Gloucester Rugby got back to winning ways with a 26-17 Heineken Champions Cup victory over Connacht Rugby at Kingsholm. Jake Polledri’s try was enough to see him win the 1873 Club Outstanding Moment.

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

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

“A much needed and deserved bonus point win for Gloucester which keeps their European hopes alive and importantly breaks a five game habit of losing matches by a close margin.

“The first half encapsulated Gloucester’s recent run of matches where a lot of good work has been undermined by a lack of accuracy and discipline. A significant turnover count, including several at the breakdown in the Connacht ‘22’, prevented Gloucester from building on an excellent opening spell which registered seven points.

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Simon Devereux conducts the interviews (c) Martin Bennett/ Gloucester Rugby[/caption]

“Gloucester struggled with the French referee which caused a lot of frustration as the half wore on, with the referee clearly irritated with players questioning decisions. This seemed to distract Gloucester from the task in hand as Connacht worked a 7-10 advantage at half time. Gloucester could have levelled but backed themselves to kick to the corner but were unable to score.

“It felt like Gloucester needed a mental reset at half time to turn the tide with the officials and their accuracy in the process. A turning point came when Danny Cipriani intercepted a Connacht attacking play around the Gloucester ‘22’ to go the length of the pitch for Louis Rees-Zammit to put Gloucester 14-10 up.

“Gloucester and the crowd were energised from this point and a good lineout steal from Gloucester on the Connacht ‘22’ led to a period of sustained pressure. Gloucester’s execution and decision making was excellent, making the most of Connacht being reduced to 14 men, to register their third try from a close range scrum position.

“Jake Polledri’s powerful bonus point try capped a sustained dominant period for Gloucester who had kept Connacht scoreless with some good defensive work, until the final play of the game.

“This was a good win against an in-form Connacht side. Whilst Gloucester will recognise there is still a lot to work on with the first half performance, they will take a lot from the way they regrouped at half time to improve their discipline and accuracy to return to winning ways.”

Jake Polledri wins the 1873 Club Outstanding Moment at the Connacht game

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