Gloucester 25-17 Harlequins: Cherry and Whites win to keep perfect record intact in Premiership Rugby Cup
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Published 22/09/2023 at 22:54 GMT+1
Gloucester and Harlequins clashed in the Premiership Rugby Cup at Kingsholm Stadium on Friday evening. Gloucester raced into a healthy lead and looked set for a comfortable evening, but Harlequins hit back before the interval to set up a tense second half. Gloucester held on for their third win from as many games in Pool A, but Harlequins face a battle for second spot.
'What a try!' - Gloucester's Morris races to stunning intercept score
Gloucester fended off a fightback from Harlequins to extend their perfect start to their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign.
After dominant wins over Nottingham and Saracens, it looked set to be a similar story as Gloucester raced into a big lead.
Harlequins fought back with a couple of tries and got within a score of their opponents with 15 minutes remaining, but the home side stood firm to register a 25-17 win for their third victory from as many games in Pool A.
Gloucester dominated the early stages and Jack Reeves scored the opening try. The pass to him was wayward and he was forced to stop his run. He collected the ball, feinted inside before going outside and touching down in the corner.
The Cherry and Whites doubled their lead inside 10 minutes, as Matty Jones was found in space and dashed clear of a toiling Harlequins defence.
Lloyd Evans missed the first conversion, but made no mistake with the second.
Jake Morris produced a moment of magic in the 18th minute as Gloucester extended their lead. Quins looked threatening, but Morris intercepted a pass near his own 22 and raced clear.
He was closed down by two Harlequins players, but slowed down only to spin back inside and dot down for the third Gloucester try.
Harlequins got themselves on the scoreboard when Sam Riley peeled off from a maul to go over in the corner. Will Edwards slotted the extra points.
After being totally outplayed for over 30 minutes, Will Joseph threw a brilliant dummy to cross for Harlequins’ second try of the match, and Edwards converted to cut the gap to 22-14 at the interval.
It took 25 minutes for a score to be registered in the second half, Edwards kicking a penalty to get Harlequins within one score at 22-17.
Anxiety was growing amongst the Kingsholm faithful, and a sigh of relief and warm ovation greeted an Evans penalty to give Gloucester some breathing space. They held firm for the win, and denied Quins a losing bonus point.
In the evening’s other game, Newcastle were 23-10 winners over Sale.
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