It was a round of mixed fortunes for our West Country sides, with one side establishing itself as a top of the table team, while the other two left something to be desired.
Gloucester put in a showing worthy of a title contender, as they classily overcame the lacking Exeter Chiefs 38-22 at Kingsholm on Friday night.
Bristol Bears meanwhile were in action on Saturday, travelling east to Franklin’s Gardens, where they were overwhelmed 45-31 in an entertaining defeat to Northampton Saints.
Rugby reporter Nathan Russell gives his verdict as he selects his West Country team of the week.
15. Lloyd Evans (Gloucester)
Opportunities were limited with the ball in hand, but opportunistically took full advantage when chances arose.
Utilised a dog leg as the Exeter defence lacked organisation in their line speed, dummying Rory O’Loughlin to create a gap to run in, and space in the wide channel for Santiago Carreras who would put Charlie Chapman over for the most important try of the game.
Secure under the high ball thanks to good backfield coverage.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester)
The way this young man has evolved his game this season is worthy of a standing ovation, if his versatility is prolonged I strongly agree with Austin Healy; once his career is done, he could be one of the greats.
I vividly recall murmuring “he’s over kicked that” to myself as the Welshman hacked the ball forward within metres of the line. I was, of course wrong, as the 21-year-old put the burners on to get the ball down short of the dead ball.
Made the second score possible with a long kick that he incredibly managed to retrieve to put Gloucester just short of the line before being recycled to the capable hands of Santiago Carreras to go over.
Took four defenders out of the game with a jinking carry before chicken wing offloading to Lewis Ludlow outside of him to get the party started as the game went beyond Exeter’s reach.
The source of many sore heads across Gloucestershire on Saturday morning, but I’ve got no doubt after a couple of vitamin C tablets the Kingsholm faithful thanked him for it nonetheless.
Will be raring to go for a clash with the All Blacks tomorrow.
13. Chris Harris (Gloucester)
There isn’t an international side (besides South Africa and perhaps Ireland) that wouldn’t be better with this man in the 13 shirt – I’m serious.
He’s what gets Gloucester ticking, with inspiring defensive plays and switched on, opportunistic attack.
The Exeter field were left pretty dumfounded as the Scottish international dominated his channel – Ian Whitten and Rory O’Loughlin really didn’t stand a chance.
He will be missed.
12. Giorgi Kveseladze (Gloucester)
Formed a formidable defensive centre pairing with Chris Harris, with the midfield on absolute lockdown throughout.
15 tackles was a mighty total for 66 minutes, and added an important turnover to his highlight reel.
While his impressive carrying style has not translated to significant metres yet, it’s undeniable he has complete tenacity with the ball in hand.
11. Santiago Carreras (Gloucester)
Honestly don’t think he needed to throw the dummy outside towards compatriot and namesake Santiago Socino to finish off his score due to his ability in avoiding grounding, but it definitely helped.
Assisted perhaps the most crucial score of the game shortly following the interval, beating Ian Whitten in the wide channel before smoothly passing inside to the supporting Charlie Chapman.
Led his side in both metres (79) and clean breaks (3) in an extraordinary attacking performance.
Doesn’t matter where in the back three you put this wizard, he’ll still play tricks on you.
His absence while on Argentina duty will be noticed.
10. Callum Sheedy (Bristol)
Shouldered the burden of the armband well after Joe Joyce’s early failed HIA, particularly following the half-time break.
Showed excellent game-reading in intercepting Fin Smith’s attempted pass to the line running Aaron Hinkley at his own 10 metre line, before outlasting the sprightly young fly-half over the whitewash for the score.
Expertly conducted the back line and provided real menace with the ball in hand.
9. Charlie Chapman (Gloucester)
Headlined his game with a superb support line to retrieve Santiago Carreras’ offload as he scored to get Gloucester quickly out of the blocks and create a tough gap for the visitors to reduce.
Hacked the ball in the general direction of the right wide channel, making it possible for Louis Rees-Zammit to do the rest.
Brings a livewire energy that prevented any nonsense from the Exeter pack around the breakdown, and niftily nailed a 50:22.
1. Harry Elrington (Gloucester)
With Val Rapava-Ruskin off on England duty for the Autumn Nations Series, this man took full advantage of what could be the start of an uninterrupted month in the starting loosehead shirt.
Elrington has one hell of a chop tackle on him, nearly cutting carriers in half on numerous occasions.
Ensured that Rapava-Ruskin, infamous for his jackalling abilities, would not be missed too much, with two turnovers to his name.
Played the full 80 in his first start since hurting himself early in the clash with Saracens in round 3, showcasing his high work rate which ultimately could play a key role over the next month as the internationals head off.
2. Santiago Socino (Gloucester)
His energy is a consistent threat to oppositions, with the Argentina international adding another try to his season’s total thanks to the supremacy of Gloucester’s storied driving maul, trundling over prior to half time.
Unlucky to not add a couple more, unfortunately spilling after chasing a loose ball and having another ruled out by the TMO.
A marvellous total of 18 tackles and a block of a Harvey Skinner clearance that led to the Louis Ree-Zammit try adds layers to his sheer dynamism.
With Jack Singleton away on England duty, and Michael Cheika opting not to select the hooker, expect plenty of minutes for this man over the next month.
3. Fraser Balmain (Gloucester)
Packing down opposite a debuting Scott Sio would strike fear into the heart of the bravest man, but Fraser Balmain stood up to the challenge with absolute solidity.
His scrummaging foundations are incredibly hard to take down, which largely kept Sio at bay at the set piece.
An impressive 11 tackles, particularly following a rare 80 minute effort against London Irish last week.
His influence is the driving maul is often underappreciated, with the tighthead shielding Santiago Socino from harm on his way to the line.
4. Freddie Clarke (Gloucester)
Trademark.
Commanded the set-piece with reliable reception, allowing the driving maul to unlock the Exeter pack’s weaknesses.
An absolute rock in defence with 13 tackles to his name, many of which were dominant as the forward lumps bashed into each other.
5. Cameron Jordan (Gloucester)
Made quite the impression on his first start for Gloucester.
In a performance defined by grit, the 22-year-old was up for the set-piece battle, prevailing against a tough set of jumpers, even claiming the important lineout that led to the Santiago Socino try.
Threw his weight around with 13 boisterous tackles that severely limited the physical Exeter pack.
Destined to be a regular in the Cherry and White engine room for years to come.
6. Dave Ewers (Exeter)
It’s incredibly hard to deny West Country team of the week stalwart Ruan Ackermann, but the big man was operating at a whole different level with the ball in hand on Friday night.
23 carries is a trojan-like total; his utter physicality alone would have got the better of most sides.
At times it’s rather hard to believe he’s human; this lump of granite’s hits are dominant with 100% efficiency.
Was also utilised as a pivot man, making a significant amount of passes as Exeter continue to employ their forwards as playmakers.
7. Lewis Ludlow (Gloucester)
Deserves a knighthood for breathing life into a cause very close to my heart; the dying art of the swan dive.
To see him fist pumping and hollering before he’d even touched the ball down made the club’s intimate relationship with it’s fanbase clear to see – he set Gloucester alite with that score. It’s evident how much it all means to him, and there is no better man to lead this side into title contention.
Made 18 tackles; a rather pedestrian total by his lofty standards, but pretty humongous by nearly every else’s.
8. Ben Morgan (Gloucester)
With Jordy Reid in a meteoric run of form, stepping up to the starting team in his place was not a task I envied, but Ben Morgan stood up to it more than capably.
The England international evidenced plenty of fight, carrying punishingly with some trademark hits, racking up a team-leading 21 tackles and providing significant control over the ball with a pair of turnovers.
A reliable pair of hands who always produces when called upon – what a valuable squad member this man is.
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