Gloucester Rugby delivered a determined performance to beat rock-bottom Newcastle Falcons 26-12 at Kingston Park on Friday night, keeping their Gallagher Premiership play-off ambitions firmly on track.
The hosts opened the scoring through Ben Stevenson, but Gloucester soon responded with a try by Chris Harris. Newcastle’s discipline faltered as Callum Chick and Cameron Neild received yellow cards, allowing Gloucester to capitalize by scoring a penalty try and another try from Seb Atkinson. Early in the second half, Harris was temporarily sin-binned in a tense, scrappy contest. Young winger Jack Cotgreave then secured a crucial bonus point try before Joe Davis crossed for Newcastle.
Newcastle’s hopes took a nosedive when Stevenson was red-carded for a dangerous aerial tackle on Santi Carreras late in the match. Gloucester held firm to their 26-12 victory, keeping their hopes alive of finishing in the top four. Their final challenge is against Northampton Saints at Kingsholm on the last day of the season.
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The match was an emotional farewell for Newcastle captain Chick and Jamie Blamire, who both prepare to leave the club after this final home fixture. Newcastle showed promise early, launching sustained attacks just five metres from Gloucester’s tryline. Despite solid Gloucester defense, Stevenson raced down the wing to open scoring, though the conversion missed.
Gloucester eventually struck back from the lineout with Harris crossing under the posts, converted by Santi Carreras. The visitors then grew dominant, taking advantage of two Newcastle yellow cards issued in close succession. Chick was first to go, followed by Neild for maul offences. Gloucester seized their numerical advantage, with Atkinson powering through from inside their half to score, adding to the penalty try earlier in the game.
Ruan Ackermann appeared to extend Gloucester’s lead with a chargedown try, but it was ruled offside. As the second half unfolded, Newcastle threatened Gloucester’s tryline until Harris earned a yellow card for a high tackle. Gloucester added pressure relief with a penalty before Atkinson carved through Newcastle’s line and offloaded to Cotgreave for a corner try. Carreras' conversion attempt missed the mark.
Newcastle fought back as Stevenson made a brilliant run to set up Joe Davis’s converted try, narrowing the gap. They pushed hard to breach Gloucester’s defense but were unable to score again. The game closed with Stevenson’s red card for the late aerial challenge, confirming Newcastle’s 15th Premiership defeat this season.
Line-ups and replacements included notable players from both teams, with referee Matthew Carley officiating his 150th top-flight match.