As we hit the mid-way point of the Gallagher Premiership season, Gloucester Rugby are sitting in a very commendable fourth place and they’ve already equalled the same amount of wins they got last season.
With that being said it’s time for a look back over the fixtures that have been played up to now and review how this season is going so much better than last year.
September:
When the season initially started, I wouldn’t have been surprised if Gloucester supporters were expecting a repeat of last year after what occurred in their opening couple of rounds.
The Cherry and Whites went down in their first two games of the season.
Their first loss was to Northampton Saints away at Franklins Garden and they were dealt a harsh blow to see out September as Leicester Tigers came to Kingsholm and beat them 33-26.
However, considering Tigers only lost their first game of the season just last week after 11 wins a row, I’d say the loss is a little less heavy on the hearts of Gloucester fans.
October:
Talk about a complete U-turn!
The Cherry and Whites kick-started their impressive run of form.
Their first win of the season was unfortunately away at the local rivals, Worceseter Warriors’, at the Sixways Stadium.
It was also the first game for Gloucester’s big summer signing and Scotland International Adam Hastings. He slotted into the system seamlessly and provided an experienced role in the number 10 shirt.
This win sparked something in Skivington’s men as they only lost one game for the rest of the month which was against the former champions in Exeter Chiefs. Wins over Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons and a 25-25 draw against London Irish saw them bolt up the Premiership ladder.
November:
When Skivington and his men look back at November they must think to themselves…quality over quantity.
They only had one Premiership match for the entire month. However, it was a successful solo outing as they recorded their fourth win of the season over a resistant Wasps outfit.
They also had success in the Premiership Cup during the month of bonfire night, two impressive home wins over Bath and Exeter left the players and fans alike feeling merry heading into December.
December:
Another month that was sparsely populated with Premiership games, just two outings for Lewis Ludlow’s team.
An early win over Bristol Bears set the tone for the month, but also fo the rest of the season.
Gloucester were here for battle…
On boxing day they put 40 points past a very unimpressive Bath team seeing the year out on a high, who have only one win over all competitions this season.
A win and a loss in the two opening rounds of the European Challenge Cup didn’t stop the Gloucester-side from remaining positive.
January/Present:
If any of the of the Gloucester fans had made any New Year resolutions to take part in Dry-January, I’m sure that they were tested immediately when they saw who their first two games were against at the beginning of a 2022.
Reigning Harlequins champions were their first task.
Fortunately, they had the home support of Kingsholm but even with the extra energy they lost. However a losing margin of three points against the Champions is nothing to be ashamed of. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and that was definitely the case in the most recent round of the Premiership as the Cherry and Whites headed to the StoneX Stadium fortress of Saracens.
All year, Gloucester’s maul has been a force to reckon with as opponents struggle to compete against them and the Saracens were the next team to fall victim to it.
Two maul try’s and another from distance lead to a historic win for the west-country side. A 25-24 win ended a 13 year losing streak away at Saracens.
Gloucester’s next couple games consist of European rugby against Perpignan and then back in the Premiership the week after at Newcastle Falcons. Two more wins could seriously see them gain momentum for the rest of the season.
