R=Rating,   T=Tries,    P=Penalties,    C=Conversions,    DG-Drop Goals

We had arrived at the stadium in plenty of time thanks to the superb organisation of Jim Mclean, his sister and of course the Supporters Club.

We had been met at Nimes Aeroport by the luxury coach and set off in fine form.

Within 5 minutes JP had his tickets out and was once again selling more draw tickets to raise money for St Richard's. The prizes were found to be waiting at the Hotel and wine aplenty.

On the coach JP talked about two major events coming our way soon. The launch of the much awaited Supporters Foundation Fund to help develop young rugby players and the forthcoming charity month in June.

There are three great events making up the Super Challenge! Spread over 3 weekends looks to be a fantastic fund raiser with International sportsmen and women taking part in Crowngate

It was off to the hotel where we dropped off our luggage, had a quick snifter and set off for the Stadium and Montpellier Rugby Club.

On arrival we walked around the stadium looking for an entry point, once found we just poured in and set-up camp in all corners of the ground.

The Warriors were sure going to know we were there.

With 2,500 there, 500 from Worcester the home fans did not stand a chance

Montpellier got the game underway with a great kick high and deep into our 22. The ball was taken well by Gomers, who set off on the first of many attacks.

He played a different game than against Catania, keeping it much tighter around the fringes. This restricting his short sniping runs to zero.

However the forwards looked in dominant form and confident of a powerful 10 man game

Montpellier cam back and really put the Warriors scrum under pressure. The loss of Horsman and in particular Niekerk is still affecting the power of the front 5. We suffered.

Nevertheless we still kept them out with some resolute defending and the ability to get to the ball faster than they did.

They did look good in open space though. But looking good and actually doing something with the ball is often 2 very different things

A great counter started by Truesy which then went backwards and forwards, side to side and James Brown also made a good individual run, laid the foundation to apply the pressure we do so well and bobs your uncle up pops the referees hand and Shaney Boy makes it three

Montpellier 0 : 3 Warriors

And deserved it.

NOW we started to believe and play some good attacking rugby with surges from Lombard, Horstmann and the unlucky Gillies. He was everywhere and only some desperate bad luck stopped him scoring two tries in the game.

Craig once again was dominant in the line stealing and securing good ball. He was well supported by Drew Hickey who did not miss a take the whole game

We were now camped in the 10 meters winning good ball. Moving into the 22 and looking extremely dangerous. You knew it was only going to take that some thing different and we would be in.

It came from Shane as the ball was moved wide after3 short drives. he took the ball offered it to Lombard and then cut back and scored just outside the posts

Montpellier 0 : 10 Drahm

It was looking good for the 4 tries!

The Warriors supporters were loud and very passionate never once stopping to take breath they just cheered and shouted as if their very lives depended on it. The Montpellier support were seeing something special once again and they joined in with drums horns and songs of their own.

It was worth every bit of travel just to be part of

However Montpellier are still a good French super 14 side with much pride and desire to win.

Back they came, hard and direct into the faces of the Warriors. had the team relaxed or had Montpellier now Steeled themselves to fight their way back into this game

The intensity can be seen from the faces of all the players in these two photographs as Montpellier storm in on the re-take

It was now becoming a very physical game in the cold of South West France

Montpellier new that they were going to have to run the ball at the Warriors and make sure they kept it available and moving around.

However the Warriors defence is made of real steel and is well organised by Billy McGinty and Co.

Every player was making his tackles. There were 1/2 slipped passes but the cover was always on hand to stop the move dead.

Howver the pressure finally told as some silly penalties were once again raising their heads. We have not cut out the daft ones.

Montpellier converting two, to take the score to.

Montpellier 6 : 10 Warriors

Montpellier grew in confidence as we slipped and missed simple catches. Players were getting out of position.

At this juncture mark Tucker showed his true mettle as he gave everything and was having another good game.

The power tackling of Rass seems to have been exchanged for a more measure approach which is sometimes leaving him on his backside as attacking runners change direction. Is it positional or confidence.

The French were still losing their own throw on a regular basis as that evil sniper Craig Gillies stole ball after ball.

But their pack was now in charge of the set piece.

One super break and hole created took the score to

Montpellier 11 : 10 Warriors

The day was falling apart, but the support just got better and better.

It was lack of discipline that saw JT sent for short spell in the sin bin.

Montpellier, unlike Worcester, took advantage of the loss and laid on the pressure as they stormed into the Warriors.

In they came on some great angles, stretching the defence and then taking them apart in the tight.

Scrum after scrum was disrupted by the weakening Warriors 7 and eventually the referee had no alternative but to award a penalty try for persistent pulling down.

It was nothing more than they deserved as Montpellier were now playing the better rugby against what looked like struggling Worcester team.

This is when men step up to the plate!

The mood looked somber as the coaches followed their losing team into the changing room. Some clever motivation was now needed for JB & AE.

The supporters tried their best to cheer them off the pitch.

Montpellier 18 : 30 Warriors