Monday 20 April 2015 10:54, UK
Gloucester booked their place in the European Challenge Cup final with a 30-19 victory over West Country rivals Exeter at Kingsholm on Saturday.
While the Chiefs may be flying high in the Premiership, they were unable to reach their first European final as Gloucester ran out winners courtesy of tries from Bill Meakes, Tom Savage and Jonny May.
In a cagey opening to the game it took 18 minutes before the first points were scored, Greg Laidlaw kicking a penalty for the hosts. Henry Slade replied for Exeter shortly afterwards before centre Bill Meakes crashed over for the only try of the first half just past the half hour.
Fly-halves James Hook and Slade then traded penalties to give the Cherry and Whites a 13-6 lead at the break.
The visiting 10 nailed a further two kicks in the opening stages of the second period to bring the Chiefs back to within a point of their hosts and that was how it stayed until 12 minutes from time.
Gloucester seized control of the match at that stage as man-of-the-match Savage went over, Laidlaw kicked the conversion before adding another penalty four minutes later.
That looked to have sealed the win before replacement Elvis Taione forced the ball over the line for Exeter’s only try of the match inside the final five minutes.
The Chiefs were all set for a final assault on the Gloucester line in the closing stages until a fumble allowed Jonny May to collect the ball and sprint clear to score in the corner.
Laidlaw again converted to start the celebrations among the home supporters who can now prepare for a showdown with Edinburgh at the Stoop on May 1.
