkinson gave them a late scare with a try and two pens.
Gloucester boss Dean Ryan:
"I am so proud of the backline. Allen and Morgan were outstanding and their performances were even more creditable as they've never player together like this before.
"There are lots of good young players around an we have certainly always had confidence in our youngsters at Gloucester.
"For Allen to come on and play his first Premiership game like that, was impressive. It was like he had never not played Premiership Rugby before. That says a lot about what the future holds for English rugby."
Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew:
"Gloucester were the better side and they deserved to win on the balance of possession.
"I think getting a losing bonus point was as much we could expect.
"I am pleased though because this is a hard ground to come and play at and we are showing that we are improving steadily by each game we play."
Gloucester: Morgan; Foster, Simpson-Daniel, Allen, Thirlby; Mercier, Thomas; Collazo, Parkes, Sigley; Eustace, Davids; Buxton, Hazell, Forrester.
Replacements: Fanolua for Allen (60), Richards for Thomas (55), Elloway for Parkes (76), Powell for Sigley (46), Cornwell for Davids (60), Balding for Forrester (55).
Not Used: B. Davies.
Newcastle: Burke; May, Tait, Flood, Hoyle; J Wilkinson, Grindal; Ward, Thompson, Morris; Gross, Buist; McCarthy, Harris, Finegan.
Replacements: Shaw for May (65), Smitson for Gross (60), Paoletti for McCarthy (37).
Not Used: Anderson, Woods, Dickson, Walder.
Sin Bin: Morris (33).
Att: 12,500
Ref: Ashley Rowden (RFU).
MMIX
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