Runners-up in the competition last season, Richard Whiffin's charges put in an impressive performance at Irish's Hazelwood training base to secure a bonus point win.

It was a young squad that the Cherry and Whites called on to kick off the new campaign, all eager to impress.

And on a dry evening, on a pristine surface, the evening was ideal for rugby, and perfect for two young and exciting sides.

After an early Irish attack, the Gloucester defence was up to the task, it was determined work that yielded the opening score of the night.

A loose ball was swept up by Charlie Chapman who pinned his ears back to scorch away from Tom Parton to open the scoring. Carwyn Penny's conversion edged just wide.

Minutes later, the Cherry and Whites struck with a long-range cracker. Neat work down the left from Callum Braley, allowed Chapman the room to run, and via Penny's hands, Tom Hudson applied the finishing touch in the corner. Penny struck the upright with his touchline conversion.

Irish replied well, and a penalty gave them the territory to attack and, despite a good set of pressure from the Gloucester defence, the hosts earned the room for Tom Parton to straighten the line and score. Jacob Atkins converting.

Pressure was the name of the game from United, and after Tom Hudson's fine kick gained territory, a strong maul saw Callum Braley spin away and although he was snagged close to the line, back rower Will Safe was on hand to pick up and score.

Gloucester were finding some good positions in attack, but were denied by a turnover following fine link up play from Reece Dunn and Gareth Evans.

It had been a strong start offensively, but United had to work overtime in defence as Irish assumed control of the game. A number of close range drives were repelled, despite a few indiscretions.

The Cherry and Whites weathered the storm, and were able to enjoy some dangerous possession of their own and, but for the eagle-eyed officials, would've had their fourth try as Penny was adjudged to have knocked on as he chased his own kick ahead.

Penny was pulling the strings nicely for United, and it wasn't long until he got the score he deserved. More good carrying from Tom Hudson provided the front foot ball, and after a number of close range bursts, Callum Braley swept the ball out to Penny for an easy finish next to the posts.

United introduced Hartpury's Alex Ducker and Cameron Orr at the break, with Charlie Chapman moving to his more familiar scrum half role.

Irish signalled their intent to get back in the game soon after the break, and as a Gloucester back line move broke down, Ben Ransom was quickest to the loose ball. Hacking ahead and winning the race, his back-door offload found centre Matt Williams for the score, which was converted well by Atkins.

Henry Trinder was then the creator, and the scorer of a well worked Gloucester score. Swooping on a loose kick from Atkins, the centre stepped out of the tackles to take play deep in the 22.

Gloucester were patient and recycled, with Charlie Chapman spinning the ball wide for Trinder to dive over in the corner, and fly half Penny converted superbly with the breeze from wide.

Irish came attacking again, but the Gloucester defence was in no mood to relent. Solid work around the fringes stopped all the Exiles' momentum, and following a crunching and brave hit from Tom Denton, United earned the knock on.

A number of attacking opportunities came to nothing, but United were looking strong, with their forward pack leading the way even after a number of replacements.

Irish responded well from the Gloucester pressure, and Ben Ransom swept over in the corner with United stretched.

With the Exiles threatening a comeback, United rallied well and after neat work from the pack, Chapman pulled the strings for Henry Walker to send replacement Aquillen Smith over. Penny again superbly converting.