London Irish pipped by undefeated Gloucester in difficult conditions

London Irish fell to a 20-19 defeat against Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership U18 league. Conditions were less than ideal as the entire game was played on a slippery surface in the driving rain. Despite the scoreline London Irish will be proud of the way in which they controlled the majority of the game. The result leaves Gloucester unbeaten at the top of the Southern Conference.

        Irish were still looking for their opening win of the U18 league season, but have put together some impressive attacking performances so far. London Irish have given a number of young players opportunity this season with half of the starting side including U17 players, featuring in the squad a year earlier than most. Those younger players include Will Sinfield and Sam Clough who were part of the England U16 squad last season.

Conditions made for a tough game at Dean Close School, Cheltenham

        Gloucester raced to an early 10-0 lead with a penalty kick and try from a charged down kick. Irish pinned Gloucester back however, as backrow Gwilym Bradley broke through a gap in the defence before putting in a neat chip through that winger Oscar Blanchard finished in the corner. Gloucester finished the half with a score as another charge down deep in Gloucester territory allowed the Cherry and Whites to race away to give themselves a 15-5 lead at the break.

        Despite Irish continuing the second half with the majority of possession and territory it was Gloucester who scored first. A driving maul from a penalty was defended well and stopped just short but quick handling from the backs saw a try in the corner. Irish hit back soon after with a deserved score and reward for the dominant forward pack. The 20 metre drive from a maul resulted in an Irish penalty, kicked to the corner and another powerful maul was stopped illegally by Gloucester and saw the referee under the posts for a penalty try.

        Despite the horrendous conditions both sides still endeavoured to shift the ball and put pressure on their opponent. Irish showed some solid defence on their own 5m line with Gloucester looking to restore their lead. Irish moved to within one point of Gloucester with the next score. The maul was used to great effect again, before replacement scrum-half Gruffydd Williams saw a gap and darted through the Gloucester defence to score. A difficult conversion slotted by Will Sinfield  made the score 20-19.

        Irish again went back to some solid defence work deep inside their own half before turning the ball over and attempting to attack from deep in the final play. Irish were finally put to bed as a tackle into touch saw the game end and Gloucester hold on to a 20-19 victory in difficult conditions.

        Irish should be proud of a well disciplined and dominant performance, with the majority of territory and possession, but just lacking the composure to finish off some opportunities in the pouring rain. The forwards produced a stunning performance up front, with prop Brandon Baker and backrow star Ben Donnell leading the line. Sam Clough, at scrum half, also stood out with good distribution despite the conditions.

        Irish will be pleased to have provided such resistant opposition to the best side in the conference, especially their defensive effort with the game on the line. They will look to build on the performance as they face Saracens at Hazelwood on Saturday 3^rd February.