Gloucester Rugby put in a strong performance against Lyon but the French sides' experience and physicality showed as the Cherry and Whites come away with the 19-13 loss to the Top 14 team.
What Happened?
Cameron Jordan came on off the bench to score the Cherry and White’s try in the second half after what was an arm wrestle of an opening 40 minutes.
Both sides were evenly matched, and it was a tight first half with the Gloucester Rugby side dominating in certain areas of the game.
Our scrum was on the front foot and considering the relative inexperience of the side, things looked positive as we went into the break 6-3 down.
There were some crucial moments in the game and turnovers from Santigao Socino and Jack Clement really helped knock Lyon’s momentum and keep us in the game.
In the second half, Billy Twelvetrees was able to draw us level thanks to a penalty but it was Lyon who went over for the first try of the game when Jordan Taufua got over the line. The conversion was good and Lyon extended their lead.
After missing his first kick at goal, Doussain was accurate from the tee and slotted another penalty to keep the home side ticking.
Having been forced off the pitch for a HIA, Santiago Carreras returned to the field wanting to make a real impression and sparked a great attacking display from the Cherry and Whites through a silky line break.
The move created the momentum for Cameron Jordan, who was playing for Hartpury last weekend, to collect the ball and the second row refused to be brought down until he was over the try line.
The conversion was good and we were suddenly back in the game with the score 16-13.
However, Lyon were able to capitalise on a Gloucester Rugby error and Pelissie slotted the penalty to extend the Lyon lead.
At the end of the game, Gloucester Rugby refused to give up and Jack Clement kick started a big dash to the line. The attack was good and progress was made but in the end we were held up in the tackle and when the maul was called and the ball didn’t come out, Lyon knew they had won the game.
However, Gloucester Rugby's efforts are rewarded with the losing bonus point and each individual will hold their head high having given the best representation of themselves for the full 80 minutes.
What’s next?
Our European Challenge Cup campaign will continue against Benetton at Kingsholm on Friday 17 December. Tickets are available here.
What a great effort by every individual. We take the losing bonus point and can leave with our heads held high.
We make up some serious metres. Jack Clement makes a great break but a few phases later the maul is called and the game ends.
Ciaran Knight is on.
Bryan O'Connor is on.
Lyon have the put in to the scrum.
Twelvetrees goes for the crossfield kick but it doesn't pay off. We go back to the penalty and go for the corner.
Another Gloucester Rugby penalty at the scrum! Our lads are ripping it up.
Wian Conradie is on for Freddie Thomas.
Pelissie adds the three for Lyon.
He's pinched the ball. Great work from the youngster.
Tom Seabrook is on for Alex Morgan.
Come on lads!!!
Twelvetrees adds the extras.
Cameron Jordan scores!!! Santoiago Carreras makes the break and Cameron Jordan shows real skill to finish it off.
Carreras is back from his HIA. Cameron Jordan is on.
Doussain adds the three.
Killian Geraci gets over the try line for Lyon. But the TMO says no try for obstruction. We go back for the Lyon penalty and they go for goal.
The French side have found another gear. They win the penalty and are now attacking 5m out.
Charlie Chapman is on for Stephen Varney.
The conversion is good.
Lyon maul their way over the line and Jordan Taufua gets the score.
Twelvetrees adds the three. We draw level.
Jake Morris is on for Santiago Carreras. Think it's for an HIA.
We win another penalty at the scrum! Big shift! Twelvetrees goes for goal.
Yes! The ball was out and the second row pinched it. It launches a great attack and Santiago Carreras makes a break.
George Barton kicks us off!
A very close opening 40 minutes.
Great work over the ball! We win the penalty with just seconds left this half.
Some great attack from Gloucester Rugby but Lyon secure the penalty and will have an easy exit.
Lyon knock on. We have another scrum. Big shift again please lads!
Another great shift at the scrum! Yes lads! They're being sent into reverse!!!
Here we go. In our 22. A good opportunity to exit.
We do well but then hold onto the ball at the breakdown. Lyon go for touch.
Jack Clement clamps over the ball and wins us a penalty. That ends Lyon's flowing attack and Billy will go for touch.
They clear the ball and we have the lineout in our half.
Lyon kick the ball out on the full. We have the lineout in their half.
Doussain slots the kick.
Another Lyon penalty. They go for goal again.
They go quick and Twelvetrees collects the ball. He clears it down the field.
Santiago Socino wins a turnover penalty! Great work at the breakdown. We have the lineout now in the Lyon half.
Yes Bill.
What a shift at the scrum! We secure the penalty and Billy Twelvetrees has called for the tee.
Lyon knock the ball on so we have the scrum. A chance to reset but we go again now.
Billy Twelvetrees takes the ball from the lineout and we launch a good attack. But We then spill the ball forward, giving Lyon the scrum.
Doussain gets Lyon on the scoreboard.
We are penalised for collapsing the scrum. Lyon go for goal.
Our defence stays strong for now but there are some big carries coming in.
Lyon knock the ball forward off the re-start. We have the put in to the scrum. Come on Glaws!
Lyon's shot at goal goes wide.
Lyon are very physical but we do well to make some ground. George Barton does well but Billy Twelvetrees is offside so Lyon have the penalty and they go for goal.
Lima Sopoaga kicks us off!
Just 10 minutes until kick-off!
Zoe Aldcroft has been named World Rugby's player of the year! Check out how she found out she'd won.
I think it's fair to say she was a little bit shocked!!!
Bonjour! We're all set at the Matmut Stadium for our Round 1 European Challenge Cup fixture against Lyon.
We're looking forward to cheering our lads on and will be bringing you live updates from the game.
Kick-off 8pm UK time (9pm for those out in France!)