that it is difficult to make it sound as fun and entertaining in black and white. But... Here is a joint effort from Silver Warrior and Powick Eastander.

In the line up of dubious characters were Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock, Captain Pat Sanderson, fly half Willie Walker, back rower Tom Wood and hooker Chris Fortey.

One of the first questions asked was, what have you got your better half for Christmas? The replies came back ranging from a vacuum cleaner to a towing hitch which the lucky Mrs Sanderson is the recipient of. There are a couple of our players who seem to be very tight with money as they will wait until Christmas Eve or even the January sales if they can get away with it to make their purchases. Mike has decided to play it safe and buy his wife the new Eagles CD so he can borrow it and make a copy.

The next question asked was with regards to the tackle law. The players are finding this area very difficult to come to terms with, as Mike said, it is very hard to get quick ball and slowing the game down, and it is also causing defending teams to be able to nick the ball and cause turn overs. As an openside flanker, Pat loves the new laws, all the things he used get pinged for is now legal which accounts for his personal penalty count being much lower! It is becoming very frustrating for the players though, as positive results are harder to come by as shown with the 3 draws in the last few games. A result will come down to who makes the least mistakes. The players are hoping that when the pitches start to dry up we will start to see a better free flowing game.

Another question asked was why Worcester is such a good club to play for. Chris said that the team spirit was excellent and they all get on so well which makes it easy to play for each other and not as an individual. Tom chimed in with now that ex players are becoming part of the coaching set up it is even more of a traditional club. Willie’s answer was that the people around the club, management and the fans make it a very enjoyable place to be. Pat agreed that it was a real rugby club and that rugby was at the heart and the values of rugby are important.

It was interesting to hear how the players reacted to losing. Mike said that he gets reflective but not too emotional and that his glass is half full not half empty. In his position if he was all doom and gloom he would never make it through a season and that you can only change the future not the past. Pat said that some losses can have an effect on him through until Thursday especially if we lose badly. Also gives him and the team more determination to put things right for the following week. The good thing is the quick turnaround in games, as it doesn’t give them too time to think about it. Willie said that he doesn’t show his emotions in front of his family but deep down it hurts. In his job he said he has to take every kick as it comes and that you can be a hero one minute and go to zero the next.

The "Bloodgate" and "Bathgate" incidents were raised and there was agreement around the room that Quins had crossed the line. Players are being drug tested on a regular basis and our lads were tested this week. Someone asked if the papers affected the rugby world? Pat said that 3 – 4 players had been stupid but rugby instils good values in the youngsters with teaching them respect and discipline. The Lion’s tour showed the World what a special sport rugby can be.

The last question asked before we broke for refreshments, was, is there any team you would never play for? Chris replied Bath, Tom said Newcastle as it was too far to go. Willie said Australia, Pat replied with Leicester, Bath, ironically Quins then, with tongue firmly in cheek, promptly went on to say he hated the Welsh, the Irish couldn’t be trusted and the Scottish are tight. All in all Pat said he loves it at Worcester. Mike replied that he would never have played for Llanelli.

If you were there please add your thoughts as this article reflects just a small part of a great evening

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