There was plenty of grit and determination from a very young Gloucester Rugby side in Saturday's opening Premiership Rugby Cup fixture, and plenty of skill displayed. But London Irish's side featured some grizzled old veterans and the Exiles were just too strong on the day as they ran out winners by 49 points to 29.
Gloucester Rugby’s young side competed gamely against a vastly more experienced London Irish side and that knowhow and physicality eventually proved to be key.
The Cherry and Whites started well and, after penalty kicks were swapped, took a deserved lead when Jake Morris scored wide out on the right.
However, the Exiles then took control of the game as they scored three tries in six minutes through Ross McMillan, George Nott and McMillan again.
The Cherry and Whites could have folded but hit back with a sensational solo score from Aaron Hinkley. When Lloyd Evans intercepted at the start of the second half, it was 22-22 and game on.
However, Irish then started to dominate the collisions as the young Gloucester Rugby side seemed to tire. Scott Steele scored twice and Conor Gilsenan also touched down.
The Cherry and Whites did get some late reward as Louis Rees-Zammit went over to clinch the try-scoring bonus point, but Irish had the final word when Steele completed his hat-trick to make the final score 29-49.
Rees-Zammit dances his way over the line!
Varney puts Howard in space but the ball is dislodged at the final moment
Barton nudges a penalty into the 5m, we have the lineout
The young lads in Cherry and White are still pushing hard here.
We're in the Irish 22.
Scott Steele squeezes over after a penalty give London Irish the field position.
A little disjointed at the moment. Irish force a knock on and will feed the scrum.
Lloyd Evans intercepts and runs 60m to score!
A packed first half from both sides! Irish take the 7 point lead into the break
Conversion is added from in front of the posts.
What a try! Aaron Hinkley run's the length of the field after a turn over!
It's another for Irish as start to pile on the pressure.
Irish go close again down the left wing but they knock on after the kick ahead
Myler adds the extras
George Nott crosses after a break from the Kick Off
Brilliant from the Gloucester backs, as Jake Morris skids over in the corner.
A good break from Chapman take Gloucester well into the Irish half. But Irish win the turn over.
Scrum for the Cherry and White on the 10m
Lloyd Evans looks to the posts.
Lloyd Evans gets us underway
A warm welcome back to Kingsholm for the start to the 2019-20 season!