BBC Rugby Union: Gloucester Rugby Falter in EPCR Challenge Cup Final Against Hollywoodbets Sharks
Gloucester Rugby Struggle Against Powerful Sharks Display
Gloucester Rugby couldn’t capitalize on their early advantage as they succumbed to a powerful display from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, who won the EPCR Challenge Cup final 36-22 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
Gloucester’s front row struggled to make an impact, with loosehead Jamal Ford-Robinson and hooker Seb Blake both replaced at half-time. Tighthead Fraser Balmain was unable to stop Sharks No. 8 Phepsi Buthelezi’s opening try.
Flanker Freddie Clarke was a rare bright spot for Gloucester, scoring a try and setting up another. Captain Lewis Ludlow made some crucial tackles but was at fault for Buthelezi’s try. Zach Mercer was Gloucester’s standout performer, linking well with the backline and putting in a tireless defensive effort.
Scrumhalf Caolan Englefield dictated the tempo and scored a long-range penalty, while Chris Harris was solid in defence. However, the likes of fly-half Adam Hastings, wing Jonny May, and centre Seb Atkinson struggled to make an impact against the Sharks’ stifling defence.
Replacement hooker Santiago Socino and back-row Albert Tuisue provided some much-needed energy, with Tuisue scoring Gloucester’s first try. Jack Clement and Stephen Varney also showed promise off the bench, but it was too little, too late for the Cherry and Whites.
The result marks Gloucester’s first Cup loss of the season, as the Hollywoodbets Sharks claimed the EPCR Challenge Cup title in impressive fashion.
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