Ryan relief as 'hurdle' is cleared (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Ryan relief as 'hurdle' is cleared

Gloucester boss Dean Ryan claimed his team had cleared "a pretty big hurdle" following their Powergen Cup victory over the Ospreys at Kingsholm.

Unbeaten in the Guinness Premiership this season, Gloucester were made to work hard for a 23-7 victory sealed through tries from England internationals James Simpson-Daniel and Henry Paul.

Gloucester's lowest crowd of the campaign, just over 6,000, witnessed a stop-start contest, but Ryan was satisfied with the win.

"I never expected it not to be hard work it was one of our toughest examinations of the season," said Ryan.

"We are happy to clear what was a pretty big hurdle, and that was a different game from the Premiership in that it posed a different set of challenges."

While the game never burst into life as a spectacle, an injury-depleted Ospreys outfit made life tough for the home side.

Gloucester, though, will move within sight of the Millennium Stadium semi-finals next March if they win at Bristol next week.

Richard Hill stlll had a smile on his face despite losing 25-10 on his old patch as his Bristol side went down 25-10 in the Powergen Cup at Bath.

Hill, who played a virtual second-string side against a near full-strength Bath, insisted: "I really enjoyed today I'm delighted.

"I was a bit concerned that we might struggle in the front five but I can't fault anyone.

Former Bath player Hill added: "It was a massive effort, and what really pleased me was that when we had the ball we showed ambition and moved it superbly well."

Bath coach John Connolly had no quarrel with Hill's decision to field an under-strength side in a competition which he clearly viewed as secondary to survival in the Guinness Premiership.

"It was a good call, and I have no problems with it," he said.

"His goal is to stay up, and that's a sensible approach.

"It does de-value the competition, but clubs are prioritising the competitions they target."

Connolly confirmed he will be leaving Bath at the end of next month.

On the question of a replacement to oversee the coaching at the Recreation Ground, he said: "The club is looking at a couple of options. I've spoken to a couple of people myself."