On a freezing cold night in November another chapter in Worcester's History was about to unfold.

Tonight would be the first meeting between Worcester and Bristol in the Premiership.

Bristol had travelled north with their team of all stars, having been given almost  £1Million more than Worcester. Still we have to battle against the establishment who give almost twice as much to the other clubs in the premiership.

This iniquitous situation only leads to a more passionate team and supporters, determined to show we can still beat them even if starved of funds

Out cam the Warriors and the stadium erupted. Cheers rang out and was that thunder in the air, no it was the North and East stand rumbles.

Battle lines were set and we were ready for a momentous evening in our history.

It was Worcester who were immediately into their stride. Driving the Bristol side deeper and deeper into their own half. The ball was being won on the ground and turnovers started to appear from the first tackle.

Worcester set up a concerted attack with phase after phase of close in drives interspersed with swinging the ball wide. With Delport looking decidedly dangerous

It was time for Bristol to give out their own lesson in attacking.

The ball had been taken deep into the Bristol 10 meter area, but Bristol Turned it over and quick as a flash Perry saw his opportunity with every Worcester player down the right half of the field. He hit a beauty kick deep into the Worcester 10m where Lemi raced onto the ball, with the try line wide open and boy can he motor.

Certain Try, you would have thought! Coming across were Delport and Hickey, with lungs bursting Delport threw himself at Lemi, keeping low he took the wingers legs and dragged him into touch just 1m short.

An Incredible tackle showing just how fit and committed he is

It was time for Capt Windo to take control of his forces. Discipline was needed. It came from the line outs, but only after a cleverly disguised move at the front of the line very nearly resulted in another try for Bristol. It did not get near the 22 but looked slick and dangerous. It didn't work again!

After this small hiatus the normal was re=established as Craig Gillies, Drew Hickey and the ever improving Phil Murphy took complete control of the line.

It is to their great credit that they just about managed to edge the game here as well.

Around loose play the Warriors were always first to the breakdown. However Bristol are a very well organised team and regularly thwarted the fast recycle. the yellow was bound to come eventually

One such move saw a great passage of wide out on the left. Wish started inside the Warriors 10 meter line, ending up with Delport being forced out into touch just 10 meters short of the try line. It was super stuff from the team

In such passionate exchanges the discipline was outstanding from both sides. Probably because Mr Rose had control of the game and was utterly confident in his decisions, which were in the main spot on

Another super phase of play saw the ball returned by Le Roux (who else) who broke the line with some beautiful footwork and released Delport again. Delport attacked at speed drawing in defenders, he then slipped the ball back inside to Havili who cut a great outside line leaving another inside pass to Gomersall.

Off he went with the Bristol backrow all around him but losing contact. A great last tackle saw Gomers hit the ground just 2 meters short

Bristol defence decided 3 points were better than 7 and illegally stopped the ball. Mr Rose had no alternative  Brian Lima was despatched to the sin bin for a well earned 10 minute rest.

Drahm kicked to touch for a catch and drive, clearly showing how well Bristol were performing at the scrum

He still had something to do, He had to stride 10 paces and spot the ball down and salute the ecstatic South Stand crowd who were on their feet cheering a super, super try.

Warriors 7 : 0 Bristol

It was clearly what was deserved as upto this point it wast the sheer tenacity of the Bristol defence which had the score at Zero.

95% of the game had been in the Bristol Half with Warriors retaining over 70% of the possesion.

Bristol, would they start to breakdown. Defending for 25 minutes so well and then conceding a try can have serious effects on the teams confidence. Needles to say it did not!

And it very nearly was.

For 5 minutes they fought to get out of their half and a half chance saw a kick through cause havoc in the Worcester defence.

The ball was chipped over Delport deep into the 22. He turned and raced back trying to catch the ball before it bounced on this very hard surface again. He just missed the ball which bounced and kicked on towards the posts. back came Havili and Delport followed up very quickly by several Bristol attackers.

£ times it was set before Mr Rose awarded a free kick which was quickly taken, but the attack was stopped.

back they come for not 10 and from the scrum Bristol attacked through the 10/12 channel. on the line drew Hickey dived in tackle the ball carrier, turned him and held him up over the line. A brilliant piece of work and a certain try saved.

Warriors 7 : Bristol 3

Still both sides tried to force some points over the next 7 minutes

Finally the half came to an end.

Both sides left the field foe a respite and to dicuss how they would play in the second half.

The supporters were on their feet trying to get warm. It was a freezing cold night!!