Kingsholm		31March 2001
	Gomarsall tames Tiger's cubs
	Gloucester 22 Leicester13
ALTHOUGH Gloucester duly completed a sound, if unspectacular victory, over Zurich Premiership Champions, not too much should be read into the result. As a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Heineken European Cup Semi-Final it was very much a non-event. Leicester were without the majority of their recognised top men and fielded a fifteen which included several relatively untried young squad players. There was no doubt that they were keen to impress Dean Richards of their potential. They all possess that uncompromising cynical approach which has become the hallmark of the Tigers tough street wise approach. Only Bath come close to them when it comes down to killing the ball or ensuring that their opponents are not allowed to profit from any quickly taken penalties. Gloucester too were without some of their regular first team choices. Simon Mannix was a notable absentee but that did allow Philippe the opportunity to give the promising James Simpson-Daniel his first league outing wearing the No. 10 shirt. Whilst he did not exactly set The Shed alight, he produced a thoroughly efficient performance which augurs well for the future. Andy Gomarsall took over the kicking duties, slotting four penalties and ensured that altogether Mannix was hardly missed. Gomarsall probably had his best game so far for Gloucester. As the game progressed the scrum half became more influential and at last he looked a true class performer. If the stories emerging from the Kingsholm rumour mill are to be believed Ian Jones try was scored on his last home appearance for Gloucester in a League game. The rumour monger’s tales also speculate on the impending departure of Gloucester’s other Southern Hemisphere star Jason Little. Perhaps the term double movement could be proved correct? Even allowing for the opposition, Gloucester never looked like losing, which makes a change for this season. What was more encouraging was the manner and style of Gloucester’s play. Much of this season’s back play has been plagued by sluggish passing and poor kicking up-field. This has established no territorial advantage and more often than not only succeeded in giving away hard won possession. Against the Tigers Gloucester cut out much of the wasteful kicking from hand and moved the ball more quickly with competent backing up. This looks much more likely to create the space that is so vital to unlock the well organised defences of the top league teams. The passing by the backs was much improved, perhaps Andy Keast is beginning to make his mark? Defensively, the Cherry and Whites were better organised than they have been for some time. Few penalties were given away and some truly telling tackles were put in with some big hits, especially by Terry Fanolua and Joe Ewens. Generally, the Gloucester pack kept a tight grip on the proceedings with Junior Paramore well to the fore in the loose, well backed up by fellow back row members Andy Hazell and Jake Boer. The persistent light rain at the start did nothing to dampen the spirits of Chris Fortey and Lewis Moody who were sin-binned for their troubles, before Richard Cockerill put the Tigers in the lead as he was driven over from a line out. Andy Gomarsall set up Ian Jones for a try before he weaved over for a try as Gloucester took charge. Leicester did get a soft second half score through winger Winston Stanley but the addition of Austin Healey and Tim Stimpson for Leicester made no difference as the home side pulled themselves together. Gloucester will need to step up another gear for the Heineken Cup clash at Watford. The real Tigers will be firm favourites and a different prospect but at long last there are signs that we may be beginning to get things right. We live in hope !