Gloucester Rugby were pipped by two points in a 16-14 loss to Bath in the West Country derby.

What happened

It was a close, low scoring encounter with both sides being shown red cards over the course of the game on the damp, cold evening.

Gloucester Rugby made things hard for themselves as Val Rapava-Ruskin was red carded for leading with his elbow 10 minutes into the game.

Despite being a man down, Gloucester Rugby led for much of the half and were playing the better rugby. Billy Twelvetrees kicked two penalties adding six points to the scoreboard.

Against the grain of play, Bath made a late attacking surge and made a break which resulted in Taulupe Faletau getting over for a try as the clock hit 40 minutes. Rhys Priestland’s conversion gave the hosts a one-point lead at the break.

Things were equally tight in the second half but it was Bath who put points on the board first through a Priestland penalty.

However, Bath were soon down to 14 men as well after Mike Williams was red carded for making a dangerous tackle on Kyle Moyle.

With both sides now evenly matched for players, the game got even tighter with neither side giving an inch.

At the 60 minute mark, Gloucester Rugby put in a massive defensive effort on their try line to stop a Bath try but before too long Priestland had extended the hosts' lead through a further penalty.

The Cherry and Whites were next to score and hit back through a penalty of their own before Lewis Ludlow got over the try line to put Gloucester Rugby ahead. With just minutes on the clock it looked like the Cherry and Whites could edge the win but a late penalty for Bath saw Priestland slot a kick from 45m out to take the two point win.

Key moment – Lewis Ludlow try

Gloucester Rugby were building momentum and were hurdling their way towards the try line. Louis Rees-Zammit refused to be brought down and kept the attack alive which led to a break which saw Chris Harris whip the ball out to Lewis Ludlow to go over in the right hand corner.

What’s next?
Gloucester Rugby are back in action next Saturday when they host Worcester Warriors at Kingsholm in Round 11 of the Gallagher Premiership.

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