Rugby Union: Fanolua flattens Fylde

Gloucester recorded the biggest victory in their 124-year history yesterday when they thrashed Fylde 88-0 in Group A of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Cup at Kingsholm. Leading the way with three of their 14 tries was Western Samoan centre Terry Fanolua while Scott Benton, Audley Lumsden and 19-year-old debutant wing Rob Jewell each touched down twice. Mark Mapletoft, whose injury problems have cost him at least one England cap in recent weeks, proved his fitness with 23 points - one try and nine conversions.

Gloucester still trail Wakefield, who beat West Hartlepool 30-28, by two points in the group table. John Flint ran in two of Wakefield's five tries as they avenged two earlier defeats this season by West and put themselves in good heart for the next meeting between the sides - in the Tetley's Bitter Cup on 3 January.

Division Two leaders Bedford earned themselves a home quarter-final with a 30-17 win away to Richmond in Group D. Rory Underwood, the former England wing, was among the visitors' try scorers. In Group B, Leicester helped themselves to seven tries in a 50-20 victory at Exeter while London Irish struggled before shading Rotherham 25-21. Waterloo beat Coventry 29-25 in another close contest in Group C.

Stuart Davies, the former Wales No. 8, helped Swansea to open a clear gap at the top of the Welsh Premier Division with three of their nine tries in a 63-15 hammering of Bridgend, whose No. 8 Owain Lloyd was stretch- ered off with a neck injury.

Llanelli finished a week in which they were forced to release six players by losing 15-12 at home to Ebbw Vale, their first win at Stradey Park since 1970.

Cumbria continued their defence of the Tetley's Bitter County Championship with a 27-5 win over Warwickshire at Aspatria.