Gloucester end LV= Cup heartache

Mar 20 2011

Gloucester secured the season's first piece of silverware by defeating Newcastle Falcons 34-7 at Franklin's Gardens to win the LV= Cup at the third attempt.

Having reached the past two Anglo-Welsh cup finals, the Cherry and Whites finally secured victory after losing to Northampton Saints last season and shipping 50 points against Cardiff Blues in 2009.

Bryan Redpath's side dominated a drab first period thanks to Tom Voyce's early try and Nicky Robinson's kicking.

The latter was instrumental again in the second half, kicking with aplomb and playing an integral part in Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu's 59th-minute try.

And tournament top scorer Charlie Sharples ensured five trophyless years at Kingsholm would come to an end despite a late try from the Falcons' Luke Eves.

Aviva Premiership strugglers Newcastle rarely threatened in the Northampton final as Gloucester performed strongly without their international contingent.

Leading up to the game, Gloucester head coach Redpath insisted his side were paying no attention to their favourites tag despite the fact his are arguably the country's in-form side.

Redpath made two changes to the starting line-up that defeated Newport Gwent Dragons last week, with Henry Trinder dropping to the bench and a fractured forearm ruling out club stalwart Peter Buxton.

Tim Molenaar and Akapusi Qera came in to replace the pair, while Newcastle head coach Alan Tait plumped for three changes to the side that snatched a 21-20 victory over Harlequins.

Luke Fielden, Tane Tu'ipulotu and Kieran Brookes all came into the Falcons side, who were hoping to draw attention away from their poor league form.