Will Trenholm proud of Gloucester response to Bristol Bears thrashing with win over Exeter Chiefs - 'Put some respect back in the badge'

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Will Trenholm said that Gloucester’s players wanted to restore some pride in their Gallagher PREM triumph over Exeter Chiefs.

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The Cherry and Whites suffered a 53-12 thrashing at the hands of Bristol Bears in their previous Gallagher PREM fixture, but they bounced back with a thrilling 34-31 win over top-four chasing Chiefs at Kingsholm Stadium.

Gloucester are eighth in the Gallagher PREM table, 28 points behind Chiefs in fourth place despite their victory.

Trenholm was named player of the match after an outstanding display at No. 8 and the forward said that he and his team-mates had taken a long hard look at themselves over the past week.

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"We are over the moon because obviously the season hasn't been kind to us," he said.

"We have obviously wanted to do better heading into the back end of the season, we just wanted to put some respect back into the badge and give back to the fans.

"We said to each other in the changing rooms this week, saying this one is for the fans or for your loved ones doesn't mean anything if you don't do it for yourself.

Vintcent finishes blistering attack to give Exeter lead in first minute

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"We had to put some respect back in the badge, look at each other and look at ourselves.

"Before the game, we really didn't talk much. We had two main points - set fast and hit hard.

"I think you saw, when we came out today, the lads really wore their hearts on their sleeves, went out and tried to hit their lads as hard as they could.”

Ross Vintcent gave Chiefs the lead in the first minute, but the hosts responded with two tries from Max Llewellyn as well as a score from Tomos Williams.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso crossed the whitewash for Chiefs in the 27th minute, but it was 26-12 at the break after Trenholm went over.

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Greg Fisilau cut Gloucester’s advantage after play resumed, but Trenholm crossed again to create some breathing room entering the final 15 minutes.

The hosts were made to sweat after a late penalty try and a Henry Slade finish, but they held on to secure the victory.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington confirmed that there had been some frank discussions in the changing room this week following back-to-back defeats against Leicester Tigers and Bristol.

"We had really good, honest conversations this week and I think we had to turn up,” he said.

"We did not have a choice this week. For all the people who have supported us all year and we have not given them what they need to see.

"And then there is also just a bit of individual pride. There does come a point after games like last week and the week before that, that you have got to step up.

”This week was not a huge tactical week for us. Likewise, before the game and at half-time, we didn’t really talk tactics. It was more about showing up and showing what we have got.”

Gloucester will return to action against Sale Sharks on Friday, May 8.

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

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