MATCH REPORT | Gloucester Rugby 43-26 Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks fell to a 43–26 defeat against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm in Round Two of the PREM Rugby Cup.
The Sharks travelled to Kingsholm looking to build on their opening-round victory over Bath, with a mix of youth and experience looking to test themselves ahead of the opening round of the Gallagher PREM.
With Sam Dugdale withdrawn during the warm-up, Christ Tshiunza came into the starting XV, while Charlie Bray moved to the bench after recently captaining England U18s on their tour.
It meant two Sharks would make their debuts, with Bray and Ponipate Loganimasi both earning their first appearances for the club.
Gloucester made the stronger start and took the lead after just four minutes, Ben Redshaw crossing for the opening try.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage through Seb Blake on 13 minutes, with Charlie Atkinson adding the conversion.
Gloucester extended their lead six minutes later when Will Joseph went over, with Atkinson again converting to make it 19–0.
Sale responded with a spell of pressure of their own and finally got their reward on 21 minutes. Alfie Longstaff crossed for the Sharks’ opening try, with Ollie Davies adding the conversion.
Just three minutes later, Sale were over again. Dom Hanson finished off another attacking opportunity to bring the Sharks back into the contest, with Davies’ conversion making it 19–14.
The hosts regained some control as the half progressed, Ollie Thorley crossing in the 27th minute before Atkinson converted.
Sale were dealt another blow shortly before half-time when Ponipati Loganimasi was shown a yellow card in the 37th minute.
Gloucester took advantage of the extra man and added a fifth try through Blake on the stroke of half-time, with Atkinson’s conversion sending the hosts into the break 31–14 ahead.
The home side added another score just three minutes after the restart, Max Knight crossing to extend Gloucester’s advantage.
But Sale continued to show plenty of fight.
Nathan Jibulu crossed in the 51st minute for the Sharks’ third try, with Davies converting to bring the score to 38–21.
Just two minutes later, Sale struck again. Tom O’Flaherty went over to give the Sharks a fourth try and further reduce the deficit.
The visitors continued to push for a way back into the game, but Gloucester’s first-half advantage ultimately proved too much to overturn.
The hosts secured a 43–26 victory at Kingsholm, leaving the Sharks with one win and one defeat from their opening two PREM Rugby Cup fixtures.
With valuable minutes under their belts and plenty of positives to take from their attacking response, Sale now turn their attention towards the start of the Gallagher PREM campaign.
We are back home in just two weeks time. Start our PREM journey with us, secure your seat here.
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