(c) Martin Bennett / Gloucester Rugby 

A strong Saracens side defeated Gloucester Rugby 44-15 at Kingsholm to progress to the semi-final of the Challenge Cup.

Gloucester Rugby put up a strong test and fought until the end but were ultimately the second best side on the evening.

What happened?

Owen Farrell kicked three first half penalties and converted Aled Davies’ try to give our visitors a 16-5 lead at the break.

Jack Singleton pushed himself over for a maul try to give the Cherry and Whites five points in what was a close fought opening 40 minutes.

The two sides were both shown yellow cards. Ollie Thorley for a high hit with Jamie George’s attempt on Jordy Reid given the same punishment.

With the score 16-5 at half time, Gloucester Rugby were first to get on the board in the second half with Adam Hastings slotting a penalty after Duncan Taylor was caught sealing at the breakdown.

The visitors then hit back with four tries through Maro Itoje, Nick Tompkins, Jamie George and Duncan Taylor with Farrell adding the extras every time.

Val Rapava-Ruskin was shown yellow for playing the ball on the floor, making any hopes of a comeback challenging.

Staying in the fight for the full 80 however, Louis Rees-Zammit received the ball with just minutes to go. The winger gathered his own chip to score under the posts with Billy Twelvetrees’ conversion adding the extras.

The result means that Gloucester Rugby are knocked out of the Challenge Cup with Saracens progressing to the semi-final.

What’s next?

Gloucester Rugby are back in Premiership action on Saturday 21 May when the Cherry and Whites travel to Twickenham to take on Harlequins.