Gloucester 22 Bordeaux-Begles 17
Champagne Charlie
By New Cherry
December 11 2022
The Cherry and Whites got their European campaign off to the best possible start - but they made hard work of it against a lively Bordeaux-Begles who were in front for most of the game
The visitors went ahead in the opening exchanges as Sipili Falatea split the defence with Zack Holmes adding the con and a pen.
Stephen Varney got one back, after Santi Socino made a break, only for Tom Willis to pop up for his new club to score just before half-time.
There was another worrying injury with Fraseer Balmain stretchered off and the Chaerry and Whites were up against it.
The tie turned, however, when Tuisue made his presence felt firom the bench and he powered over closely followed by Socino from a line-out
With their tails now up Gloucs went for the win with Chapman getting that vital score and the bonus-point after some slick handling.
The victory was vital with the return trip to France and two games against Leinster to come.