Gloucester were denied a first A League victory of the season at Imber Court on Monday evening when Jack Wallace's injury time try snatched a 14-10 win for London Wasps.
The score spelled redemption for the young full back who had earlier gifted Gloucester an early try when his cheeky chip ahead from his own 22 was blocked and gathered by Robbie Winchell for the score. Gloucester should have extended their lead on 38 minutes when they set up a huge overlap on the right, but Chris Elder came in from his wing to put in a try saving tackle.
Gloucester were then awarded a penalty, almost in front of the posts, but they turned down the opportunity of three simple points and went for the corner. Lineout possession set up a powerful drive, which forced its way over the line but the ball was not grounded.
The resultant scrum created the momentum for Apo Satala to gather and go over for a try, which Mike Wilcox was again unable to convert.
The second half was a tight affair, with neither side able to set up any real scoring chances. With Hazell showing all his experience at the breakdown to win a series of turnovers,and Wasps unable to capitalise on some good field positions, an away win seemed on the cards.
However, Wasps never gave up and the game suddenly burst into life in the 71st minute when Mark Odejobi, in his new position of openside flanker, blocked a clearance kick just outside the Gloucester 22.
As had happened with the first Gloucester try, the ball ballooned into the air,and Odejobi showed his pace to gather and crash over. Eoghan Hickey's conversion set up an exciting finale.
Wasps now began to produce their best rugby of the night, and one flowing move went almost the length of the field. A minute later, Hickey came within a whisker of a matchwinning try, when he chipped over the defence and was just beaten to the touchdown. It was so close a call that referee Rob Debney consulted his assistant before awarding a 22 drop out.
Not surprisingly, Gloucester opted to kick long, but Wasps ran it back and patiently kept the ball alive through numerous phases, before pressure near the left corner created the chance for Wallace to dart through a gap and snatch a sensational victory.
Hickey's conversion sealed the dramatic comeback, to make the final score 14-10.