Hastings Wins Battle

Premiership rugby is alive and kicking in the West Country as  Gloucs edged a thrilling derby beating Bristol 31-28 courtesy of a last ditch penalty from Adam Hastings .

In a lively first half the Cherry and Whites benefitted fromn the new 50/22 rule when Charles Piutau allowed Santiago Carreras' long kick go into touch.

"Thank you very much" said the Gloucs forwards who promptly sent in Jordy Reid. Bristol came back through centre Sam Bedlow,. They then gifted the home side  a try thanks to an overthrow at the line-out and a poor  kick which was gratefully accepted by Val Rapava-Ruskin who dived over.

The Bears drew level through Piers O'Conor but Gloucs regained the lead courtesy of Freddie Clarke to make it 21-14 at the break.

It didn't take Ellis Genge long to put his side level again ,and it looked like they might take the lead as Andy Uren went down the touchline, however  he had put a foot in touch.

It was backs to the wall for a time for Gloucs with Louis Rees-Zammit knocking the ball from Dan Thomas he looked to score only for  Uren to finish from the scrum.

Gloucs girdered their loins with Rapava-Ruskin putting his side level to set up that grandstand finish and that winning penalty.

George Skivington told the media: "I thought the doggedness, the character of the boys was outstanding, but we've still got a lot of work to do."