Saracens Under 17’s claimed a dominant victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm, winning with an impressive 34-point difference in a 53-19 thriller.
The home side were able to stay in the fixture for large parts of the clash, refusing to roll over on their home turf easily.
However, Saracens proved to be too strong, scoring nine tries during the game.
Saracens started the match strongly, scoring two well-worked tries in the opening minutes. They missed both conversions, however, which prevented them from taking full advantage of their early dominance.
Despite Saracens holding the majority of possession early on, Gloucester kept fighting to stay in the game. Gloucester’s number 8, Ed Critchley, carried the ball well to find the Cherry and Whites’ first points of the game. Fly Half Ed Reed-Daunter then added the extra two points, bringing Saracens within reaching distance.
Saracens continued to show their attacking quality and ability with their number 8 setting the tone for physicality in the match, pushing his side ahead by a further 5 points, with the extras added from the tee.
Despite another first-half Gloucester try by Jo Hamilton, Saracens continued to assert their dominance with another score, giving them a 31-12 lead at halftime against the young Cherry and Whites.
In the second half, Saracens maintained their momentum, with Gloucester struggling to contain their relentless attacks. As Saracens breached their defensive shape, they scored another try. Although they missed the conversion, Saracens extended their lead to 36-19.
Saracens’ pressure intensified, forcing Gloucester onto the back foot. Another well-executed try followed for Saracens, showcasing their attacking prowess and extending their lead to 43-19 with a successful conversion.
Saracens continued to dominate proceedings, with their attacking ability proving too much for Gloucester to handle. Another try, coupled with a missed conversion, pushed Saracens further ahead to 48-19. In the closing stages of the match, Saracens sealed their victory with a ninth try, as Gloucester’s defensive efforts faltered and heads dropped.
With the conversion attempt unsuccessful once again, Saracens emerged victorious with a commanding 53-19 lead as the final whistle blew. Saracens’ relentless attacking display and clinical finishing proved too much for Gloucester to handle, securing a comprehensive victory in an action-packed encounter.
Despite the result, the Gloucester fans stayed true to themselves with some incredible noise and enthusiasm being shown by the supporters for this Premiership Academy match.
This was the second of a double header fixture, with their Under 18 academy counterparts facing each other earlier in the day. Saracens leave Gloucester with two wins against the home side, leaving the Cherry and Whites academy with lots to look at and improve on.
Gloucester will face Bath at Kingsholm next week, hoping to regain some form as the end of the season nears. Saracens will return home, where they will host Harlequins.
