New Kit Inspires Worcester Colts Victory
Worcester hosted Bournville, looking to avenge a 17 - 10 loss at Bournville the last time these two team played in September. It was Worcester first run out in their new brand new playing kit.
Worcester kicked off into a low sun and fresh breeze. Following the usual Worcester style of play the Colts were slow to start and gave away several penalties in their own 22. Eventually leading to a Bournville score just after 10 minutes. With the conversion missed, Bournvill took an early five point lead.
After 20 minutes, Worcester kicked a penalty to give them a line out inside Bournville's 22. Worcester set up a catch and drive to bring them within 5m of the Bournville line. Charlie Sollis-Waters broke from the disintegrating maul to power over the line. Ben Waddington kicked the extras into the increasing wind to give Worcester a narrow 7-5 lead.
The referee showed Bournville a yellow for repeated infringement at break down. Worcester kicked into Bournville's 22 and managed to regain possession from a messy line out. Taking advantage of the extra man, Worcesters forwards push upfield through multiple phases before releasing backs. Ben Waddington floated a pass to Ben Amos. Who drew in the defence, leaving it to Ollie Catherwood to drive through and over his man, reaching out for the score. Extending Worcester lead to 12-5
Worcester were next to be shown yellow just before half time, again for repeated infringement at the breakdown.
At the turnaround, taking advantage of the increasing wind at their backs, Worcester kicked long from the halftime restart and were rewarded line out just inside the Bournville half.
A Bournville clearance kick was caught and run back by Ben Amos, who released Tom Kinnersley for a 50m rundown the touchline to score in the corner. Giving Worcester a 17 - 5 advantage.
Bournville spent a long period camped in Worcester half, only a well-organised and committed defence led by Harvey Rowling and Noah Korff stopping Bournvill from crossing the line.
Worcester capitalised on Bournville mistake in thier 22. The forwards drove up the field, leaving Ben Atkins power over to take the score to 22 - 5.
Worcester were once again shown a yellow for further infringments. Bournville took advantage of the extra man. Once again, driving into the Worcester 22 through multiple phases before working ball out wide, taking advantage of an overlap to go over in corner, a great team try. Bringing the final score to 22 10.
Another great game from both teams that was played in good spirits, it's always a pleasure to host Bournville.
Gav Vickers, Worcester Joint Head Coach. "Our set piece functioned well enough to give us quick ball and we competed better on their ball too. The breakdown was also competed well from both sides but we adapted to their good jackalers to retain ball as the game went on. The backs didn't get as much ball as we'd have liked but made the best of what they had to score some well worked tries out wide. The wind and low sunlight made it tough for both sides to deal with and it suited us better to have the wind behind us in the second half. Lots of players stood up and contributed today with multiple tackles, particular in those times when were camped on our own try line for multiple phases. This was our most complete performance of the season so far and we're really proud of all the players today"
Worcester squad: Will Pritchard, Charlie Lewis, Chris Saul-Clayton, Charlie Sollis-Waters, Joe Small, Francis Shiels, Joel Rickman, Tom Owen, Noah Korff ( VC ), Tom Ward, Jamie Harris, George Cunliffe, Harvey Rowling, Will Dunaway ( C ), Ben Waddington ( VC ), Ed Duffy, Ben Atkins, Ben Amos, Ben Marsh, Will Meredith, Ollie Catherwood, Tom Kinnersley
Match Photographer: Meryl Owen Gallery
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