Lay Down Sally (Eric Clapton)

Swing Low (UB40)

Born To Be Wild (Steppenwolf)

Francisco Nights (The Animals)

Child In Time (Deep Purple)

Riders On The Storm (Doors)

The Wall (Pink Floyd)

Remember (Michael Jackson)

Worcester were now out of the blocks like a rat up a drainpipe. Attacking with some scintillating running from Gary Trueman, who sliced through the Henley defence.

The Warriors were not going to sit back and dwell on a simple win, they wanted more and more they got. Now is was the time for the wayward Garrard to show his super skills

Try No 6

Henley 14 : 38 Worcester

The games was won, we were 18 points clear of the second placed club Orrell. That is no reason for such slack uncontrolled, over elaborate showmanship.

Henley quite rightly took advantage of a slipshod outfit that had disintegrated before our very eyes

The Henley 8 who had been outplayed all day were now in the ascendancy and taking control of the game. Yes Worcester were attacking but the shape and cutting edge had gone. Even so they managed by dint of luck to set up an attack driving back the Hawks onto their try line.

Once again Henley put their bodies on the line and defended magnificently

Henley saw the opportunity and went for it. The winger cut straight through the only line of defence.

Henley 21 : 38 Worcester

Worcester even though unconvincing in their approach work had the skills of Garrard and the driving maul to fall back on. Scoring another un-converted try

Henley 21: 43 Worcester

Now it was the turn of Henley to cut loose from the halfway line. Like a knife through butter once again the speedy wing took off with Neil Cole in pursuit. He did not stand a chance!

Over 30 meters he cannot sustain his pace.

Bonus try

Henley 26 : 43 Worcester

Worcester were changing players around, like Jordon changes her tops and just as useful!! No excuses here, Worcester did not look like a premiership side in waiting.

Once again a sloppy piece of play allowed Henley to put pressure on the Worcester line and they did not throw it away try No 5!!!

Henley 33 : 50 Worcester

Henley could have made them pay and very nearly did!

Within the space of 4 minutes they ran in 3 fabulous tries. Not hard forward crunching tries but superbly constructed and lightening quick

In that period of time Gavin Pfister and Chris Garrard completed a hat-trick apiece.

Final score

Henley 33 : 69 Worcester

Fully deserved from both sides, with Henley taking a losing bonus off Worcester. The only other sides to do so were Otley and Bristol in that swimming pool game

A Supporters Viewpoint:

The game itself wasn’t a thriller. Warriors didn’t play well in large sections of the game but take nothing away from Henley they have put the two highest scores in the league past Worcester. At Sixways they put 24 points on the board and yesterday saw them post 33. They were keen to try and push Warriors all the way and achieved it. Credit to them. As one of the Hawks supporters said after the penalty try award, "it is about survival in this league and a bonus point would be a wonderful result for them". 

From my 1^st half position on the 22 nearest the club house I saw some excellent driving play by the forwards which resulted in a try very early on. Some very good handling from the backs with the ball going wide for early penetrating runs from the wings. Wes Davies seems to be unsure what to do when he gets the ball; run straight at the opposition or cut inside and seek support. Either way a lack of decision taking seems to get Wes caught earlier than he should be for a winger of his undeniable pace. Crystal on the other hand runs at the defence and comes up with the tries.  

The Hawks forwards kept pressure on the try line at the opposite end. The Hawks backs looked quick, something that was going to be displayed later in the game. The Hawks side seemed to have a belief in their ability. The half was played out with pressure and counter pressure by the Warriors. The difference, at this stage in the game, was that when Warriors went on the attack they came away with a try. Something Hawks for all their pressure couldn’t do.  Gabes came on and immediately got into the game with some power play in the centre of the field. Making good yardage each time he received the ball. Zalts though was not keen to let his place go and was back on the field when he was deemed fit enough. A lesson here maybe. Dan Zaltsman had a good game and was keen to keep his place. Mark Gabey wanted to impress, and he did.

The second half was much the same as the first. Henley knew they were close to a bonus. Their backs caused problems all afternoon. A good centre pairing. Not in the class of Trusey and Ben but, a niggle none the less. When the Warriors game plan went to order; driving pack with pushover tries, or quick hands to the wings it was easy rugby. Too often players were left isolated, turnover ball was gained and Hawks put Warriors under pressure. It seemed there was commitment to win the game but Warriors decision making/taking fell short of its usual soundness. Ben, Trusey and Crystal had good games with Christian Evans scoring a fine try after good handling later on in the 2^nd half. Matt Powell had an unusually poor passing game. The changes were rung and I liked the look of  Neil Cole’s play and his passing looked crisp and accurate. Mat Evans also didn’t do his chances any harm; he played well when he came on with some good tackling hits and support play.   

The lineout continues to go well with Ben Daly hitting his target every time. I liked the play that Daley put in today and I’m impressed by his all round game. For a number 2 he has a lot of skills that can be taken into the Prem.

First Article of many from

Mike Clarke

1.   All in all probably the worst controlled game of the season!

2.   Once again some are fully committed to the end, Gavin Pfister and most of the pack.

3.   Midfield lost it's way in the second half

4.   For me the player of the season Craig Gillies had a dreadful game about the field.

5.   Mat Powell was slow and his passing wild and mis-directed.

6.   Wes Davies had the worst game of any winger I have seen at Sixways. His indecision shows an utter lack of confidence in his ability to beat a man. Jon Hylton would have had a hat full today. Raw pace was lacking.

7.   Lineouts once again were good, not outstanding but good. Well shared around.

8.   Ben Daly had a great game maybe he should be at No6. But what a great asset to have that skill on the field at Hooker.

9.   Re-ignition of desire is vital. The spark was not there until late on in the game. Too easily moved away from game plans.

10.   Saw some new plays though, interestingly they id not come off but I am sure lessons will be learnt.

We now have to go to Penzance who are on fir at the moment, followed by Plymouth at home and Exeter away. West Country Month and everyone a hard game that will need winning. We have to be there in force at everyone of those games. So book you seat and make sure you do not miss out.