Premiership Rugby 7s: Gloucester Rugby and London Irish progress

Just under 14,000 fans watched Reynolds, who made his Aviva Premiership debut last season, turn on the style to grab five tries on the night as the Cherry Whites topped Group B with a perfect record.

But the Exiles will also have some say at The Stoop on Friday August 8, coming back from the brink to beat Bath Rugby and then speeding past Exeter Chiefs to secure qualification.

Dan Thomas proved Gloucester’s mischief-maker from the off, jinking his way to a quick double before Reynolds – who played a key role in the Cherry Whites’ 7s success last year – raced through for a third.

Sam Showering and Reynolds again plundered scores in the second half but the Chiefs did not go down without a fight, as Jack Faulkner and Tom Dowding found the gaps to reduce the arrears.

Gloucester’s impressive 29-14 victory would take some following – and Irish provided just that with a spectacular turnaround against Bath.

Olly Woodburn (2) and Richard Lane had powered Bath into a 19-7 lead but Mat Turner, Declan Williams and Simon Hunt – who wonderfully chased down his grubber to crash over – nosed it for the Exiles.

The Chiefs had shown signs of life in their second-half showing against the hosts and carried on in the same vein against Bath, Tom Dowding, Stuart Townsend and Rob Coote building an early advantage.

Bath threatened the second comeback of the night through Will Homer and captain Chris Cook but Faulkner and Tom Hendrickson found plenty of green grass to a seal a 33-12 victory for Exeter.

By Gloucester’s second game Kingsholm had already crowned their player of the round as Reynolds stormed to two identical tries – breaking from deep inside his own half – against Irish.

Declan Williams and Max Berry scores made sure things weren’t entirely comfortable for the Cherry Whites but a 17-10 win meant they were heading for The Stoop.

The Exiles had to dust themselves off for a winner-takes-all showdown with the Chiefs and Cam Cowell’s converted try gave them the upper-hand by 7-5 at HT.

Paddy O’Grady and Steele then wrapped it up after the interval – before Hunt’s kick-and-chase added the gloss – to join Gloucester for the finale on Friday August 8.

There was still one match left to sort out – with Gloucester on the hunt for a clean sweep – and Bill Meakes got the party started in the first half.

After concerted pressure Callum Braley, a recruit from Bristol Rugby, popped up for his second try of the group stage before fittingly, Reynolds notched his fifth.

Ollie Thorley then tied up proceedings for Gloucester, blowing away Bath 24-0 – and are now surely a good bet to defend their title.

Gloucester Rugby 29 Exeter Chiefs 14

Bath Rugby 19 London Irish 24

Exeter Chiefs 33 Bath Rugby 12

Gloucester Rugby 17 London Irish 10

Exeter Chiefs 5 London Irish 24

Gloucester Rugby 24 Bath Rugby 0

Attendance: 13,832

Group C – Friday 1 August – Franklin’s Gardens – Northampton Saints, Harlequins, Saracens, Wasps

Group D – Saturday 2 August – Darlington Northern Echo Arena – Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, London Welsh, Sale Sharks

Series Final – Friday 8 August – Twickenham Stoop

For tickets to all events click here

Article source: http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12507/9147218/wales-scarlets-coach-simon-easterby-hails-jonathan-davies-comeback

Premiership Rugby 7s: Gloucester Rugby and London Irish progress