Will 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.
George Skivington’s team pushed the French outfit all the way during a pulsating European tie at Kingsholm Stadium.
Gloucester held a 24-17 lead at half-time before Trenholm crashed over twice, but a double by Louis Bielle-Biarrey salvaged a share of the spoils for visiting Bordeaux.
Bordeaux made a fast start, with Martin Page-Relo able to open the scoring in the fourth minute, but Arthur Clark produced an instant reply for Gloucester.
Efforts by Max Llewellyn and George Barton, either side of Sipili Falatea’s try, earned the hosts a slender seven-point advantage at the break thanks to three successful conversions by Barton.
Pablo Uberti levelled for Bordeaux six minutes into the second period before quick-fire tries by Trenholm had Kingsholm rocking, but Bielle-Biarry levelled in the 62nd minute and despite plenty of territory, neither side could find a winning score.
Edinburgh beaten by Toulon in Challenge Cup opener
Edinburgh suffered a 27-17 defeat against Toulon in their Challenge Cup opener as Malvyn Jaminet scored 22 points for the French visitors.
Defences were on top in the first half at the Hive Stadium, with two Jaminet penalties to one from James Grayson giving Toulon a 6-3 lead at the break.
Jaminet extended that advantage three minutes into the second half, collecting his own kick before converting his try.
Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman hit back immediately for Edinburgh, with Grayson adding the conversion, but Fiji international Seta Tuicuvu soon barged over and Jaminet again added the extras.
Edinburgh refused to go away, with replacement Geordie Gwynn scoring with his first touch before Grayson converted to keep the hosts in contention.
But Toulon had the final say. Baptiste Serin set up Jaminet for another converted try, while Piers O’Conor’s yellow card for direct contact with Jeremy Sinzelle’s head compounded Edinburgh’s misery and sealed their fate.
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