Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Sale Sharks 31-27 Gloucester

Sale Sharks 31-27 Gloucester, Salford Community Stadium

Gloucester narrowly lost to Sale Sharks in a pulsating Gallagher Premiership clash at Salford Stadium, securing two crucial bonus points despite the 33-29 defeat.

The Cherry and Whites showcased attacking flair but were ultimately outmuscled by a resilient Sale side that took advantage of key opportunities to seal the victory.

Strong Start from Gloucester

The visitors got off to a flying start, scoring just after the five-minute mark. A swift break by George Barton down the right wing set up Tomos Williams, who sidestepped Tom Roebuck and powered through Sale’s defense to dot down for the opening try. However, Sale responded immediately, with Arron Reed’s break setting up Roebuck to score in the corner. Rob du Preez’s successful conversion saw Sale take a 7-5 lead.

Despite being held up twice over the line in the first quarter, Gloucester persisted in their attacking approach. Fullback Marcus Smith carved through Sale’s defense to score and convert his own try, restoring the lead for Gloucester at 14-7.

Sale's Dominance and Gloucester’s Resilience

Sale's quick counterattack proved effective as Ollie Sleightholme sprinted down the left wing to score and bring the game to 14-14. Marcus Smith replied with a second try, extending the lead to 19-14, before adding a penalty to end the first half 22-14 in favor of Gloucester.

The hosts came out strong in the second half, earning a penalty try that brought them within one point. Nick David’s yellow card for a high tackle swung momentum in Sale’s favor, and they capitalized with a try from Sam Graham, giving them a 28-22 lead.

Sale seemed to put the game beyond reach when Luke Cowan-Dickie scored twice, driving the score up to 33-22. However, Gloucester refused to back down.

Late Gloucester Fightback Falls Short

Gloucester’s Gareth Anscombe initiated a comeback with a pinpoint cross-field kick to Max Llewellyn, who set up Caolan Englefield to score in the corner. Replacement Charlie Atkinson then intercepted a pass and surged upfield, only to be stopped short by Reed. However, the Cherry and Whites maintained pressure, and Llewellyn scored again, bringing the score to 33-29 with just minutes left on the clock.

With time running out, Gloucester tried to launch one final attack, but Sale’s defense held firm, bundling Atkinson into touch to secure a hard-fought bonus-point victory.

A Competitive Premiership Season Ahead

Despite the loss, Gloucester’s two bonus points reflect their fighting spirit, making this season’s Gallagher Premiership more competitive than ever. Sale Sharks’ win propels them further up the table, while Gloucester will take heart from their spirited performance as they look ahead to the next round.

Team line up:

Sale: Carpenter; Roebuck, Addison, Bedlow, Reed; Du Preez (capt), Warr; McIntyre, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Bamber, Beaumont, Van Rhyn, Dugdale, Birch.

Reserves: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Burrow, Roets, Thomas, Curtis, Nayacalevu.

Gloucester: Barton; Wade, Harris, Atkinson, Llewellyn; Anscombe, Williams (capt); Rapava Ruskin, Blake, Fasogbon, Clarke, Clark, Clement, Taylor, Mercer.

Reserves: Singleton, Vivas, Knight, Alemanno, Ackermann, Tuisue, Englefield, Atkinson.