Gloucester continue to make progress

EXCITEMENT is building ahead of Connacht’s Challenge Cup quarter-final on the last day of March, but with Kieran Keane’s side victorious over Ospreys, opponents Gloucester also picked up a win last weekend.

A 24-17 win over Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm was a real boost to Johan Ackermann’s team and now sees them in fourth place in the Premiership standings.

The Cherries got off to a poor start as Nick Malouf’s try saw Tigers take the lead, but centre Henry Trinder twice hit back to help the home side level the match with tries, with Joe Ford also crossing for the midlanders.

But the key score of the game arrived in the third quarter when Matt Scott scored on the right. And with Billy Twelvetrees convincing from the tee, another four-point haul was secured. Gloucester continue to occupy one of the play-off positions, although victories for Bath and Sale mean they remain hot on their heels.

Tomorrow Gloucester make the short trip north to face Worcester at Sixways, although considering Warriors beat leaders Exeter 6-5 last weekend, Connacht’s recent opponents will prove stiff opposition. Should Connacht overcome Gloucester in the last eight they will travel to either Newcastle or Brive in the semi-finals.

This weekend Brive host fellow Challenge Cup quarter-finalists Pau, while Newcastle Falcons welcome Bath to Kingstown Park tonight.