Gloucester 14-0 Harlequins, Kingsholm
In front of a sell-out crowd at Kingsholm, Gloucester Rugby delivered a resilient performance to defeat Harlequins 14-0 in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Cherry & Whites combined a solid defensive effort with clinical attacking plays to notch their second sell-out victory of the season.
The visitors began the match with intent, applying early pressure on the Cherry & Whites. However, Gloucester's defense held firm, setting the tone for the encounter.
An exceptional kick from Santiago Carreras shifted the momentum, placing Gloucester in a strong attacking position.
From the ensuing scrum, Gareth Anscombe launched a precise long pass to Josh Hathaway, who crossed the line for the game’s opening try. Carreras converted with ease, giving Gloucester a 7-0 lead.
Gloucester capitalized on their forward dominance later in the half. A commanding scrum penalty provided the platform for Jack Clement to power over from a driving maul. The Kingsholm crowd erupted as Carreras added the extras to extend the lead to 14-0.
Clement nearly scored a second try before halftime, but Harlequins managed to hold him up over the line, preventing further damage before the break.
Harlequins upped the tempo in the second half, dominating possession and threatening the Gloucester line throughout the third quarter.
A disallowed try for George Hammond due to a forward pass highlighted Quins’ frustrations as Gloucester’s defense continued to shine.
Counterattacks led by Hathaway and Freddie Thomas reminded Harlequins of Gloucester’s attacking prowess. Although Christian Wade and Tomos Williams came close to adding more points, the visitors’ defense held firm.
Carreras missed a penalty attempt, striking the uprights, but Gloucester’s defense ensured the lead remained intact.
Despite Harlequins throwing everything at them in the final stages, the Cherry & Whites stood tall.
Team line up:
Gloucester: Carreras; Wade, Llewellyn, Atkinson, Hathaway; Anscombe, Williams; Rapava-Ruskin, Blake, Fasogbon; Thomas, Alemanno, Clement, Ludlow, Ackermann
Reserves: Singleton, Knight, Gotovtsev, Jordan, Tuisue, Englefield, Harris, Barton
Harlequins: Green; Isgro, Beard, Anyanwu, Murley; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Kerrod; Lamb, Hammond; Cunningham-South, W Evans, Dombrandt
Reserves: Riley, Jones, Lewis, Herbst, Chisholm, Care, J Evans, David
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