Aviva Premiership: Gloucester edge Exeter at Sandy Park
Last Updated: 03/01/15 9:51pm
Gloucester scraped past Exeter by the narrowest of margins as they triumphed 26-25 in their Aviva Premiership clash at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Tries from Matt Jess, Jack Nowell and Thomas Waldrom were not enough for the home team as Greg Laidlaw's boot saw Gloucester home.
A poor first half from both teams left the half-time score at 6-0 to Gloucester thanks to the boot of scrum-half Laidlaw, but the second half provided five tries as a late conversion miss from Exeter proved the difference on the day.
Exeter had enjoyed dominance in the first half but were unable to convert their chances as they went into the break scoreless. Their suffering was increased by a drop goal from centre Billy Twelvetrees, who slotted the kick in the 45th minute to give his team the perfect start to the second half.
The score sparked a comeback from the hosts, who grabbed two tries in as many minutes to take the lead, with wingers Matt Jess and Jack Nowell doing the damage. Fly-half Gareth Steenson added the conversions to make it 14-9 to the home side in the 51st minute.
Gloucester were not to be outdone as they scored a try a minute later through second rower Tom Savage which was converted by Laidlaw.
Steenson then kicked two penalties to Laidlaw’s one, reclaiming a 20-19 lead as the game went into the final quarter with both teams in an attacking mood.
It was Gloucester who scored next though, as No 8 Ben Morgan crashed over before his opposite number Thomas Waldrom did the same with ten minutes remaining.
The difference between the two teams was provided by Greg Laidlaw, who slotted his conversion attempt over while Steenson sent his attempt wide of the poles, giving Gloucester a close 26-25 away win.
