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Warriors take a late Bath
By Urlacher September 28 2008
Our best haul from any trip to the Rec has been two points which could have been five if Rosey had given the penalty try for the blatant tug back on Hylts a couple of seasons ago.
It was not to be then, but yesterday the away faithful travelled south believing we could compete against an excellent Bath outfit, and perhaps come away with a surprise victory.

As usual the Worcester travellers were making themselves heard on the terraces keen to spur on our boys. Apologies to any Bath fans in close attendance who may well have gone home a little deaf!

In the early stages our old pal Debers gave us a few penalties! This resulted in us being 3-0 up as Loki kicked one and missed one. However against these fellas you can not afford to drop your guard for a second... All of a sudden Bath burst into life and after a easy penalty for Butch James that levelled the scores at 3 each, a Bath break resulted in Nick Abendanon going under our sticks and on his way breaking our tackle attempts for fun. Worse was to follow as Joe Maddock cut through like the proverbial hot knife and dairy product. Once again we had chances to stop him but he proved elusive. All of a sudden we were 17-3 down, and down the barrel we were well and truly staring. Seventeen points conceded in a mad six minute spell. Bath's ability to turn half chances into points does them great credit.

Thankfully it quietened down for a little while, but we were awarded a penalty for a high tackle by Jack Cuthbert on Chris Pennell. This stopped a promising break. Some rumblings from the terrace that a yellow card may have been appropriate but it was not forthcoming. The kick went over and it was back to 17-6. After this Raz was binned for slowing the ball down in front of our sticks. Bath went for the jugular taking the scrum which Worcester admirably repelled. Eventually Latho got hold of the ball and kicked well to touch. Unfortunately, our reprieve was short lived as another penalty was conceded which the top notch Butch slotted comfortably.

On the stroke of half time Chris Pennell crunched one from half way after a Bath indiscretion. Quality strike from Worcester's best player on the day. Light years ahead from his premiership debut showing on the same ground a little over a year ago.

After half time Worcester started strongly and were the first to score from a comfortable penalty. Several minutes later Worcester were awarded a penalty virtually in front. Unfortunately, to the glee of the cheering home faithful Loki's demons returned and he hooked it dreadfully. Disappointing as this would have put us within a converted try. Worcester continued to be in the ascendancy and after a high punt down field resulted in Chris Latham perfectly timing his tackle clattering Nick Abendanon, sadly Debers decided Chris had not rolled away... fifty fifty call, as Nick did not appear to let the ball go to sharpish!

The Warriors were really having a go now, but an aimless flat kick down field gave the hungry Bath side an opportunity that they accepted with ease down the right flank. You just cannot give a side with that much class those sort of opportunities as they will and did punish us.

At 25-12 Worcester lifted their heads from beneath the parapet and Natani raced onto a pass at pace and broke the first line of defence, there was the ever excellent Chris Pennell on his shoulder to receive the ball and out pace the defence to go under the sticks. The conversion made we were now back within a score at 25-19 and it was game on. Disaster was about to strike..After receiving the restart with just over seven minutes to go on the clock the Warriors were after another score to take the lead. As they tried to work the ball wide Sam tried a speculative pop pass off the floor that the ever alert Lipman intercepted and galloped happily to the try line to seal our fate. Once again we had been the masters of our own downfall. Apparently, Mike Ruddock thought there may have been a high tackle from Bath, but to be honest I didn't see it.

In the last five minutes it all went a bit flat for the Warrior players and fans alike, hardly surprising after the hammer blow of the fourth Bath try, but worse was to follow as Berne burst through and brushed the Warrior defence aside to complete the try scoring with the last play of the game. Under no pressure at all, other than another layer of icing on the cake, Butch James smacked over the conversion from wide out.

From a Worcester perspective 37-19, was a little flattering for the home side, but this should take nothing away from the Bath who for the most part were clinical. Kudos also for the fact that they ran the ball from anywhere and were fearless in that respect. Their nine and ten combination is in my opinion the best in the GP.

As for Worcester we battled away but were way off our best. Missed tackles hurt us badly, and poor kicks from hand gave Bath some of their best opportunities to attack us in broken field. However, we were beaten by a serious challenger for the premiership crown and at our best may well still have come up just short. Once again, special mention for Chris Pennell who really looks at home even against the best of them. He seems to have a rapport building with Chris Latham and I believe he is currently performing as well as any other Warrior.

On to Thursday and the visit of the Harlequins, Matt back at 10 and James Collins at 7 would certainly help. As supporters its our job to roar our boys onto a top performance and hopefully our first home win of the season.

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28 Sep, 2008 20:58 Report
Powick Eastander! (IP Logged)
Claytosaurus Rex
Date Joined: Oct, 2005
Location: Powick
Posts: 7972
Re: Warriors take a late Bath
Thanks for this Urlacher...

So who would like to pen a preview for the Quins Game!

Pretty Please!!

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29 Sep, 2008 19:26 Report
Curly Warrior (IP Logged)
Both eyes wide open
Date Joined: Apr, 2007
Location:
Posts: 833
Re: Warriors take a late Bath
Fine write-up, Urlacher! You must have kept both eyes open to have spotted all of that! winking smiley

See you on Thursday! I reckon we'll beat the Hairies!

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29 Sep, 2008 19:39 Report
Archie40 (IP Logged)
Registered User
Date Joined: May, 2005
Location:
Posts: 84
Re: Warriors take a late Bath
Great report, pity about the final score. Bring on Quins for a night to remember under the lights and in front of the Sky cameras. Lets all shout for a Warriors victory.

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