THE LAST WORD

HOW satisfying to see a glimpse of the old Gloucester spirit and fervour on Friday night. That’s how it should be at Kingsholm — packed, passionate and awash with tribal energy and pride. The West Country club’s mediocrity in recent years has been a jarring feature of the domestic landscape. Taking the scalp of champions Exeter should be a catalyst for revival.

New head coach Johan Ackermann and Ed Slater — an addition to the pack — have the look of perfect fits, in the trademark Gloucester mould. Most importantly, after the sudden, demoralising preseason exit of Jonny May, the scenes in the home dressing-room after a dramatic late victory suggest there is unity and renewed hope in the Cherry and White ranks.