GLOUCESTER claimed a hard-fought victory at La Rochelle to maintain their winning start in pool four of the European Challenge Cup.

Steve McColl and Charlie Sharples both scored late on as the visitors snatched a 33-20 win in France.

A one minute-silence was staged ahead of the game in tribute to the 129 people who were killed in Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

Ben Morgan's solo try for the visitors was quickly cancelled out by Julien Audy in a lively opening 10 minutes.

Gloucester's 19-13 half-time lead was helped by 14 points from the boot of Greig Laidlaw, but Jason Eaton's try edged the hosts ahead after the break.

Gloucester won it late on with two fine tries. Great work from the backs sent replacement McColl over, while Sharples scored a brilliant solo try.

Billy Twelvetrees converted both to seal the win.