By Cherry Picker
October 4 2009
If Gloucester had played well at Leeds, they would have won by a much bigger scoreline than 26-10, where the Yorkshire club had made it clear they were targeting a much-needed home victory. But the result makes them clear early-season favourites for a rapid return to where they came from, easing the pressure on Gloucester in what looks like being a transitional season for them.
Gloucester started the game as if they were heading for defeat, Nicky Robinson missing a penalty before Leeds took the lead with a converted try after just three minutes.
Robinson did get a couple of penalties, but with Leeds getting one of their own it looked bleak at 10-6 to the home team at half-time.
Leeds had two players sin-binned in quick succession and Glaws took advantage soon after the break, Olivier Azam going over after a line-out. Robinson converted and James Simpson-Daniel quickly scored another try to make life look a little easier for Glaws.
Robinson added another penalty and Mike Tindall (right) finished the scoring with a late try from way out, but appeared to be injured in the process. At 26-10, it looks a good away win, but it was far from a great day out for Gloucester.
They won, comfortably in the end, but for long spells they were second best and hardly ever looked a good team either in attack or in defence.
It was absolutely vital that Glaws won this game against the bottom team, and they at least managed that.
But it wasn’t a totally satisfactory team display and at the moment Gloucester should be thankful that Leeds are getting no results, and a couple of other teams are just as inconsistent at Glaws are.
It looks as if we are in for a frustrating few months.
Thank goodness for yo-yo club Leeds.
Two Glaws players face hearings on Monday, Olivier Azam accused of kicking England captain Steve Borthwick and Adam Eustace charged with a stamp on Justin Marshall, both incidents alleged to have happened in the defeat against Saracens.
Quote:Adam Eustace charged with a stamp on Justin Marshall,
