The Leicester Tigers Academy were defeated 15-18 in their opening fixture of the revised Premiership Rugby Academy Under-18 season at Loughborough University on Saturday afternoon.
The Cubs opened the scoring in the 10th minute through the boot of fly-half Jack Vernum with a penalty-goal, before the visitors took the lead six minutes later with the first try of the match.
On the half hour mark, Tigers had their first try when wing Ben Moore crossed and Vernum converted the score to extend the lead to 10-5.
Two penalty goals in four minutes saw Gloucester lead by one-point, 10-11, before Tigers crossed for a second try from outside centre George Loose in the 42 minute.
Approaching the hour mark, Gloucester got across the line for a second try and converted the score to lead 15-18 where it would remain until full-time.
Speaking post-match, Tigers Academy Manager David Wilks said: "We created a lot of pressure but failed to convert."
"We looked fit and the work rate was excellent. Most of the rugby was very good quality considering the time away from playing."
"The lack of training time and experience showed at times but there is plenty of time for this young team."
"There were some good lessons from today that we need to address quickly but plenty to positives to take into next week."
