Gloucester Rugby delivered a powerful performance to defeat Sale Sharks 43-17 in the penultimate round of the PREM Rugby Cup at Kingsholm on Friday night. The Cherry and Whites dazzled with seven tries, scored by Seb Blake, Charlie Atkinson, Danny Eite, Will Trenholm, Josh Hathaway, and Ben Redshaw, who touched down twice.
Gloucester’s defense held strong for 50 minutes before Sale managed three tries from Alex Willis (two) and Ethan Caine in the second half. This dominant display places Gloucester at the top of Pool A, with their fate now hinging on the upcoming Bath versus Exeter Chiefs game to determine qualification scenarios.
Rugby writer Jack Tozer provides in-depth player ratings reflecting the key contributors to Gloucester’s triumph.
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Ben Redshaw (Full Back) – 8
Redshaw ignited the clash early, scoring the opening try with a stunning 40-metre, evasive run that showcased his pace and strength. Defensively solid, he recovered the ball under pressure multiple times and capitalized on opponents’ errors, marking him as a pivotal force behind Gloucester’s attacking momentum.
Josh Hathaway (Wing) – 7
Noted for his tireless defensive work, Hathaway’s commitment to crucial tackles and positional discipline stood out. Patient until late in the game, he finished with a spectacular chip-and-chase try, capping off Gloucester’s scoring efforts.
Josiah Edwards Giraud (Centre) – 7
Firm in midfield defense, Edwards Giraud’s tenacity helped maintain a solid defensive wall alongside Max Knight. His defensive prowess was a key factor in limiting Sale’s attacking options.
Max Knight (Centre) – 7
Knight’s attacking flair shone through with incisive passing and a strong line break, especially in the second half. After an early setback, he adapted well and provided vital creative sparks in the backline.
Ollie Thorley (Wing) – 7
Thorley’s influence extended beyond scoring, as he actively supported teammates and forced defensive errors leading to tries. His awareness and unselfish play directly contributed to Gloucester’s try count.
Charlie Atkinson (Fly-Half) – 9
Atkinson orchestrated Gloucester’s offense with flair and precision, delivering critical passes that unlocked defenses and scoring two tries himself. Despite a brief sin-bin spell, his vision and composure on the ball were exemplary.
Caolan Englefield (Scrum-Half) – 9
Returning from injury, Englefield impressed with his sharp distribution and tactical kicking. His control of the game tempo and involvement in attacking moves made him instrumental in Gloucester’s overall dominance.
Val Rapava Ruskin (Lock) – 7
In only a half on the field, Ruskin showcased powerful defense with impactful tackles and was a strong presence at set pieces, contributing to Gloucester’s physical edge.
Seb Blake (Hooker) – 8
Blake’s all-round performance featured dynamic support play, a well-taken try, and relentless defensive effort. His ability to blend physicality with skill was a highlight.
Afo Fasogbon (Prop) – 7
Fasogbon played a crucial role in maintaining scrum dominance, earning valuable penalties and reinforcing Gloucester’s solid forward platform.
Danny Eite (Second Row) – 8
Eite was relentless around the ruck, continually disrupting Sale’s ball and finishing with a vital charge-down try that secured Gloucester’s bonus point.
Matias Alemanno (Lock) – 7
Alemanno’s lineout disruption frustrated Sale throughout, and his astute offloads demonstrated Gloucester’s fluid attacking approach.
James Venter (Flanker) – 6
Venter impacted with strong carries before a head injury forced his early withdrawal.
Lewis Ludlow (Captain, Flanker) – 8
Ludlow led by example with his physicality and work rate, dominating the breakdown and making key lineout interventions, ensuring Gloucester maintained control.
Will Trenholm (Number Eight) – 8
Trenholm’s tireless work rate and try-scoring effort showcased his determination. His seamless connection with Alemanno in ball carries was instrumental in the forward dominance.
Replacements such as Dian Bleuler, Ciaran Knight, and Josh Basham contributed solidly to maintain Gloucester’s intensity during the closing stages.
With this emphatic win, Gloucester Rugby have set a strong foundation for advancing from Pool A, blending a powerful forward display with sharp, clinical backline execution.