James Brown gets the second half underway

As mentioned in the first half the Warriors lineout was a disaster. Chris Hall came on for the second half, the question is would it improve. The answer was a resounding "NO" Both teams were pretty dismal at the line, Bedford  probably had the edge

Finally on the right we have a good catch

The two pictures to the left and above show clearly the mess at the line.

The normally smooth working partnership between Gillies and Hall just evaporated in the afternoon sun. Try as they might they just could not get the basics right. The statement before the game of "Away from home,  we must ensure we get the fundamentals right or we will be in trouble". Well I am afraid to say it was the basics that were just blown away. Now, I believe that with the change in tactics this season a lot of the positioning lessons that had become second nature last season were interfering with the smooth running of the game plans. It is like a new team having to gel. Let us be confident that when it does we will produce something really special.

Worcester were now attacking with real determination only to be slowed down by clever use of tactics not picked up by the referee. A player lying in an offside position in a ruck not allowing the ball to be played was rucked out by Dean Thomas, the touch judge flagged and the referee binned the "offending" player. Dean Thomas???

From both side's we saw a massive display of commitment. Worcester had come out with all guns firing and  were putting in some big hits, trying to draw in the Bedford pack to wear them down for a 4th quarter onslaught. It was during this onslaught that Bedford turned over a Worcester attack and countered, they tried too hard too soon and a misdirected pass was intercepted by the lively O'Leary to run 30 meters under the posts. Once again the try being converted by James Brown to take the score after 15 minutes to Bedford 13 : 21 Warriors.

Down to 14 men and scoring showed just what could be done. This period of "15" minutes was the best rugby Worcester played all day, full of endeavour. It was not a matter of holding on to defend the situation it was attack, they were now faster  and harder onto the loose ball lead by Gavin Pfister who was immense yet again. Without Gavin cleaning up mistakes at the line and tackling like a whirling dervish we would have been overrun.

Werner's new tactic of taking out the No8 as he picks up the ball has paid dividends in every game played this season we now just need the ball recycling faster.

5 minutes later and he missed another two, that was 3 out of 3 misses, it was not going to be his day with the boot

From then on it was get in the right position to let the forwards drive one over.

Could we, for once in the game get the lineout right at this crucial time, the answer was a resounding YES!! The ball was taken, in came the big boys to drive the ball infield and towards the Bedford line. Bedford put everything into the defence, but try as they might they could not stop the drive and over we went with Lee Fortey coming up with the try. It was another magnificent catch and drive try, three this season already, compared to nil all last season

That did not daunt the Bedford Blues they came at Worcester like caged tigers, throwing caution to the wind they attacked and it paid off a missed tackle allowed the break to be made and Bedford were back in the game at

Bedford 20 : 28 warriors

Tommy Hayes once again put the ball out on the full, his power is awesome but in this case not to the benefit of the team. The scrum back on the halfway line was sending shivers down the spine, were The Warriors going to throw it away?

No, the scrum was taken by Bedford who set up some enterprising moves but made little headway against some big, big tackles from Tommy Hayes and Gavin Pfister again. Look to the right and wouldn't you get rid of the ball with this wildcat coming at you??

We defended well and if we made mistakes we more than compensated by stopping their counter attacks very quickly

Mark had another solid game, we needed another Richard Bates to take the ball on and commit the Bedford defence.

Drew Hickey had come on in place of  Dean Thomas after 15 minutes, although much lighter than Richard his carrying skills are just as dynamic. His body position and driving upwards from a very low position allows him to make more forwards yards instead of being driven down to the ground. It also ensures that the ball is available for the following players. I thought he had a sound game with Chrissy moving to No6

Was it possible for him to miss 4 attempted penalties. Calmly he stepped up and hit a peach, 3 points and Worcester were now back into 11 points clear at; Bedford 20 : 31 Warriors.

Now 5 minutes into extra time how long would the referee continue to add. after 8 minutes of extra time the whistle went with Worcester coming away with all 5 points and ensuring one of the more dangerous teams came away with nothing

1.  Overall, this was yet another dismal away game as far as the whole game is concerned. We put ourselves under enormous pressure from our own mistakes. The plus point is that we confidently dealt with the mess.

2.   It can be seen that we are developing a different game plan to that of last year, much more physical and not so much free running. The plays have to be learnt by all not just the new players, mistakes will happen but I do wish they were less frequent my system can only take so much.

3.   We are still struggling to cope with kick-offs, we never seem to be able to get in position and have enough protection around for the catcher, having said that when we do we need some0ne who can catch.

4.  The lineout misfired, but we know how good it can be. It is now for the coaches and players to get it back in full working order.

5.   Phases are few and far between, we are finding it difficult to quickly recycle the ball. It would seem the ball is very quickly available but is  not used, we are then pushed off  because we do not commit many to the breakdown. The old adage use it or lose it Werner has to be there faster.

6.  It was good to see the coaches have the courage to give James Brown a start, we will need that availability from both fly halves all through the season. Is it now time for the same courage and give Matt Powell a start.

7.   The front row still looks lightweight, they struggled against a very good outfit at Otley and again today here at Bedford. They will have to perform well to compete with the Bees and Exeter front rows.

8.   The need for another outside center/ wing to inject some pace and movement in the line is even more paramount. Gary and Duncan did a good job but neither are outside centers. Without whom our wings are going to be starved of good attacking opportunities.

9.   Once again the ability to defend in numbers and protect our line was evident, we are learning to defend against the driving maul and close in recycled ball.

10.  We would have been happy after these first three games to come away with 5, 4,4 (13) instead we have come away with 4,5,5 (14) and restricted two of our main rivals to "0" league points. And that above all else is what matters. Be it pretty or not, we won and took all 5 points. A Great Result! Now for the Welsh at Sixways in 7 days time. Game No4!