Gloucester Secure Challenge Cup Final Berth with Convincing Win over Benetton
Adam Hastings orchestrated Gloucester’s dominant performance, scoring 17 points, including a try, to guide the Cherry and Whites to a comfortable victory over Benetton at Kingsholm. The Scotland fly-half’s inspirational display has set up a mouthwatering Challenge Cup final showdown against South African side Sharks later this month.
Gloucester, who have endured a difficult Premiership campaign, showcased their European pedigree with a five-try romp. Tries from Josh Hathaway, hooker Seb Blake, Hastings, Freddie Clarke, and Ollie Thorley propelled the home side to a convincing win, despite a brief Benetton fightback.
“It would be awesome to finish here by helping the team win a trophy,” he said. “We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but there is still one massive challenge in front of us. Sharks are an outstanding team and have a lot of big guys.”
Tomas Albornoz had kept the visitors in touch with two penalties, but Gloucester seized control with a 15-6 lead. However, the dismissal of Zach Mercer for a deliberate trip allowed Rhyno Smith to score Benetton’s first try just before the interval.
After the break, Gianmarco Lucchesi crossed the line twice for Benetton, but Hastings and Clarke’s tries ensured Gloucester regained command. Thorley’s late effort sealed the victory, setting up a final showdown with the formidable Sharks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24.
Gloucester boss George Skivington acknowledged the daunting task that lies ahead, stating, “Sharks are a huge team in every sense of the word. We will prepare the best we can, rip into the challenge and give it our best shot.”
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