Quins Battle Back

Kingsholm is never an easy place to grind out a win - especially when the Shed is full of New Year revellers and the home side are finally finding their feet. So, great credit to the Quins players for holding their nerve and coming away with four vital points in a tight 20-17 victory.

Gloucester went into an early 10-0 lead as Quins' defensive mettle was tested. The storm subsidied and we went in level at the interval after Marcus Smith struck a penalty and then Luke Northmore went over, courtesy of a Jack Kenningham pass, to finish off our first serious attack.

The gusty wind was at our backs after oranges. We camped in the home 22 for what seemed like an age and despite the half starting with Northmore in the bin.

Smith hit a post with a penalty, and it looked like it might have been one of those days specially when Dino Lamb was forced into touch in the corner as he tried to finish. The TMO was asked to rule on a no arms shove from Ruan Ackermann - the verdict was no try or penalty-try. Instead, it was a straightforward penalty to Quins 15 metres back.

If there was any justice which needed doing it came as the mercuiual Danny Care went on the blindside from a scrum to score on his birthday. Somehow you knew he would.

Santiago Socino did finish off a Gloucester drive with a couple of minutes left, but Quins had little trouble in holding out to cement that third place position.

We are 12 points behind Leicester. but ther hold on the top spot may be loosened by the investigation into image rights payments.