Gloucester made hay whilst the sun shone at Kingsholm with a 36-16 victory over Worcester. The six try performance sends Gloucester back into the playoffs as the league breaks for Europe.
Early Gloucester dominance weathered by the Warriors
It was all Gloucester in the early stages of the match. Carrying hard and running some superb lines out wide. Despite all the early possession they came away with nothing as a poor penalty from Danny Cipriani went wide and it remained 0-0
Gloucester carried hard into Worcester territory time and time again and after an initial driving lineout it was the hosts who won the penalty. Choosing to go for touch proved crucial as a beautifully worked move straight off the training ground saw James Hanson cross over on his return.
Cherry and Whites turning the screw
Gloucester were dominant at the breakdown and carrying very well, Kriel going on a barnstorming break down the wing to win his side a lineout.
They worked another great move off of the driving maul and Heinz setup Owen Williams who put it through the hands of Cipriani before a Woodward clean break put Sharples over in the corner. No conversion as Cipriani hit the post.
? “Ollie, Ollie, Ollie!”
The Shed simple with lyrics, rolling out the old favourites! Great noise today! pic.twitter.com/JU6eQ7o0jU
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) December 1, 2018
Worcester fightback in valiant style
The Warriors finally got themselves on the score sheet following a penalty straight from the restart that Duncan Weir calmly slotted home.
Worcester were starting to weather the storm and thanks to an Ollie Thorley error found themselves on the Gloucester 22. Carrying hard and making good line breaks they claimed a penalty advantage as Weir slotted his second penalty of the day.
Yet again Gloucester found themselves under the cosh and couldn’t find a way through the Worcester defensive line. Worcester then went on the attack and following yet another bout of ill discipline from the hosts fly half Weir narrowed the gap to just one point.
Despite a late break by Ben Morgan Gloucester couldn’t add to their lead before half time and went in sitting on the knife edge.
Half time; Gloucester 10-9 Worcester Warriors
It didn’t take long for Gloucester to get going in the second half and following some sustained pressure they kicked to the corner and had a shot at another driving lineout. Yet another set piece move coming into play as Heinz played it out to Cipriani who cut it back to Ollie Thorley who scored under the posts.
The major talking point of the second half came when Warriors full back Chris Pennell took Charlie Sharples out in the air. After a few minutes of deliberation between the officials both players safely returned to their feet before referee Tom Foley sent Pennell to the bin.
The bonus point came off yet another set piece move. Some excellent carrying by the backs setting up Freddie Clarke who barged his way under the posts. Twelvetrees – who was only kicking duties due to Cipriani’s poor show – adding the extras.
Gloucester cruise home to victory
New signing Jaco Visagie was next to cross over as the forwards clinically dealt with yet another driving maul. The floodgates had been opened. Ollie Thorley flying down the wing to add his second try of the game.
Worcester did add a consolation score through Bryce Heem, but were totally outplayed in the second half that saw few positives for the Warriors.
Full time; Gloucester 36-16 Worcester Warriors
Gloucester; Woodward, Sharples, Twelvetrees, Williams, Thorley, Cipriani, Heinz; Hohneck, Hanson, Balmain, Savage, Slater, Clarke, Kriel, Morgan. Replacements: Visagie, Rapava Ruskin, Knight, Mostert, Polledri, Braley, Trinder, Hudson.
Worcester; Pennell, Heem, Venter, Mills, Adams, Weir, Heaney, Black, Singleton, Schonert, Bresler, Phillips, Hill, Williams, Van Velze. Replacements: Annett, Waller, Milasinovich, Barry, Cox, Arr, Shillcock, Olivier.
Attendance: – 15, 387
Star man:- Ollie Thorley
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