Win not enough for Gloucester
By Tony Curtis
Last Updated: 30/05/24 9:52pm
Gloucester bowed out the EDF Energy Cup despite a 30-12 win over Bath.
EDF Energy Cup, Gloucester v Bath, Kingsholm, Saturday December 2, KO 5.30pm
Gloucester's bid to reach the last four of the EDF Energy Cup ended in despair despite their 30-12 victory over West Country rivals Bath.
The Cherry and Whites needed a bonus point victory and for the Ospreys to lose to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh competition.
However, despite tries from Adam Balding, James Merryman and Willie Walker, as well as a penalty try, Gloucester's efforts were all in vain as the Ospreys beat Bristol by 34-3 to top the group.
Bath played their part in an entertaining contest with Dan Parkes and Tom Cheeseman both crossing for the winless visitors, whose fate in the competition was already known prior to kick-off.
Things had looked bleak for Bath after 18 minutes as Gloucester raced into a 14-0 lead via a penalty try - after the visitors were deemed to have deliberately collapsed a scrum - and Balding's close-range score, plus two Walker conversions.
And although Parkes pulled Bath back into the match on 34 minutes when he burrowed his way over after a catch-and-dive move from a lineout, Walker slotted over a penalty to give the home side a 17-5 lead at half-time.
Rugby league convert Karl Pryce, making his debut following his switch from Bradford Bulls, then set Merryman up 12 minutes into the second half to extend Gloucester's advantage, although Cheeseman's try and Chris Malone's conversion three minutes later at least gave Bath a fighting chance.
However, Walker's penalty - after Dave Ward had been sent to the sin-bin - and 70th-minute try put the result beyond all doubt.
