Gloucester County under-20s conceded a try in the final play of the game at Newlands Park to see their chances of progressing in the counties cup dashed after a 27-26 defeat to Devon.
Sitting third in their pool after win against Somerset before a defeat away to Cornwall last week, Gloucester knew only a win would do at home to Devon if they wanted to progress into the quarter-final stages.
After going 12-0 down inside 20 minutes, the hosts had to regroup with the blustery conditions and Devon’s powerful pack making life difficult for head coach Ben Smith’s men.
The introduction of Old Patesians youngster Charlie Maker on then half-hour mark made the difference however, as the barnstorming back-rower gave the home side some much needed direction and forward momentum
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A score before half-time, before two more in quick succession after the break saw a reinvigorated Gloucester outfit put their opponents on the ropes with a masterclass in attacking rugby.
Skipper Lloyd Thomas led superbly from number eight, and linked up well with Longlevens youngster Jack Cuthbert, who both dealt with a scrum under constant pressure, giving their side a solid platform to play off all afternoon.
A yellow card heading into the final quarter gave Devon a way back into the game however, as two scores either side of another one from the hosts made it 26-17 to the hosts.
With the game reaching its climax, Gloucester failed to see the game out in the necessary fashion, as Devon pounced to score a try with minutes to go, before regaining the ball inside Gloucester’s 22 and building enough pressure to bundle over from close range with the clock deep in the red.
The 27-26 defeat means Gloucester can no longer qualify for the last-eight of the competition, with the county season now over for those involved, those involved in cup runs with local club side’s will return to action this weekend.
