By Cherry Picker
October 10 2009
Coach Bryan Redpath admitted it wasn’t pretty, and it most certainly wasn’t as Gloucester began their Heineken cup campaign with a narrow 19-17 win over Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingsholm. But it was a win, and after the start they’ve had to the season, Glaws and their fans should be grateful for that.
Nicky Robinson (right) was the match-winner with 14 of his team’s points, four penalties and a conversion of Akapusi Qera’s try in reply to the Dragons’ two converted tries and a penalty.
There was drama, Robinson winning the game with a late penalty, but not a huge amount of quality. However, Glaws did show a lot of spirit as they fought back for the win and the performance gives the coach something to build on.
Redpath told the BBC: "I have been very critical during the past two or three weeks.
"We've got to keep plugging away and hope that we get some continuity in our game. You have just got to dig in.
"We dug in tonight, and we can take some credit for that. We have won our last two games without being pretty."
Injuries again played their part as Mike Tindall and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu failed fitness tests and sat the game out, but Glaws at last showed signs of facing up to the task they have to make something of their season and while Dragons might claim they should have won, the home team’s spirit – and Robinson’s kicking - paid off in the end.
Next weekend it’s another Heineken Cup test, this time against an improving and very threatening-looking Biarritz.
Dare we look?
Quote:Next weekend it’s back to Guinness Premiership action as London Wasps visit Kingsholm for another live Sky TV game on Saturday evening, and the Glaws fans in the crowd of 11,846 who watched the Dragons game will hopefully be back to help Glaws continue their recovery.
Next Game