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| Player | R | T | P | C | DG | Player | R | T | P | C | DG | Bench | R | T | P | C | DG | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| T. Delport | 8 | . | . | . | . | T. Windo | 8 | . | . | . | . | S. Whatling | 7 | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U. O'Douza | 7 | . | . | . | . | C. Fortey | 7 | . | . | . | . | J. Brown | 7 | . | 1 | 1 | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| T. Lombard | 9 | . | . | . | . | L. Fortey | 8 | . | . | . | . | Hallam | . | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S. Rasmussen | 8 | . | . | . | . | C. Gillies | 7 | . | . | . | . | M. Macdonald | 7 | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G. Trueman | 8 | 1 | . | . | . | P. Murphy | 7 | . | . | . | . | G. Hickie | 6 | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S. Drahm | 8 | . | 2 | 2 | . | T. Harding | 9 | . | . | . | . | E. O'Donaghue | 6 | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N. Runciman | 7 | 1 | . | . | . | P. Sanderson | 8 | 1 | . | . | . | A. Van Niekerk | 8 | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| . | . | . | . | . | . | K. Horstmann | 8 | 1 | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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R=Rating, T=Tries, P=Penalties, C=Conversions, DG-Drop Goals |
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Well it was upon us the last home game of the season and it was more significant than that. It was a clear opportunity to see how far we had come over the last two seasons. The First game last season was home to Newcastle, the last home game this season was once again against Newcastle. How much had we learnt had we moved on two vital questions for our development. |
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We were soundly beaten 43 premierships matches ago as we embarked on our Premiership sojourn. The game kicked off with young Toby Flood looking to establish himself as the new England flyhalf in waiting. An immensely talented young player brimming with confidence. But it was Worcester who took the game by the scruff of the neck. |
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We were about
to see 40 minutes of the best rugby played at Sixways by any team since
its construction in 1976. Worcester were immediately onto the attack and set the scene for a fast exciting game which would have the Sixways faithful in raptures |
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The
inter-passing was a delight.
Gone were the pressures of failure, in were the delights of showing their fans just what they were capable of |
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Before the
start of the game we had lost both our first choice scrumhalves. It was down to young Nick Runciman to get his first premiership start. he had been on the bench for England U21 but now it was time to step up. |
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He looked full
of confidence, what was going on beneath the surface was anyone guess
but he did not show it. He was quick to the ball and had it fizzing out the Drahm in a split second making the game fast and creating space for the back line. An excellent start to his career |
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We were also to
see the last home games of two Sixways' favourites in Thomas Lombard and
Andre van Niekerk. Two players who have lit up Sixways not just from their playing but also the character and commitment to our club. Thomas started at 12 with Andre on the bench waiting to come on and do his thing |
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Very quickly
Worcester took control ripping through the defence of the Falcons with
some superb off loading and support play. Whoever was in possession he knew that another player was coming up ready to take the ball on. It was KEEP that ball alive and lets see what we can do. |
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Within a wonder
spell of 3 minutes Worcester Scored two tries, the second an great
individual effort from the unsung Gary Trueman who just did not give up. It was terrific stuff and the crowd loved it. Warriors 12 : 0 Newcastle |
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It was not all
Worcester and the team had to do there fair share of defending
with Tom Harding, Kai Horstmann and Pat Sanderson outstanding in the
defence. Along with Uche who pulled off some great covering tackles on some very experienced finishers |
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It was young
Toby Flood with an individual piece of quick thinking slotted through a
grubber, followed it and scored a very good try which Old man Burke
converted. It was to be their only successful conversion all day!! |
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But it was now
back to the Warriors for the rest of the half as they attacked from set
piece, from broken play and from some great turnover ball. In amongst many of these moves was Tom Harding who was having a magnificent game. |
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It was hot, it
was fast and it was furious as Worcester sought to gain a great victory. Playing against a very strong wind we even saw Shane convert a penalty from the west stand outside their 10 meter line. A difficult kick from 25 but 35 meters it was outstanding |
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Once again the
set piece with The Fortey twins making history were magnificent as they
dominated all aspects of the forward game. What a great set of forwards we are developing, with Hickey, Horsman, Collier, Morris and Gotting still to come in. What delights are win in for next season, we will have real strength in depth. |
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It was not all
over but we had now scored three tries and were 18 points clear. Still Newcastle made their breaks and once again they were snuffed out by truly tremendous defence. Some of it right on the line. |
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As the first
half came to an end just reflect on what we had witnessed. A team that
43 games ago could only score tries from 5 meters out were now running
through at will and scoring. Of course there has been development, of course we have improved. It was a great day for Sixways Rugby!! Warriors 25 : 07 Falcons |
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