Muscle Wins The Day

The Sharks pack won the European Challenge Cup final in the first half as they forced scrum penalty after scrum penalty after surviving a tremendous opening onslaught from the Cherry and Whites. Who knows what would have happened if Gloucs had scored a couple of tries then. But they didnt going on to lose 36-22 at the Spurs Stadium.

It was the unerring boot of Siya Masuku which put his side in the ascendancy after that early battering on the visiting line. Sharks got the only try of the first half through Phepsi Buthelezi with Gloucs only having  a penalty to their name as they went-in 16-3 down.

The whole front row was changed at the break and things did improve - leading no doubt to an inquest as to initial team selection.

But there was no stopping the powerful South Africans who went further ahead with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi.

To their credit Gloucs kept fighting,  and some pride was restored as Albert Tuisue, Santi Socino (above) and Freddie Clarke all crosing in the closing stages - it was all too late.

Next season looks a long way off and it won't be featuring European Championship Cup rugby.