Gloucester edge thrilling contest

Gloucester staged an astounding fightback to replace London Irish as Guinness Premiership leaders following a 23-21 success at Kingsholm.

Wing Iain Balshaw's 50th Premiership career try seven minutes from the end completed Gloucester's recovery act after they trailed Irish 18-3 just before half-time.

Fly-half Olly Barkley kept Gloucester in the hunt by booting six penalties from seven attempts - but Irish imploded.

Early tries by wings Adam Thompstone and Topsy Ojo put Irish in charge as they looked to consolidate their place at the Premiership summit.

But Gloucester, low on confidence after crashing out of Europe early and lacking a victory in any competition since January 3, ultimately produced one of the Premiership's great recovery acts.

And they now lead the table by a point from Irish, whose losing bonus point was scant consolation from a game they dominated for so long.