Redpath hails Robinson as Gloucester claim derby win
GLOUCESTER chief Bryan Redpath hailed debutant Nicky Robinson after he put Bath to the sword in the west country derby at Kingsholm.
Wales fly-half Robinson contributed 14 points in a convincing 24-5 victory as Redpath’s men made an impressive start to their Guinness Premiership campaign.
“Nicky has got a reputation for being a calm and tactically aware player,” said Redpath of his new addition.“I thought he controlled the game well, he was outstanding.”
The former Cardiff Blues playmaker capped a fine individual display with a late interception try after James Simpson-Daniel had earlier put Gloucester in charge with two tries.
The Bath response was poor, although former Bradford Bulls rugby league centre Shontayne Hape claimed a consolation try.
Meanwhile, Worcester coach Mike Ruddock has backed his players despite seeing them blow a 17-0 lead at Northampton, eventually going down 20-17.
Tries from Kai Horstmann and Miles Benjamin gave Worcester the advantage before the Saints pulled it back to 17-7 at the break thanks to Phil Dowson’s try. Two penalties from man-of-the-match debutant Shane Geraghty brought the Saints in touching distance before Paul Diggin touched down for the winner with two minutes left.
Ruddock said: “I’m very proud of my players. A lot of people are writing us off as no-hopers but we certainly showed a lot of hope today. We deserved at least a draw today and the players are very down.”
In the other game, Leeds Carnegie played out a disappointing 9-9 draw with Newcastle on their return to the top-flight.
Kiwi debutant Jimmy Gopporth missed four penalties for the Falcons, although he and Leeds’ Ceiron Thomas landed three each.