Gloucester opened the Premiership season with a 45-24 victory at Sandy Park as summer signings, led by new captain Dewi Lake, produced a seven-try display that left last season’s beaten finalists on the back foot.
Gloucester scored seven tries in a 45-24 away win at Exeter, including two each for Dewi Lake and Ben Loader.
New captain Dewi Lake made an immediate impact with two tries and a strong presence on debut.
Gloucester secured a bonus point before half-time and converted their attacking momentum into a convincing result against a side that reached last season’s final.
Gloucester began the Premiership campaign with a statement victory, beating Exeter Chiefs 45-24 at Sandy Park. The Cherry and Whites scored seven tries, converting the attacking opportunities that came their way. Exeter, who finished last season as runners-up, scored four tries but were unable to contain Gloucester's forward and wide threats.
Dewi Lake, who is reported as Gloucester's new captain, starred on debut. He crossed for two tries and provided leadership in the pack. Jac Morgan, another summer arrival, is credited with driving Gloucester's physical presence across the Severn Bridge.
Gloucester combined forward momentum with finishing out wide. The pack, led by Lake and Morgan, established platform ball and disrupted Exeter's ball-carrying. That physical edge allowed Gloucester to generate front-foot ball and create scoring chances for their backs, evident in Loader's two tries and Will Joseph's solo effort.
Exeter produced moments of their own, with four tries and periods of pressure, but they conceded repeatedly after turning the ball over or failing to prevent quick transitions. Gloucester's mixture of set-piece strength and finished breaks proved decisive.
This result is notable because Exeter were last season's beaten finalists and began the new campaign with higher expectations. Gloucester's win — and the manner of it — will be seen as an encouraging start for a side that won only once away last season as they look to climb the table. The impact of summer signings, particularly Lake and Morgan, will be a talking point for both clubs as the season progresses.
Gloucester had a bonus point by half-time, reflecting both try volume and control in the opening 40 minutes. Exeter worked to close the gap in the second half with two late tries but were unable to overturn Gloucester's lead.
Gloucester produced a comprehensive road win at a high-profile venue. Dewi Lake's immediate influence as captain and the contributions of Loader, Seb Atkinson and debutant Denny combined to hand Exeter a surprise defeat and give Gloucester a strong platform early in the season.
Gloucester produce an outstanding display in scoring seven tries to win 45-24 at last season's runners-up Exeter Chiefs.
■By MARK STEVENS PREM RETURNS Match action starts Page 8 Off to a flyer: Will Joseph goes over for Gloucester PICTURE: Getty Images NEW captain Dewi Lake scored two tries as Gloucester stormed to victory at last season’s beaten finalists Exeter Chiefs. The Cherry and Whites won only once on the road last season as […]
Exeter 24-45 Gloucester Ben Loader also scores two tries in bonus-point win Gloucester are determined to make significant progress up the Prem table this season and here was a hugely promising first step. The Cherry and Whites had a bonus point on the board before half-time on a breezy afternoon in Devon and had more t
Gloucester's star summer signings inspired their new club to a fantastic 45-24 win over last season's finalists Exeter Chiefs.
Exeter Chiefs player ratings: Exeter Chiefs were handed a difficult start to their Gallagher PREM campaign as Gloucester left Sandy Park with an emphatic 45-24 victory.
Midleton were a firm fixture in the old Division 2 of the AIL during the early 2000s and they were a serious force.
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