European Challenge Cup: Black Lion 10-15 Gloucester – George Barton’s precise kicks secure triumph for English team

Gloucester Edges Past Black Lion in European Challenge Cup Clash

In a thrilling encounter, Gloucester managed to scrape through with a hard-fought 15-10 victory over an inspired Black Lion side in Georgia. The match posed the potential for an upset but Gloucester showed their mettle and clinched the win.

The game started off with Luka Matkava’s impressive dummy leading to a try in the 20th minute, putting the hosts ahead at 7-6. However, their joy was short-lived as their second try from a maul was disallowed due to obstruction by hooker Irakli Kvatadze.

George Barton’s accurate boot ensured that Gloucester stayed ahead with four successful penalties, giving them a narrow lead of 12-7 going into halftime. The team made some changes compared to their previous outing but still managed to maintain control of the game.

The second half saw both teams battling it out fiercely. A penalty from Matkava reduced the deficit with just twelve minutes left on the clock, raising hopes among the home crowd. Nevertheless, Barton stepped up once again and sealed victory for Gloucester with his fifth penalty kick.

A Spirited Effort from Black Lion

Black Lion had earned their spot in this prestigious competition after winning the European Super Cup – an achievement that propelled them into unknown territory against established sides like Gloucester.

The Georgian outfit showcased great work rate throughout and produced several dangerous passages of play. However, handling mistakes plagued their performance and prevented them from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

While defending deep within their own territory during periods of the second half, Black Lion demonstrated resilience and managed to turn over possession a few times. However, Gloucester’s dominance in terms of territory and possession remained apparent, even if their attacking play left something to be desired.

Ultimately, Matkava’s late penalty injected some hope into the contest for Black Lion. But Barton’s fifth successful penalty kick proved decisive as it created an insurmountable gap on the scoreboard. Despite falling short of victory, Black Lion did manage to salvage a losing bonus point.

Lineups

Black Lion: Tsirekidze; Tabutsadze, Kveseladze, Sharikadze,Todua; Matkava, Peranidze; Abdushelishvili,Kvatadze Chkhartishvili Cheishvili Babunashvili Ivanishvili Mamamtavrishvili Spanderashvil

Gloucester: Morris Hearle Hillman-Cooper Atkinson May Barton Young Ford-Robinson Blake Gotovtsev Clarke Jordan Thomas Taylor Donnell

In Conclusion

This European Challenge Cup clash between Gloucester and Black Lion was filled with twists and turns throughout. Both teams displayed immense determination but in the end it was Gloucester who emerged victorious by a narrow margin. It is a result that highlights their ability to weather tough challenges and underscores their potential in this competition.