Will Trenholm’s locker 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 game.
George Skivington’s side pushed the French outfit to the limit during a pulsating European match at the Kingsholm Stadium.
Gloucester held a 24-17 lead at half-time before Trenholm went over twice, but a brace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey salvaged a share of the spoils for visiting Bordeaux.
Bordeaux made a quick start, with Martin Page-Relo able to open the scoring in the fourth minute, but Arthur Clark provided an immediate reply for Gloucester.
Tries from Max Llewellyn and George Barton, either side of Sipili Falatea’s try, gave the home side a slim seven-point advantage at the break thanks to three successful conversions by Barton.
Pablo Uberti equalized for Bordeaux six minutes into the second half before Trenholm’s flurry of attempts left Kingsholm reeling, but Bielle-Biarry equalized in the 62nd minute and despite plenty of territory, neither side could find a winner.
Edinburgh were beaten by Toulon in their 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.
Defenses 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 shot before turning his effort over.
Scotland striker Ewan Ashman hit back immediately for Edinburgh, with Grayson adding the conversion, but Fiji international Seta Tuicuvu was soon off and Jaminet again added the extras.
Edinburgh refused to go away, with substitute Geordie Gwynn scoring with his first touch before Grayson converted to keep the hosts in the contest.
But Toulon had the last word. 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.
