Match Centre: Gallagher PREM: Gloucester 26-15 Harlequins
Ollie Thorley was one of the try scorer for Gloucester
©Steve Haag
Gloucester 26-15 Harlequins, Kingsholm
Ben Redshaw scored a double as Gloucester went on to defeat Harlequins 26-15 in the latest round of the Gallagher PREM in Kingsholm on Saturday.
The Cherry and Whites delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, combining composure in attack with determined defence.
Harlequins struck first after 10 minutes when Cadan Murley crossed out wide following sustained pressure near the Gloucester line. Marcus Smith’s conversion rebounded off the post, leaving Quins 5-0 ahead.
Gloucester hit back almost immediately. Full-back Ben Redshaw produced a brilliant solo run from 40 metres, beating defenders with pace to score under the posts. Ross Byrne converted to put the hosts 7-5 ahead.
Quins regained the lead midway through the half when Alex Dombrandt powered over from close range after a well-executed lineout attack. Smith converted for 12-7.
But Gloucester refused to go into the break behind. A kick ahead caused confusion in the Quins backfield and Lewis Ludlow reacted quickest, gathering and diving over for a crucial try on his landmark appearance. Byrne added the extras to give Gloucester a 14-12 half-time lead.
The second half remained tight until the 60th minute when Ollie Thorley broke the defensive line. Gloucester kept momentum and Byrne fired a sharp pass to Redshaw, who claimed his second try. Byrne converted from the touchline for 21-12.
Smith responded with a penalty to reduce the gap to six, but Gloucester surged again. A well-worked attack created an overlap and Thorley finished in the corner, giving the hosts their fourth try. Byrne’s conversion attempt struck the post, leaving the score 26-15.
Harlequins pushed late, but Gloucester’s defence held firm to secure a deserved bonus-point victory.
Team line up:
Gloucester: Redshaw; Russell, Joseph, S. Atkinson, Thorley; Byrne, Williams (c); Knight, Blake, Gotovtsev; Thomas, Alemanno, Gwynne, Ludlow, Trenholm.
Reserves: Freeman-Price, Rapava Ruskin, Fasogbon, Jordan, Basham, Austin, C. Atkinson, Cotgreave.
Harlequins: Anderson; Isgro, Beard, Evans, Murley; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele; Lewies, Treadwell, Cunningham-South, Evans, Dombrandt (c).
Reserves: Turner, Wenger, Delgado, Petti, Kenningham, Friday, Northmore, David.
