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WARRIORS 49–24 NOTTINGHAM
FOUR FROM FOUR
CHALLENGER HAS THE LAST WORD!
A COLD, WINDY DAY AND A WARM WELCOME HOME
Match days at Sixways have a habit of starting long before the referee blows his whistle, and this Saturday was no exception. The day began early for a small group of us gathering at WRFC Rugby Club, where the amateurs’ bar had kindly opened its doors nice and early. It was the perfect place to begin another Warriors match day, catching up with familiar faces, discussing the prospects and looking forward to seeing our boys back on home soil after that extraordinary finish at Richmond the previous weekend.
It was a cold, blustery afternoon, with a wind that promised to make life difficult for players trying to handle and kick the ball. Gradually, though, the supporters began to arrive, and Sixways started to take on that familiar match-day feel. The bars and food outlets were doing a brisk trade, supporters gathered pitchside and the atmosphere grew as the ground filled. Among the blue and gold were plenty of Nottingham supporters, mixing in good spirits and joining in the pre-match activity. That is one of the things we should always treasure about rugby: the rivalry belongs on the pitch, while supporters can enjoy the occasion together before and after the battle.
For us, however, there was a bigger story developing. Three matches had brought three victories, and each had tested the Warriors in a different way. Bedford had been overcome, Rotherham had been swept aside in a try-scoring extravaganza, and Richmond had been beaten in a remarkable comeback that ended with Austin Wallis crossing the line to secure the bonus point. Now Nottingham stood between us and a fourth consecutive victory, with another five-point afternoon very much the ambition.
There had been ten changes to the starting XV, with Lloyd Williams and Will Reed forming the half-back partnership and Matt Kvesic leading the side. It was a significant reshuffle, but it was also an opportunity for players to show that this is a squad with strength beyond its first-choice fifteen. With the cold wind swirling around Sixways, the stage was set. We were home, the supporters were ready, and the question was whether the Warriors could keep the winning machine rolling. |
THE OPENING QUARTER
BALMAIN LEADS THE WAY
The game began with what some of us immediately dubbed an “Archers” kick-off, as Nottingham appeared to have a sizeable chunk of their team well beyond the offside line when the ball was kicked. The referee allowed play to continue, and that was to become a recurring source of frustration for the home support. Whether it was the cold, the wind or simply the heat of the contest, there were moments when we wondered whether the officials were watching the same game as the rest of us.
Fortunately, the Warriors were soon giving us something much better to talk about.
We did not have to wait long for the opening score. Building strong field position, the forwards did what good forwards are supposed to do, getting close to the line and allowing Fraser Balmain to burrow over from short range after just five minutes. It was a powerful, determined finish from the prop, and his first try for the club. Will Reed added the conversion and Sixways had its first opportunity to celebrate. |
TRY WARRIORS!
Warriors 7–0 Nottingham.
The lead, however, lasted only four minutes. Nottingham responded with some excellent attacking play, David Williams finding a way through the Warriors' defensive line to score under the posts. The conversion brought the visitors level at 7–7, a reminder that they had not travelled to Sixways simply to make up the numbers.
What followed was a period of hard, physical rugby, with the two packs exchanging blows and fighting for supremacy. The forwards were doing the heavy work, while both sides looked for opportunities to release their backs. Nottingham showed some genuine attacking flair, moving the ball well and testing our defensive organisation, but the Warriors were equally capable of turning defence into a fast, powerful counter-attack.
It was a proper contest, and one that was becoming increasingly entertaining. Unfortunately, the same could not always be said of the officiating. From our position in the stands, there were decisions that seemed difficult to understand, with the referee at times appearing to disregard the advice or signals of his assistants in favour of his own interpretation. Players were regularly seeking explanations, and on occasion they simply walked away looking utterly bewildered. It was not long before the referee appeared to have lost the confidence of sections of the crowd and, increasingly, the patience of the players.
But the Warriors were not about to allow frustration with the officials to become an excuse. They had a game to win, and the next score was ours. |
GARSIDE STRIKES TWICE
SIXWAYS FINDS ITS VOICE
The breakthrough came on 27 minutes, when Jake Garside took an inside pass from Rory Taylor following a line-out and raced through to score. Reed converted, restoring the Warriors' lead at 14–7. It was a well-worked try, combining the forwards' field position with quick, intelligent handling and a finish that punished the Nottingham defence.
Then, just seven minutes later, Garside struck again.
This time Siva Naulago broke through the Nottingham defence and sent a looping pass towards Garside, who finished the move to claim his second try of the afternoon. Reed again added the extras, and suddenly the Warriors had moved 21–7 ahead. Two tries in seven minutes had changed the complexion of the half, and the crowd was beginning to find its voice. |
WARRIORS! WARRIORS! WARRIORS!
There is something special about hearing that chant build around Sixways. It is not just noise; it is a connection between the team on the pitch and the supporters in the stands, a reminder that the players are carrying the hopes of everyone who has followed this club through the good times and the bad. On a cold afternoon, with the wind biting and the contest becoming increasingly physical, the singing was warming the place up nicely.
Yet Nottingham were not going away. On 37 minutes Levi Roper crossed for their second try, reducing the deficit to 21–14 after the conversion. The visitors had shown enough attacking quality to suggest that the game was far from settled, and the Warriors still had work to do.
Matters became more complicated two minutes later when captain Matt Kvesic received a yellow card following a scuffle. With the half almost over, Worcester were left to negotiate the closing stages with fourteen men. It was a frustrating way to end a half in which we had established a useful lead, but discipline and composure were now going to be every bit as important as attacking ambition.
The half-time whistle arrived with the scoreboard showing Worcester Warriors 21–14 Nottingham. We had scored three tries, Reed had converted all three, and the Warriors had taken control of the scoreboard. But Nottingham were still very much in the contest, and we knew that the second half would demand another strong performance. |
HALF-TIME
WARRIORS 21–14 NOTTINGHAM
Seven points separated the sides, and there was plenty for both teams to think about during the interval. Nottingham had demonstrated that they could trouble us in open play, while the Warriors had shown that, given field position and quick ball, they could be devastating.
The yellow card meant that Kvesic's absence would have to be managed, but the players had already shown that they could respond to pressure. We needed to start the second half with intent, make the most of our opportunities and avoid allowing Nottingham to level the contest.
As the teams returned to the pitch, the Warriors were greeted by a welcome that left little doubt about what the supporters expected. The crowd was in fine voice, the players looked fired up, and there was a feeling that if we could get the next score, we might begin to pull away.
We were about to get exactly what we wanted. |
ANSTEE CRASHES OVER
THE WARRIORS TURN UP THE HEAT
The second half had barely begun when Worcester struck again. A clever grubber kick from Will Lane helped secure the field position, and the Warriors built through a series of phases before Tim Anstee powered his way over the line on 43 minutes. Reed converted, stretching the lead to 28–14.
It was a barnstorming start to the half, and precisely the sort of response we had hoped to see. The Warriors were playing with pace and purpose, using their physical strength to establish pressure and then taking their opportunities when they came. The momentum was shifting decisively towards the home side.
But, once again, Nottingham found a response. From an attacking line-out, their captain Jay Ecclesfield crossed on 47 minutes, and the conversion brought the score back to 28–21. The visitors were refusing to surrender, and every time we looked capable of opening a comfortable gap, they found a way to keep themselves in the match.
That was the pattern of the afternoon: Warriors pressure, Nottingham resistance, and another burst of attacking rugby from one side or the other. The difference was that Worcester increasingly looked capable of delivering the decisive blow.
As the second half progressed, both benches began to come into play. Jack Dickinson entered the action for the Warriors, and his arrival would soon have a particularly satisfying consequence. A former Nottingham player, Dickinson had the opportunity to make his mark against his old club, and he needed little encouragement.
On 65 minutes, the Warriors won a tap penalty close to the Nottingham line. The forwards gathered themselves, the opportunity was there, and Dickinson burrowed over to score. Reed converted, putting Worcester 35–19 ahead.
There was an extra edge to that try. Scoring against a former club is always a special moment, and Dickinson had made an immediate impact in the colours of his new side. More importantly, the Warriors had restored a fourteen-point advantage and were beginning to look increasingly comfortable.
Nottingham's afternoon became more difficult three minutes later when number eight Jacob Wright was sent to the sin-bin for a cynical penalty. With the visitors down to fourteen men, Worcester had a chance to press home their advantage, and they did not waste it. |
ANSTEE AGAIN
THE FINISHING LINE IN SIGHT
On 71 minutes, Anstee received the ball out wide, cut back inside and accelerated through to score his second try of the afternoon. It was a fine finish, combining strength and pace, and another demonstration of the Warriors' ability to turn attacking opportunities into points. Reed converted, taking the score to 42–19.
At that point, we had six tries on the board, and the Warriors appeared to have done enough to bring the afternoon under control. Nottingham were still fighting, but Worcester had the scoreboard advantage and were finding the gaps. The crowd could sense that the job was nearly done.
But if this season has taught us anything, it is that the Warriors rarely do things without giving their supporters a little extra drama.
On 75 minutes, Nottingham debutant Spencer Jones crossed for the visitors' fourth try. It was a reminder that the game was not over, and it threatened to spoil what should have been a straightforward conclusion to a very good afternoon. We had to wait a little longer for the final piece of the puzzle.
The visitors had shown considerable spirit throughout the contest. They had responded every time Worcester threatened to pull clear, and they deserved credit for refusing to give up. But the Warriors had one more answer, and it came from a source that has rapidly become a favourite among the supporters. |
CHALLENGER TO THE RESCUE
THE BONUS POINT IS OURS!
With the clock running down, the Warriors went back to work. A driving maul formed close to the Nottingham line, the forwards bound together and began to make ground, and the familiar sight of blue and gold bodies moving as one had the crowd urging them forward.
There are few more satisfying sights in rugby than a well-executed driving maul. It requires strength, timing, discipline and trust, with every player doing his job and refusing to let go. The Warriors had the opportunity to finish the afternoon in style, and they were determined to take it.
Then came Ashley Challenger.
On 78 minutes, the bearded tighthead prop found his way over the line from the driving maul to score the seventh Warriors try of the afternoon. Reed added the conversion, completing a perfect seven from seven, and the scoreboard settled at 49–24.
TRY WARRIORS!
The bonus point was secured, the crowd erupted, and Challenger had delivered the moment that would become one of the afternoon's lasting memories. There is something wonderfully fitting about a tighthead prop finishing a match in this way: the hard work of the pack, the collective effort of the forwards, and then one man emerging from the mass of bodies to claim the prize.
Challenger is fast becoming a supporter favourite, and it is not difficult to see why. He brings energy, commitment and a willingness to do the unglamorous work that makes rugby teams successful. On this occasion, he also provided the finishing touch, and Sixways responded with the sort of celebration that makes a cold afternoon worthwhile.
The final whistle followed with Worcester victorious by 49–24. Four tries from Nottingham had made them awkward opponents, but seven tries from the Warriors had ensured that the points remained at Sixways.
Four games played. Four wins. Four bonus-point victories.
Now that is a start to a Championship campaign worth celebrating. |
SEVEN TRIES, SEVEN CONVERSIONS
A SQUAD MAKING ITS MARK
The scoreline tells us much about the Warriors' attacking strength, but there was more to this performance than the final total. Ten changes had been made from the Richmond side, yet the team still found a way to score seven tries and maintain its unbeaten start. That is encouraging evidence of a squad developing depth, competition and the ability to cope with the demands of a long season.
Balmain's opening try gave us the early lead and marked his first score for the club. Garside's two tries before half-time were crucial in creating breathing space, while Anstee's brace after the interval helped keep Nottingham at arm's length. Dickinson made an immediate impact against his former club, and Challenger provided the late finish that brought the afternoon to a satisfying conclusion.
Will Reed deserves particular praise for his perfect conversion record. Seven tries and seven successful conversions are a fine return, especially in cold, blustery conditions. His accuracy ensured that the Warriors made the most of their attacking work and kept the scoreboard moving whenever we crossed the line.
There was also plenty to admire in the contribution of the forwards. The opening score from Balmain, the close-range finish from Dickinson and Challenger's late driving-maul try all underlined the importance of power and collective effort. Meanwhile, the attacking breaks and quick handling that created opportunities for Garside and Anstee showed that the Warriors have plenty of pace and creativity to complement that physical strength.
Nottingham should not be dismissed. They attacked with genuine purpose, scored four tries and made us work for the result. But the Warriors showed that they could absorb those challenges and respond with points of their own. That ability to find another gear when required may prove just as important as the number of tries we can score. |
FOUR FROM FOUR
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Four matches into the Championship season, the Warriors have given themselves a strong platform. Bedford, Rotherham, Richmond and Nottingham have all been beaten, and each game has tested a different aspect of the team. We have seen defensive resilience, attacking brilliance, the ability to recover from adversity and, against Nottingham, the capacity to make significant changes without losing our attacking edge.
The season is still young, and there will be much tougher challenges ahead. We should enjoy this winning run, but we must also recognise that it has been built on hard work rather than luck. The players have earned these results, the coaching staff have assembled a squad capable of competing, and the supporters have responded with the passion that has always been part of Worcester rugby.
The cold wind at Sixways did not stop the crowd from finding its voice. The singing and chanting continued, the players were backed throughout, and when Challenger crossed for that final try, the celebration was a reminder of why we follow this club. It is about more than the scoreboard. It is about belonging, shared memories and the belief that our Warriors are building something worth getting behind.
Four wins. Four bonus points. A perfect start.
But there is no time to rest on our laurels. |
NEXT STOP — HARTPURY
Next Saturday we travel to Hartpury for another test away from home. The Warriors will need to carry their confidence into that fixture, maintain their discipline and show the same determination that has taken them through the opening four rounds. Hartpury will provide a different challenge, and the players will know that nothing is guaranteed simply because we have started so well.
For the travelling supporters, the message is simple: keep backing the boys. Keep making the noise. Keep showing the league what Worcester Warriors supporters are made of.
We have fought hard to get our club back, and we should never underestimate the privilege of watching our Warriors compete at this level again. Every victory matters, every performance adds another chapter to the story, and every away trip is another opportunity to show that the blue and gold army travels with its team.
So let us take the confidence from this afternoon, carry the songs down the road to Hartpury, and make sure the players know that we are right behind them.
The Warriors are unbeaten. The squad is growing in strength. The supporters are finding their voice.
Let the Championship hear us coming.
COME ON YOU WARRIORS! |
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