Gloucester must foster home spirit

HEAD coach Johan Ackermann has challenged Gloucester to match their home performances on the road after condemning Northampton to a first Aviva Premiership defeat since September 2.

Centre Henry Trinder starred for the Cherry and Whites in their 29-24 bonus point victory which lifted them to eighth in the standings.

Trinder scored two first-half tries, with full-back Jason Woodward, centre Billy Twelvetrees and scrumhalf Willi Heinz going over after the interval. Fly-half Owen Williams, starting for the first time at his new club, added two conversions.

Northampton deserved at least another bonus point after three tries, scored by flanker Jamie Gib- son, fly-half Harry Mallinder and replacement hooker Mikey Haywood, with Mallinder landing a penalty and two conversions and replacement Stephen Myler converting Haywood’s success.

Gloucester have already gone through highs and lows this season with the win over Northampton adding to another home victory over champions Exeter on the first day of the campaign.

However, their away form has seen them lose at Harlequins, Leicester and Sale with some disappointing displays.

Gloucester head coach Acker- mann knows consistency is crucial and that means winning on the road.

“Embracing and enjoying this win is important. There is a lot of pressure on teams to perform consistently but we cannot get carried away,” said the South African.

“After week one (beating Exeter), there are too many mistakes still there.

“For us to win at home is great and we want to thank the supporters because they are a part of that.

“But we owe it to ourselves to show that we can play away from home and show that composure and resilience.”

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder had no complaints about the