Out Come The Warriors

Out Come Bedford

O.K. Guys Let's Get the Show on the Road

Both teams were on the field after the half hour's warm up and I can assure you just walking on the pitch was a warm up session it was very hot out there.

It was about to get even hotter, for some it was really under the collar. Bedford got the game underway with there No5 in front as he was on every kick-off. The referee missed this part of the game every time

Last week Bedford had been narrowly beaten by Wakefield who in themselves were beaten on the first game of the season at Orrell by 55 points.

On paper this would seem a fairly comfortable game.

Come reality, no good team loses 2 games on the row, it was at home against the division's "favourite" team and to concentrate the mind even more it was also Bedford's Ex Players Re-Union Dinner.

As we had been informed at the dinner they always seem to pull out a great performance in front of the Ex-Players.

Would this be the case?

From the kick-off, which once again was not fielded by the Worcester pack, Bedford attacked, laying down the gauntlet. They attacked with speed and guile, but once again the defence was upto it, just!

Again and again Bedford attacked! They looked sharper, faster to the breakdown, making the Warriors look more like the underdogs than potential divisional champions.

Bedford were by far the better side, getting to the rucks much faster than the vaunted, fit Warriors pack, which was actually fielding 2 openside wing forwards.

You would have clearly expected Worcester to be first at the breakdown more times than not. well sad to say they were not. They looked sluggish and once again for the second time, away game blues looked about to strike again

However, let's not get over critical here, Bedford are a good side, were tipped to be in the top 4 this year.

This first 10 minutes was always going to be about attacking the Warriors line. From previous games this has shown to be our most vulnerable time. Yet once again we defended very well indeed. Bedford were forced to play phase after phase gaining no more ground once they had got near to the Worcester 22.

A lesser side would clearly have run out of attacking options, Bedford attacked through their forwards, their mid-field, their wings, but to no avail. The warriors kept their defensive line and stopped all attacks, not always pretty but effective. Bedford could not break through.

The home crowd were baying for points. It really did seem like when not if the line would crack.These attacks went on none stop for 4 minutes, was it possible to keep this up in these temperatures.

Now, what marks a good team is to soak up the attacks, then, when the chance for a counter appears it must be taken.

That is what happened.

The Bedford "attack" was under pressure mistakes were appearing and finally it happened, Daren O'Leary managed to get the ball, saw the gap and he was away up-field. with everyone in attack it looked a long run but he was going to score.

The Bedford winger and fullback raced back and were overhauling him......!

This was where his skill really showed. he knew he was not going to make it, he committed the Bedford cover to take him on, knowing that Gary Trueman was coming up fast. he then slipped a peach of a pass to Gary who was through and unstoppable all the way to the posts.

Once again after 4 minutes of defending, just 20 seconds of attack and it was Bedford 0 : 7 Warriors

With that score on the board it looked like we had finally woken up, we attacked down the left and a deft kick from Smiley nearly put us in for the second try within a minute.

But Bedford held out and once again came on the attack at a frantic rate

It was all Bedford, showing composure on the ball, mixed with the ability to retain and recycle good fast ball out to players more than willing to run at the Worcester players, taking them on and making ground.

But not breaking through!We were seeing early evidence of where we to have serious problems throughout the game, the line-Out. It was desperate, the throwing was miserable, the catching awful and the timing would bring pleasure to an old Timex, being correct only when it stopped

It was not all doom and gloom, we did put some sporadic attacks together, but it was never sustained.

The ball from the rucks was slow and misdirected often a change of mind at the point of passing, putting the whole team flat footed and going no-where. This team has a lot to do to reach the heights of last year's continuity of play, WHY??

The Bedford backs now for some unknown reason lost it big style. They had some lovely play destroying the Worcester defence, it was stretched to breaking point on three separate occasions, the line started to leak as Bedford stormed through.

What did they do, well they froze no other words for it. If you could take the worst possible options at key moments Bedford did exactly that. At one stage there was a 7 man overlap on the right, with the cover defence straining to get there, what happened they cut back inside and were snaffled up by the ever present Gavin Pfister, without Gavin we would have been in real trouble the whole game.

Once again he was setting the standard for another man Of the match award

Just look at these faces, full of concern, no shouting or cheering just holding their breath that Worcester were going to drag themselves into the game and show some division winning style.

But it came, thank heavens. Once again Bedford on the attack lost the ball, as before the Warriors attacked with flair,  speed and a keen cutting edge. Some fabulous fast hands, changes of direction saw Gary Trueman make the break through and Duncan "RED" Murray power his was over the line. The try being converted by last years Mr Dead-Eye James Brown, Taking the score after 11 mins:

Bedford 0 : 14 The Warriors

It was brilliant stuff and exactly what is needed when your team is not playing well. To hold back a team absorb the attacks and apply the killer blows, shows the mark of a good side with  the ability to strike and win games.

But and it is a big but if these forwards do not show the commitment and organisation they showed against Orrell we will have trouble against Exeter, Bees and Coventry. They are capable but my oh my have they have got to be prepared to do it every game.

Finally and well deserved the Bedford backs broke through and scored a good try. They had threatened to score for some time, they were running the show with some great lines, opening up the door and slicing through

Bedford 7 : 14 Warriors

Some of the rucking was fierce but quite legal if he is interfering with release then he can be rucked out of the way as seen here on the left.

It is a pity the touch judge did not see it that way later on in the game when Dean Thomas did exactly the same thing.

There was some good passages of play from both teams, however both were making elementary errors Worcester predominantly at the line and service to James Brown, Bedford the final attacking option was invariable disastrous.

With Bedford on the attack Worcester infringed and gave away a very kickable penalty Bedford 10 : 14 Worcester

On and On they came, wave after wave the Bedford forwards were now in total control of the game, better organised and capable of ball retention well above the level of play from The Warriors pack.

It was only solid defence from backs and forwards which stopped a flood of points.

Bedford seemed to have an extra man everywhere on the field, it was only going to be time before they scored again. When stretched the way Worcester were something was going to give or another penalty conceded, it was the later and Bedford duly converted to close the first half;

Bedford 13 : 14 Warriors

The restart had a slight problem as the officials had not quite got the time right!!

James Brown gets the second half underway

As mentioned in the first half the Warriors lineout was a disaster. Chris Hall came on for the second half, the question is would it improve.

The answer was a resounding "NO" Both teams were pretty dismal at the line, Bedford  probably had the edge Finally on the right we have a good catch

The two pictures to the left and above show clearly the mess at the line. The normally smooth working partnership between Gillies and Hall just evaporated in the afternoon sun. Try as they might they just could not get the basics right. The statement before the game of "Away from home,  we must ensure we get the fundamentals right or we will be in trouble". Well I am afraid to say it was the basics that were just blown away.

Now, I believe that with the change in tactics this season a lot of the positioning lessons that had become second nature last season were interfering with the smooth running of the game plans. It is like a new team having to gel. Let us be confident that when it does we will produce something really special.

The slope in the second half would be a big boost to the Warriors. Having played up and across for the last 45 minutes it was now time to take advantage. The warriors were very quickly on the attack driving into the Bedford 22, however badly controlled ball allowed Bedford to clear their lines on several occasions.

Worcester were now attacking with real determination only to be slowed down by clever use of tactics not picked up by the referee. A player lying in an offside position in a ruck not allowing the ball to be played was rucked out by Dean Thomas, the touch judge flagged and the referee binned the "offending" player. Dean Thomas???

The game was littered with mistakes from both sides, Bedford under pressure, Worcester in anxious desire to perform as well as they know they can.From both side's we saw a massive display of commitment. Worcester had come out with all guns firing and  were putting in some big hits, trying to draw in the Bedford pack to wear them down for a 4th quarter onslaught.

It was during this onslaught that Bedford turned over a Worcester attack and countered, they tried too hard too soon and a misdirected pass was intercepted by the lively O'Leary to run 30 meters under the posts. Once again the try being converted by James Brown to take the score after 15 minutes to

Bedford 13 : 21 Warriors.

Down to 14 men and scoring showed just what could be done. This period of "15" minutes was the best rugby Worcester played all day, full of endeavour. It was not a matter of holding on to defend the situation it was attack, they were now faster  and harder onto the loose ball lead by Gavin Pfister who was immense yet again.

Without Gavin cleaning up mistakes at the line and tackling like a whirling dervish we would have been overrun. Werner's new tactic of taking out the No8 as he picks up the ball has paid dividends in every game played this season we now just need the ball recycling faster.

On 25 minutes we were awarded a penalty within easy striking distance of James Brown and for some unknown reason the third official holds up Tommy Hayes's number, James walks to the touch then is sent back by the coach and then is swapped before the kick is taken. To say it was a comedy was an understatement it was more of a tragedy of errors.

Needless to say Hayes missed the kick to the loud jeers of the Bedford crowd and the wonderment of the Worcester Supporters, would this miss be costly.5 minutes later and he missed another two, that was 3 out of 3 misses, it was not going to be his day with the boot

Tommy is not just a great kicker he is a master thinker, he now started to get the centers moving in tandem, making dangerous moves through the Bedford backs. However in one attack the final miss pass that would have seen a certain try was delayed just enough to be telegraphed and was intercepted by a Bedford backrow player who sprinted away with the Worcester players desperately trying to recover ground.

Fortunately most wing forwards do not have the speed to run 75 meters, he passed inside to their No8 who was tackled and the day saved from further embarrassment.

From then on it was get in the right position to let the forwards drive one over.

Could we, for once in the game get the lineout right at this crucial time, the answer was a resounding YES!! The ball was taken, in came the big boys to drive the ball infield and towards the Bedford line.

Bedford put everything into the defence, but try as they might they could not stop the drive and over we went with Lee Fortey coming up with the try. It was another magnificent catch and drive try, three this season already, compared to nil all last season

That did not daunt the Bedford Blues they came at Worcester like caged tigers, throwing caution to the wind they attacked and it paid off a missed tackle allowed the break to be made and Bedford were back in the game at

Bedford 20 : 28 warriors

The restart was not good!!! Tommy Hayes once again put the ball out on the full, his power is awesome but in this case not to the benefit of the team.

The scrum back on the halfway line was sending shivers down the spine, were The Warriors going to throw it away? No, the scrum was taken by Bedford who set up some enterprising moves but made little headway against some big, big tackles from Tommy Hayes and Gavin Pfister again.

Look to the right and wouldn't you get rid of the ball with this wildcat coming at you??

It may have looked like the players were not giving all but I assure you that was far from the case. Duncan Roke for instance was always available and prepared to take them on showing good body strength on several occasions when his natural elusive skills did not make the initial break.

Gavin Pfister, Lee Fortey, Christian Evans and Mark Gabey were all in where it hurts. There were some that did not perform as we know they can, but this can and does happen in every sport in every team. We defended well and if we made mistakes we more than compensated by stopping their counter attacks very quickly

As can be seen not all lineouts were a problem for us alone. Here Mark Gabey steals one at a crucial attacking stage.

Mark had another solid game, we needed another Richard Bates to take the ball on and commit the Bedford defence. Drew Hickey had come on in place of  Dean Thomas after 15 minutes, although much lighter than Richard his carrying skills are just as dynamic. His body position and driving upwards from a very low position allows him to make more forwards yards instead of being driven down to the ground. It also ensures that the ball is available for the following players.

I thought he had a sound game with Chrissy moving to No6

Time was running out for Bedford and in their desire to get back on terms infringed at a ruck giving Tommy Hayes a chance to redeem himself.

Was it possible for him to miss 4 attempted penalties. Calmly he stepped up and hit a peach, 3 points and Worcester were now back into 11 points clear at;

Bedford 20 : 31 Warriors.

Now 5 minutes into extra time how long would the referee continue to add. after 8 minutes of extra time the whistle went with Worcester coming away with all 5 points and ensuring one of the more dangerous teams came away with nothing

1.  Overall, this was yet another dismal away game as far as the whole game is concerned. We put ourselves under enormous pressure from our own mistakes. The plus point is that we confidently dealt with the mess.

2.   It can be seen that we are developing a different game plan to that of last year, much more physical and not so much free running. The plays have to be learnt by all not just the new players, mistakes will happen but I do wish they were less frequent my system can only take so much.

3.   We are still struggling to cope with kick-offs, we never seem to be able to get in position and have enough protection around for the catcher, having said that when we do we need some0ne who can catch.

4.  The lineout misfired, but we know how good it can be. It is now for the coaches and players to get it back in full working order.

5.   Phases are few and far between, we are finding it difficult to quickly recycle the ball. It would seem the ball is very quickly available but is  not used, we are then pushed off  because we do not commit many to the breakdown. The old adage use it or lose it Werner has to be there faster.

6.  It was good to see the coaches have the courage to give James Brown a start, we will need that availability from both fly halves all through the season. Is it now time for the same courage and give Matt Powell a start.

7.   The front row still looks lightweight, they struggled against a very good outfit at Otley and again today here at Bedford. They will have to perform well to compete with the Bees and Exeter front rows.

8.   The need for another outside center/ wing to inject some pace and movement in the line is even more paramount. Gary and Duncan did a good job but neither are outside centers. Without whom our wings are going to be starved of good attacking opportunities.

9.   Once again the ability to defend in numbers and protect our line was evident, we are learning to defend against the driving maul and close in recycled ball.

10.  We would have been happy after these first three games to come away with 5, 4,4 (13) instead we have come away with 4,5,5 (14) and restricted two of our main rivals to "0" league points. And that above all else is what matters. Be it pretty or not, we won and took all 5 points. A Great Result! Now for the Welsh at Sixways in 7 days time. Game No4!