The first half had clearly shown how the team had pulled themselves up from an appalling result up at Sale. All credit to the team spirit and motivational skills of their captain and coaches. Clearly a job well done!!

Craig Gillies and his lifters were winning everything, with Mat Powell in such great form James Brown and his Fancy Boys were getting that all important space.

But it was the sheer strength and organisation of the pack which was key. Quins were made to look clearly out of their depth.

It was this power which was used to the full for the 3rd try.  As Siaosi Vaili smashed his way over for a try in his first ever premiership appearance. He had made an enormous impact after coming on for the injured Greeff.

Warriors 21 : 7 Quins

They were pinned down in their own 22 for 15 solid minutes as attack after attack came in. They were forced relieve the pressure from kick after kick to touch. This only gave ball back to The Warriors jumpers. So it was time to keep it in play. This brought in Delport who ran it straight back at them with some towering up and under's.

Force them to make mistakes, they did not know what to do with ball in hand

Orrillo need to look where they place their adverts.

Mat Powell who had set the stadium alight with a massive display of skill and power was replaced by the very talented Clive Stuart-Smith. Clive is even faster and more direct than Mat and he was going to show he also wants to start a game.  What a store of riches we have at scrum half.

On came Andre van Neikerk with Daly moving to No6. Inspired decision. It meant Andre could concentrate on what he does best, scrummaging and powering around the breakdowns. His sheer power and speed really knocked the stuffing out of the defending Quins forwards

Once again penalties were not be taken as the Warriors strived for that all important 4th try. They were confident they could get it. The game was won and to throw away the chance to grab another league point would have been very remiss.

It was phase after phase of power and running as they forced the game closer and closer to the try line. Harlequins were defending magnificently but it was inevitable the dam would break. It came in the shape of Lee Fortey who was driven over by the whole pack for the 4th and bonus try.

Warriors 26 : 7 Harlequins

Cants of Warriors---Warriors echoed around the ground as all stands erupted in salute to their glorious heroes.

It was not over, as Worcester went for the killer touch. Never give a side that is down a chance to get up. If you have won the game then ensure that YOU finish it on the up and going forward

Quins in their perilous state of mind tried to take a quick penalty 10 meters from their line and dropped the ball. In a twinkling of an eye Hickey was onto it took 3 paces forward splitting the defence and laid a perfect pass out to Brown. James sped over the line unopposed for his first ever try for Worcester, capping a magnificent game at flyhalf. James has controlled the game from the very first minute to the final conversion

Final Score Warriors 33 : 7 Harlequins

The supporters had been unbelievable throughout the game and the players all returned to show their appreciation for US.

80 minutes and 7,000 sore throats later, Sunday’s headlines were being re-written.  “I don’t know why your fans are calling for the final whistle,” said a grey-haired man wearing a Quins tie.  “It’s us who want this to be over.”  He voiced his dissatisfaction with his own team: “We don’t know what to do with the ball when we’ve got it.  It’s crisis time for us now.”

After the final whistle, the joy on supporters’ faces said it all.  Complete strangers shook hands and clapped each other on the back.  The whole squad savoured the moment: Daren O’Leary’s grin stretched from ear to ear, “Waggy” beamed broadly and even JB risked a half smile. 

Later, in the bar, we encountered a group wearing Celtic Warriors shirts.  Last week they’d gone to Sale to watch Sililo Martens; now they’d come to see Dafydd James.  They couldn’t believe the change in our team in a week.  “Play like that and you won’t get relegated,” said one.  “We came to cheer Dafydd, but we ended up supporting Worcester.”  They were disappointed not to see Chris Horseman play: “Just you wait.  As good as your forwards were to-day, when Chris gets amongst them he’ll ignite your season for you.”

These were true supporters of the game.  Having lost their regional team, they are going to matches where they choose: “Watching real rugby and enjoying it.”  We sent Worcester’s good wishes to their friend Sililo and his wife whose first baby is expected at any moment.

Finally, we might ask about Harlequin himself – “a character from Italian comedy who mixes ignorance with grace, always in trouble, easily despairing, easily consoled”. It seems unlikely that there was much consolation to be found on the long trek back to London for these particular Harlequins.

I almost forgot.  The taxi. Two Worcester supporters had seen to-day’s result in the breakfast tea-leaves and immediately ordered a taxi home from the game so that they could celebrate our victory in style. 

So remember, all you travelling fans – take your lucky charms with you to Leeds next Sunday and help our champions to win another 5 points.

 RT

1.   The biggest and most important of all is the way this team has picked itself up after last Friday night at Sale. The whole team were magnificent, and you the supporters have played your part. 1000 came to support the A team on Monday night and another 7,700 were there today in loud passionate support of YOUR team.

2.   We had one handling error early on and that was it. What a difference it made to our game.

3.   MAT POWELL: took his chance last Monday forced himself into the starting line and showed why he was the No1 last year and still is this. He was outstanding in the first 20 minutes.

4.   PAT SANDERSON: Leader and Mr Ubiquitous. he lead his troops as did Monty and Lysander no more need be said but that we have an inspired leader for our team.

5.   JAMES BROWN: Took the stage and bossed it!!! 

6.   Every player was inspired and played great team rugby planned by JB&AK executed to the letter by the players a wonderful display of TEAM rugby.

7.   As the confidence grew the team just got stronger, faster executing plays and phases with speed and controlled ferocity it was very exciting stuff to watch.

8.   THE SUPPORTERS: Take a bow take a very BIG bow, because you were great. This is what passionate support is like and didn't you all enjoy it. It gives us all an adrenalin rush and does exactly the same for the team. This has to be repeated at every home game, winning or losing it has to be the same!!!

It is now onto Leeds. We have to take many bus loads of supporters up there. We took 9 to Orrell and won the game lets do it again to Leeds. Book you seat on the coaches and lets do it all over again.