Forrester’s extra-time try seals victory for Gloucester over Exiles

DEAN RYAN believes yesterday’s dramatic 36-34 European Challenge Cup final victory over London Irish can be the start of a successful era for Gloucester.

James Forrester’s extra-time try sealed the win after London Irish had forced their way back into the game to level the scores from 31-19 down with two tries in the last 11 minutes.Ryan has given youth its chance this season and the likes of England Under-21 pair Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allan proved against the Exiles they are not fazed by the big occasion.

Next year Gloucester will be in the Heineken Cup and Ryan is confident yesterday’s victory will stand his young side in good stead.

“All of them will gain experience from this. We watched the Heineken Cup final yesterday, we aspire to be there and that Munster team have been in some big finals and learned some big lessons,” said Ryan.

“This side would not be able to cope with the power of either of the Heineken Cup finalists at the moment, but I think we will next year.”

Gloucester opened a 15-6 lead in the first half with tries from Mark Foster and Andy Hazell before Delon Armitage replied for the Exiles. James Simpson-Daniel sped clear for a 50-metre intercept try that opened a Gloucester 31-19 lead – only for London Irish to pile forward and pin them back with scores from Olivier Magne and Robbie Russell.

Barry Everitt, who had kept London Irish in touch during the game, missed the conversion that would have snatched victory for the Exiles.

Everitt pushed London Irish ahead with a penalty to take his personal contribution to 19 points but missed a second shot later in extra-time which left Forrester as the match-winner. The England number eight had chased down his own kick forward and just touched the loose ball before it crept over the dead-ball line.

Gloucester scorers: Tries: Forster, Hazell, Simpson-Daniel, Forrester. Cons: Lamb, Mercier. Pens: Lamb 2, Mercier 2.

GLOUCESTER: Thirlby, Simpson-Daniel, Tindall, Allen, Foster, Lamb, Richards, Collazo, M. Davies, Forster, Pendlebury, Brown, Buxton, Hazell, Forrester.

Replacements: Bailey for Thirlby (88), Mercier for Lamb (47), Azam for Collazo (87), Powell for Forster (47), Eustace for Pendlebury (78), Narraway for Hazell (78).

London Irish scorers: Tries: Armitage, Magne, Russell. Cons: Everitt 2. Pens: Everitt 4. Drop Goals: Everitt.

LONDON IRISH: Armitage, Ojo, Casey, Flutey, Pedro Tiesi, Everitt, Hodgson, Hatley, Russell, Skuse, Kennedy, Halsey, Roche, Magne, Leguizamon, Collins.

Replacements: Willis for Hodgson (89), Paice for Hatley (40), Collins for Skuse (60), Danaher for Magne (78), Murphy for Collins (80).

Ref: N Whitehouse (WRFU).