The fixture was played in three 20 minute periods in order for the coaching team of Peter Buxton and Sean Lynn to play all of their 26 man squad selected from the School of Rugby programme run in partnership between Gloucester Rugby and Gloucestershire RFU.
In the first third the Gloucester youngsters took control of the game and quickly imposed themselves on the opposition through their driving forwards game and the excellent penetrative running of their centres.
Within 5 minutes a driving maul from a lineout resulted in a try for second row Jordan Hancock as Gloucester took the lead 5 - 0.
This score was quickly backed up by an excellent try through Oliver Thorley who ran a superb angle for a strike move from the base of the scrum, beating his opposite man before rounding the full back to score under the posts. Fly Half Clayton Dee added the extras.
Saracens came back at the hosts as the end of the first third approached and scored a try of their own out wide following several phases of sustained attack.
In the second third of the game both teams brought a number of fresh players onto the field and the game continued at the same bone crunching intensity.
Gloucester picked up where they had left off and continued to apply pressure in the opponents half. Following a number of repelled attacks on the Saracens line Oliver Thorley again showed great footwork and pace to beat two men to cross the line following quick thinking from scrum half Jack Lister. Clayton Dee again converted from close range.
Saracens responded to this score in typical fashion and raised their game to meet the Gloucester challenge. They quickly scored another well worked try wide channel following some a period of fantastic scramble defence by Gloucester and added the extra 2 points.
Saracens continued to pound away at the Gloucester line for the remainder of the half adding two more converted tries to ensure victory in the second third and take an overall lead of 19 - 24.
The final third saw Gloucester rally around the leadership of their captain for the day, prop Ellery Millar, as both teams continued to produce a high quality display but fail to score. This resulted in both teams winning one third each, drawing the final third, with a final score of 19-24 to Saracens.
Coach Peter Buxton was delighted with the way the squad had performed:
"The guys came together really well as a team today, the work-rate and desire to play for Gloucester Rugby was evident in each and every player and we can't ask much more than that as coaches.
"The purpose of the game, from both clubs perspectives, was to allow us to see all of our squad in action, under pressure, against high quality opposition.
"We did just that and are now able to review the video, assess each player's development to date and look to improve these players during the coming season".
To view a selection of images from the game, click HERE to view our picture gallery and, if you would like to purchase any images from the game, you can view a wider selection by visiting the club photographer's website HERE.
