Gloucester and London Irish progressed to the finals of the 2014 Premiership 7s after finishing in the top two in Group B at Kingsholm last night.
They will join Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, and the top two from both Groups C and D at the Twickenham Stoop next weekend for the finals.
Gloucester were by far and away the best team last night as they comfortably beat Bath, Exeter Chiefs, and London Irish to progress. The 2013 Champions, who have already secured their spot in the World Club 7s, had a side packed with youth with the likes of England U20 captain Callum Braley, and Cheltenham College star Ollie Thorley both getting on the scoresheet.
The going was a little tougher for London Irish, whose fate was sealed with an incredible comeback against Bath.
Irish were 19-7 down but scored three quick tries to claim a sensational 24-19 victory, which included tries from Declan Williams and Simon Hunt, who were among three former John Fisher pupils in the squad, Paddy O’Grady, who scored against Exeter Chiefs to secure qualification, is the third of the group.
It was a fantastic display of rugby down at Kingsholm, and a real bonus to see each squad really embracing the idea of allowing their youngest players to flourish.
With Franklin’s Gardens tonight and Darlington on Saturday still to come, and with each of the eight sides involved all also opting for youth, it is sure to be another two days of exciting, running, and youthful rugby.
Premiership 7s Group B Results:
Gloucester 29-14 Exeter Chiefs
Bath 19-24 London Irish
Exeter Chiefs 33-12 Bath
Gloucester 17-0 London Irish
Exeter Chiefs 5-24 London Irish
Gloucester 24-0 Bath
Group A Qualifiers – Cardiff Blues & Newport Gwent Dragons
Premiership 7s Group C – Friday 1st August, Franklin’s Gardens
Premiership 7s Group D – Saturday 2nd August, Darlington Northern Echo Arena
Premiership 7s Finals – Saturday 9th August, Twickenham Stoop.
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