Gloucester draw with champions Bordeaux in Champions Cup opener

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 22:57 · Archive

Gloucester and defending Champions Cup holders Bordeaux finished 36-36 in an opening round match.

Gloucester and defending Champions Cup holders Bordeaux drew 36-36 in an opening round match at Kingsholm Stadium. Gloucester held a 24-17 lead at half-time, with tries from Arthur Clark, Max Llewellyn and George Barton, the latter also converting three attempts. George Barton's conversions gave the hosts their seven-point advantage at the break.

Bordeaux opened the scoring through Martin Page-Relo in the fourth minute. In the second half, Pablo Uberti levelled for the visitors six minutes into the period before Will Trenholm crashed over twice to put Gloucester ahead. However, Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice to level the match for Bordeaux, with his second try coming in the 62nd minute.

Neither side found a winning score despite having territory in the final quarter. Four Bordeaux players, including star winger Bielle-Biarrey, had been held up for four hours on arrival by UK Border Control for failing to have valid electronic travel authorisations. Bordeaux, chasing a third consecutive Champions Cup crown, played with their captain Maxime Lucu at outside half in the absence of injured Matthieu Jalibert.

How it is being reported

• Gloucester claim thrilling draw against Champions Cup holders BordeauxWill Trenholm’s brace was not enough to help Gloucester pull off a stunning upset against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux, as they were forced to settle for a 36-36 draw after a dramatic contest.Sky Sports · 16 Oct, 23:12
• Gloucester earn thrilling draw against holders Bordeaux in Champions Cup openerGloucester 36-36 Bordeaux : Will Trenholm bagged a brace but it wasn’t enough for George Skivington’s team to down last season’s championsIndependent Sport · 16 Oct, 22:30
• Battling Gloucester hold champions Bordeaux to kick off Champions Cup in styleGloucester 36-36 Bordeaux Bègles Will Trenholm makes vital impact off bench for hosts A new Champions Cup season is only just under way but already the defending champions Bordeaux are having to battle for everything. The French visitors, chasing a third consecutive crown, were forced to weather a furious effort from a revitalised Gloucester in an outstanding contest and ultimately had to settle for a draw to complete a highly eventful visit to England. Four visiting players, including Louis Bielle-Biarrey, were held up for four hours on arrival by UK Border Control for failing to have a…The Guardian · 16 Oct, 22:05

In this story: Gloucester · Bordeaux · Will Trenholm · Louis Bielle-Biarrey · George Barton · Kingsholm Stadium · Maxime Lucu · Matthieu Jalibert

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