Sat 28 Mar 2026, 15:00
There are days in rugby that you never forget...
Saturday at Camp Hill was one of them.
Worcester arrived knowing that just two points would secure the Counties 1 Midlands West title. Which they did with one of the most remarkable finishes to a league campaign you could imagine.
The early signs were promising, with Worcester racing into a 12–0 lead. But Camp Hill responded strongly and by half time the visitors found themselves trailing 15–7, with work to do in the second half.
What followed was a rollercoaster.
Worcester battled back to level the score and then edge ahead, only for Camp Hill to surge clear again. With just 12 minutes remaining, and two Worcester players only just returning from the sin bin, the scoreboard read 42–22. The unbeaten record that had defined the season looked to be slipping away, but this squad refused to accept it.
It was a moment that tested everything the squad had been working towards. As Director of Rugby Gav Vickers reflected afterwards: “Camp Hill have consistently tested us during this period, particularly when we travel to them and for many players, the loss in September 2024 by a last minute drop goal was still etched in the memory.”
First came a try to secure the four-try bonus point. Then another to close the gap and earn the losing bonus point that would have been enough to clinch the league. Then, with three minutes remaining and Camp Hill visibly rattled, and reduced by another sin bin, Worcester struck again.
The conversion from 15 metres out sailed between the posts. The referee blew the whistle immediately afterwards.
Final score: Camp Hill 42 – Worcester 43.
Twice coming back from 20 points down. Never giving up. Finding a way when it mattered most.
Gav summed it up perfectly: “We kept calm, looked after the ball, played the game as fast as we could and were rewarded for our bravery and endeavour. I’m so proud of everyone involved today.”
Champions.
An incredible achievement from the entire squad and coaching team — the culmination of two years of hard work rebuilding the DNA of Worcester RFC, playing fast, attacking rugby and competing with everything they have.
A day everyone connected with Worcester RFC will remember for a long time. Credit also to Camp Hill for a hugely competitive match and for being excellent hosts on a memorable afternoon of rugby.
