Gloucester claim thrilling draw against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux
Will Trenholm’s brace was not enough to help Gloucester pull off a stunning upset against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux, as they were forced to settle for a 36-36 draw after a dramatic contest.
Key points
- Gloucester drew 36-36 with Champions Cup holders Bordeaux at Kingsholm Stadium.
- Will Trenholm scored two tries for Gloucester, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice for Bordeaux.
- Edinburgh lost 27-17 to Toulon in their Challenge Cup opener, with Malvyn Jaminet scoring 22 points.
Gloucester were forced to settle for a 36-36 draw against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux in a dramatic European tie at Kingsholm Stadium. George Skivington's side led 24-17 at half-time but could not hold on for a stunning upset.
Bordeaux made a fast start, with Martin Page-Relo opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Arthur Clark replied instantly for Gloucester, and tries from Max Llewellyn and George Barton, either side of Sipili Fatalea's effort, gave the hosts a seven-point lead at the break after three Barton conversions.
Trenholm double not enough
Pablo Uberti levelled for Bordeaux six minutes into the second half before quick-fire tries by Will Trenholm had Kingsholm rocking. However, Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice, including a 62nd-minute try, to salvage a share of the spoils for the visitors.
Despite plenty of territory, neither side could find a winning score in the closing stages.
Edinburgh beaten by Toulon
Edinburgh suffered a 27-17 defeat against Toulon in their Challenge Cup opener as Malvyn Jaminet scored 22 points for the French visitors. Defences dominated the first half, with two Jaminet penalties to one from James Grayson giving Toulon a 6-3 lead at the break.
Jaminet extended the advantage three minutes into the second half, collecting his own kick before converting his try. Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman hit back immediately for Edinburgh, with Grayson adding the conversion, but Fiji international Seta Tuicuvu soon barged over and Jaminet again added the extras.
Edinburgh refused to go away, with replacement Geordie Gwynn scoring with his first touch before Grayson converted. But Toulon had the final say, with Baptiste Serin setting up Jaminet for another converted try, while Piers O'Conor's yellow card for direct contact with Jeremy Sinzelle's head compounded Edinburgh's misery.
