ANOTHER FALSE DAWN?
Maybe but the performance of the Cherry and Whites in victory over old rivals Bath was enough to revive hope after the dregs of despair which marked the end of last season.
Dean Ryan never got to grips with the ELVs, consequently players were stifled as games degenerated into glorified second-class kicking contests. Frustrating for players and fans alike and achieved nothing of note other than disharmony.
If this is to be a memorable season only time will tell but the portents of the Bryan Redpath stewardship are encouraging.
One swallow does not make a summer so let’s not get too carried away. Two of Gloucester’s three tries were from sharp interceptions, whilst poor Bath missed all their kicks at goal but overall there is a more positive atmosphere at Kingsholm this season.
Unlike the long running summer of discontent and the Bloodgate saga, the new blood in the Gloucester side in the shape of four debutantes, Nicky Robinson, Tom Voyce, Sapolu and Dave Attwood all created the right impression which augurs well for the future.
It was the class and experience of Welsh international No.10 Nicky Robinson that shone through as he was the axis on which the Gloucester game-plan revolved. Unlike the half-backs of last season Robinson invariably made the right options, with a skilful kicking game ensuring the game was played in the right areas which caused problems for Bath, mixed up with astute handling which kept Gloucester on top in the first half exchanges.
It was Robinson who was first to put points on the board for the home side with a well struck penalty as Gloucester made all the early running having the better of the scrappy exchanges.
Gloucester’s all-round dominance was rewarded with a sharp try as the pack recycled efficiently, enabling Robinson to create space for Sapolu to set up James Simpson-Daniel to cross wide out. Robinson converted to ease the hosts into a ten point lead.
In marked contrast Bath’s Ryan Davis missed all his kicks and the visitors were forced to defend for long periods.
Full back Tom Voyce made a fine break but the final pass to winger Charlie Sharples went astray and the chance was missed.
Gloucester were reduced to 14 men when wound-up human dynamo Andy Hazell was sin-binned for stamping but the visitors were unable to take advantage.
Bath did improve after the interval, although noticeably, kicks at goal were spurned opting for touch instead.
However some of the visitor’s play was sloppy and Sinbad made them pay when he snapped up a loose pass to race away for his second try. Robinson added the extras to ease the lead to 17 points before Gloucester lost skipper Mike Tindall with what looked like a rib injury to be replaced by the impressive recruit Tim Molenaar whose direct play caught the eye.
Bath then had a greater share of the ball in the second half but despite their off-loading and back-up play they looked limited and lacked a real cutting edge to make the concerted impression needed to break down Gloucester's determined defence.
Former Bath centre Sapolu did make a very positive debut to trouble his former team mates who did make a sharp well-taken try for Hape but it was too little too late to make any difference to the outcome.
Fittingly it was Gloucester’s Nicky Robinson who had the last word when he too seized upon an interception to go clear and touch down under the posts to complete the agony for a disappointing Bath side.
As for the Cherry and Whites, probably better than expected. Perhaps this season will also turn out better than expected. Time alone will tell but we live in hope.
T.H.- 7/9/2009

Pricey's Postscript
For a first game that was a good performance.
Everyone had a good game albeit there were some sloppy hands and silly penalties throughout. Some attention needs to be paid to the base of the ruck where I thought Gloucester were a distinct second best.
That said the line-out looked rock solid both in attack and defence. The defence was superb and apart from the try and one good break by Claasens ( I wish he played for Glaws!) it was watertight all afternoon.
Robinson is a class act with a sharp rugby brain and a pair of safe hands and feet. EFS is a seasoned pro and Molenaar will continue to blossom.
Gloucester should have made more of their first half dominance by at least one more try but they made up for it in the second half when overall Bath were the dominant team.
Bryan Redpath's game plan was spot on and was well executed. I turned up this afternoon a sceptic and left as a disciple!
John Price - 6/9/2009
The beating of Bath
I said last week that friendlies don't give you a true reflection of what the season may bring, how true that was, although 1 win does not make us champions.
A thoroughly entertaining game in which the Cherry & Whites showed that they can and will compete this season, albeit that this game was against opponents who can only be described as a shadow of previous Bath sides.
Yes, there are areas that need improving, the handling, quicker ball from the scrum and ruck, but all in all a solid performance. Nicky Robinson is definitely the signing of the season and Dave Attwood was superb in a pack that hit Bath (literally in some cases) right from the start and defended to the death.
A good start with room for improvement. Mike