In a tightly contested West Country derby at Kingsholm on Friday night, Gloucester Rugby emerged victorious with a 19-17 win over Bath Rugby in Round Four of the PREM Rugby Cup pool stage. This victory snapped Gloucester’s recent run of derby defeats and strengthened their position atop Pool A.
Gloucester’s tries came from Josh Hathaway, Kealan Freeman-Price, and Will Knight, while Bath matched that with tries from Austin Emens, Ethan Staddon, and Tyler Offiah. The difference was made by Gloucester fly-half George Barton’s accurate kicking, converting two crucial tries that ultimately edged the Cherry and Whites ahead.
Bath had a late chance to steal the game when their young fly-half James Linegar missed a penalty in the 71st minute that would have put the visitors in front. Instead, Gloucester held on for a vital win that keeps them at the top of their pool, with Bath sitting third.
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Here’s a detailed look at the Gloucester players’ individual performances from rugby writer Jack Tozer:
Jake Morris (15) – 7
The reliable full-back cleaned up loose balls and showed tactical awareness by exploiting gaps in Bath’s chase. His precise passing helped set up Will Knight’s try, underscoring his vision and creativity.
Josh Hathaway (14) – 7
Hathaway’s energetic kicking game put Bath under pressure early on. His relentless chasing paid off when he forced a Bath turnover that led to a try in the opposite corner, making him a constant threat.
Will Knight (13) – 7
The 18-year-old centre impressed both offensively and defensively, showing promising confidence. His skillful footwork and finishing ability earned him a key try that gave Gloucester the halftime lead.
Max Knight (12) – 6
Playing alongside his brother, Max was a solid presence in midfield, making crucial defensive decisions that stifled Bath’s attacks. His clever grubber kick nearly set up a try for Will Knight.
Jack Cotgreave (11) – 7
Full of energy, Cotgreave contributed significantly with strong ball carries and gritty defense, including a pivotal cover tackle. Despite a minor error in kicking, his tenacity shone through all night.
George Barton (10) – 8
Barton controlled the game with an inventive kicking display, mixing tactical lobs and territory-gaining punts. His two critical conversions proved decisive and cement his growing claim to the number 10 jersey.
Mikey Austin (9) – 6
Austin provided accurate service to the backs and was unafraid to use tactical kicks to disrupt Bath’s defense, helping Gloucester maintain attacking momentum.
Dian Bleuler (1) – 7
Starting strong in the front row, Bleuler impressed with his tackling and scrummaging, coming back on after a brief injury without showing fatigue. His leadership helped stabilize the forward pack.
Kealan Freeman-Price (2) – 6
The young hooker showed modern flair, capitalizing on loose ball opportunities including his try. However, Gloucester’s lineout delivery struggled, affected by Bath’s aggressive disruptions.
Nepo Laulala (3) – 6
Despite an early sin bin and injury, Laulala’s physical presence and experience were invaluable, especially in the scrum, helping Gloucester maintain forward dominance.
Cam Jordan (4) – 5
The lineout caller had a challenging evening as Bath frequently stole Gloucester’s throw-ins, impacting Gloucester’s set-piece platform throughout the match.
Hugh Bokenham (5) – 6
Active in open play and offering strong carries, Bokenham was unfortunate to knock on near the try line but contributed effectively despite lineout struggles.
Deian Gwynne (6) – 6
A defensive workhorse, Gwynne made crucial hits and turnovers, helping Gloucester repel Bath’s advances and secure key penalties in physical exchanges.
Harry Taylor (7) – 7
The captain was a disruptive force at the breakdown, making cleanouts and turnovers that prevented Bath from gaining momentum late in the game.
Will Trenholm (8) – 8
Trenholm seized his chance with assertive ball carries and leadership at the set-piece, although he misfielded a critical lineout throw. His impact helped propel Gloucester forward.
Replacements George Knowles (16) and others provided stability and maintained pressure, contributing to Gloucester’s overall team effort in securing the win.
Gloucester’s combination of youthful enthusiasm and experienced composure ensured they overcame Bath’s threats to earn a vital pool stage victory in the PREM Rugby Cup.