Fraser Balmain’s second half try, following good lineout driving play by the Gloucester Rugby forwards, in last Friday’s Gallagher Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks saw him win the 1873 Club Outstanding Moment for the match.

Following the game Fraser came into the Abbey Business Lounge alongside team-mates Tom Marshall and Jake Polledri, and took part in the post-match Q&A for 1873 Club Members, hosted by former Gloucester back row forward Simon Devereux.

Frasier was then presented with the award by Devs, who provided the following summary of the game.

“Sale arrived with one of the best defensive records in the Premiership and Gloucester struggled to break them down in wet and windy weather conditions.

“Gloucester had the edge in the first half and totally dominated the first quarter territorially but were unable to register any points. Their opening two lineouts were good but when a rare close-range lineout opportunity presented itself, Gloucester were unable to execute, which proved costly.

“Gloucester started positively in attack but struggled to look after the ball in several contact situations. The strong Sale defense and wet conditions called for pragmatism in contact as Gloucester were ambitious in trying to play at pace.

“Eight first half penalties conceded, enabled Sale to gradually build field position and somewhat fortuitously a 0-10 half time lead with a try which bounced off several players. Gloucester’s scrum finished the half well earning two penalties.

“Crucially, Sale scored first after the break when Gloucester struggled to exit having turned over a Sale lineout 5 metres out. Sale were positive kicking to the corner and clinically finished a driving lineout to lead 0-15 which felt significant.

“A big Gloucester scrum on the Sale ‘22’ caused an error and two quality Gloucester lineouts resulted in Fraser Balmain crashing over. This transformed the atmosphere in the ground with the crowd appreciating some good driving play from the forwards.

“At 10-15 the momentum felt with Gloucester but confusion within their own ‘22’ meant the ball was lost in contact enabling Sale to strike back. This was a crucial score swinging momentum back to Sale at 10-20. Gloucester remained positive and more good lineout work enabled Gloucester to get within three points after a TMO review, with Billy Twelvetrees showing good alertness to score.

“There were a lot of good components within Gloucester’s performance but collectively there will be continued frustration at the error and penalty counts. Address those and Gloucester will be back to winning ways soon. Falling 0-15 behind, especially considering the difficult weather conditions, left them a mountain to climb.”

Fraser Balmain wins the 1873 Club Outstanding Moment at the Sale Sharks game

Related News