In a helter-skelter LV = Cup Final of epic proportions during which the lead changed hands five times in a classic end-to-end tussle of rousing rugby, a patched-up Gloucester side eventually lost out to a stronger Northampton side that has consistently been at the top of this season’s Guinness Premiership having lost only four games.
Whereas their victory assures Saints of Heineken Cup qualification for next season, Gloucester’s hopes now look decidedly remote with the prospect of another trip to Adams Park added to their lowly league position.
After previous disasters in other finals there was no humiliation in defeat as this time. Gloucester did not choke and fail to turn up but were competitive throughout and always in contention from start to finish.
Northampton took their chances whereas Gloucester, despite having their full share of possession and territory didn’t take real advantage.
Gloucester missed a handful of half-chances, also missed key first-up tackles and turned over far too much ball which ultimately cost them the match and spelt the disappointment of defeat.
Crucially after a Gloucester score, all too often they failed to secure possession from the re-start to hand the initiative back to their opponents and were made to pay as the Saints capitalised on the situation.
Northampton were expected to dominate the set-piece but to Gloucester’s credit the front row responded with a Herculean effort with Pierre Capdeville outstanding up against the redoubtable prop Soane Tonga'uiha who was always a threat with ball in hand in open play.
Gloucester made an encouraging start with Nicky Robinson getting the first points on the board but that was soon cancelled out as he and Stephen Myler exchanged penalties before Akupusi Qera got the first try of the game. 6-14.
However Gloucester’s lead was short-lived as Saints responded almost immediately with a counter-attack led by Myler that split the defence before Tonga'uiha scored to give Myler an easy conversion.13-14.
Within minutes as strong surge from the Northampton back row saw Alex Brown out cold from an attempted tackle and their attack eventually led to a score through centre James Downey. Myler’s simple conversion took the score to 20-14 at half-time.
Apo Satala had taken over from Alex Brown and the injured Tim Molenaar was replaced by Charlie Sharples but Gloucester were still in with a real chance when an impressively powerful drive was rewarded with a penalty try as Saints collapsed the scrum to edge them back in front. 20-21.
Fortune however did not smile on their brave efforts in the pulsating second-half as Nicky Robinson thought he had secured a try but unfortunately the television match-official thought otherwise and the score was not allowed.
That blow was followed by another hammer blow from Soane Tonga'uiha who intercepted from deep inside the Saints’ half to break away and from being pinned in their own territory they subsequently gained what turned out to be the match-winning try through scrum half Lee Dickson scoring from close range. 27-21.
Further penalties were exchanged but although spirited Gloucester tried hard to break through, at the end Saints secured the ball to take the spoils to win a trophy after five failed finals.
Injury-ravaged Cherry and Whites won plaudits but not the game and now have to pick themselves up as it is back to the Guinness Premiership and the visit of a competitive Leeds side fighting hard for their salvation.
T.H. 22/ 3/2010