LOCAL DERBIES are
rarely classic encounters and this game was no exception but it was
good to travel back to Bristol for another Premiership league clash,
especially to collect a welcome bonus point win.
The Memorial Stadium has always been a happy hunting ground for James
Forrester and once again he bagged a brace of tries as Bristol were
exposed the harsh realities of life back in the Premiership. In essence,
apart from a flurry of frenzied activity in the first fifteen minutes,
Bristol were not in serious contention throughout the remainder of the
game.
The Cherry and Whites managed to win without too much trouble but clearly
have plenty to do to improve as the season progresses with the prospect
of much sterner opposition. 
There were more pluses for the visitors than the home side who could
well be facing a long difficult season. As for Gloucester it was a better
performance than in the previous Guinness Premiership games –not too
difficult-and they did well to take their chances.
On the minus side Gloucester continue to concede far too many penalties—they
need to learn to play the referee as well as the opposition—and the
continuing ongoing saga of injuries to the England absentees Phil Vickery
and Mike Tindall.
Skipper Vicks left the field after half an hour in the first half with
a shoulder injury and replacement captain Tins after twenty minutes
into the second period with a rib injury. Treatment and tine will tell
the extent of the damages but it will be a blow to both the players
and the team if the damage is long term.
What is it about Gloucester captains and injuries this season?
The game got off to a frenetic start as Bristol threw everything they
had at Gloucester but the well drilled defence held firm as the visitors
had to be content with two penalties from Jason Strange. That was as
good as it got for the home side as Ludo got Gloucester on the scoreboard
with a penalty.
Thereafter they came more and more into the game and after fifteen minutes
a lineout drive from a penalty to the corner ended with Forrester touching
down for the first try perhaps proving that he can indeed provide the
power if not the bulk, for the close quarter exchanges Ludo added four
more penalty kicks to one from Strange before a kick ahead from of all
people French prop Patrice Collazo, was hacked on by scrum half Haydn
Thomas who won the race for the touchdown by the corner flag. Ludo did
the honours to take the score to 27-7 at half time.
Gloucester’s defence was spot on in the first half, hardly a tackle
missed at all with Andy Hazell performing his customary heroics and
Rob Thirlby pulling off a try saving tackle on Bristol danger man Brian
Lima.
Bristol were unable to add to their score after the break despite a
growing tall of penalties awarded against the visitors but Gloucester
got the score of the match when James Forrester stole away on the blind
side from a scrum close to the line. He broke to feed Mark Foster who
put in a strong run before the winger linked with centre Mike Tindall
who sent full back Jon Goodridge clear to cross from forty yards out.
Ludo’s conversion took the score to 34-9.
Sadly Mike Tindall was obliged to leave the field during the second
half after a very strong performance, especially taking the ball from
restarts, with a rib injury.
There was still time for another try as Gloucester turned the ball over
in mid-field thanks to Alex Brown, Henry Paul found Jake Boer with a
huge pass, he in turn found Forrester out wide who had enough pace and
skill to outstrip the Bristol defence to score under the posts With
the conversion a formality, Ludo took his tally to 21 points and the
Gloucester score to 41.
The final quarter was marred by a succession of about twelve penalties
being awarded against Gloucester with Frenchmen Patrice Collazo and
replacement hooker Ollie Azam being served with yellow card and time
in the sin-bin. Are they now marked men?
An encouraging away win for the Cherry and Whites but much more difficult
opponents must be faced throughout the remainder of the season. Further
improvement will be needed and less penalties given away, if we are
to progress against the better sides.
