Trenholm Brace Not Enough as Gloucester Hold Champions Cup Holders Bordeaux

Gloucester came within touching distance of one of the more eye-catching results of the European season, but had to settle for a 36-36 draw against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux.

Will Trenholm was the man who kept Gloucester in the contest. His two scores gave the visitors a way back into a game that had plenty of swings, and they came out of it with a share of the points rather than the win that looked possible at various stages. Against a side with a European title to its name, a draw is a respectable return, but it is hard to see it that way in the dressing room when the upset was so close.

The result also highlights how fine the margins are in this competition. A single moment in either direction could have changed the outcome, and Gloucester will be left wondering which of those moments they could have handled better. For Bordeaux, the draw is a reminder that the defending champions were made to work hard for their share.

Neither side walks away with a clean win, but the story of the afternoon belongs to Gloucester's willingness to take the fight to the holders. Trenholm's contribution will be the first thing most fans remember.