Cotgreave Hat-trick Gives Gloucester Win Over Northampton but No Playoff Berth

Match Summary

Gloucester 41-26 Northampton

Bristol, Sale and Leicester wins leave Gloucester fifth.

Game Highlights

Gloucester did their bit. A top-four finish remained in reach for George Skivington’s side but they needed one of Bristol, Sale, and Leicester to falter, as well as victory over Northampton. It was not to be.

Seven tries in a rousing performance, including a hat-trick for the elusive 19-year-old wing Jack Cotgreave, delighted their relentlessly passionate fans. Ultimately it meant fifth place and it will be Bath plus the aforementioned three to fight for the title.

Northampton’s Approach

Phil Dowson’s 14 changes felt like a suitably low-key way to sign off from a disappointing title defence. Fin Smith, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, and Tommy Freeman – Northampton’s four British & Irish Lions – were absent. Music to Gloucester’s ears. Hit by injury and hampered by international call-ups across the season, the Saints still produced one of the more memorable performances of recent years by edging out Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.

Conclusion

Despite the victory, Gloucester’s playoff hopes were dashed by the wins from Bristol, Sale, and Leicester, leaving them in fifth place at the end of the season. While the outcome was not what they hoped for, the thrilling match provided a showcase of young talent and set the stage for a promising future.