By sb
April 5 2003

The U21s continued their winning run with a hard fought 18-12 victory over a strong Worcester side at The Stoop Memorial Ground today. In bright sunshine and with a brisk following wind the 21s went on the attack from the off and within a few minutes, after continuous pressure, open side Tom Guest drove over for the opening try. Although the conversion was missed from wide out the team continued to attack creating opportunities without being able to convert them. Worcester infringed regularly in an effort to stem the tide but two kickable penalties slid past the posts.

Worcester then scored a try from a catch and drive after a penalty making the score 5-5 but, in another attack, fly-half Adrian Jarvis glided through the Worcester defence to score. He failed to convert his own try. Half time score 10-5.

Worcester stepped up their game in the second half and used the wind to good effect with some long kicks into the corners but it was the Quins who were creating the better chances. However they were unable to turn chances into points and it seemed that this might cost them dear when, after Tom Guest was sin binned for using his hands in a ruck, Worcester kicked to the corner, took the ball into the centre from the lineout where their centre scored under the posts to make it 10-12.

Undaunted the 21s came back strongly forcing another penalty which Jarvis converted to give them a narrow 13-12 lead. The game was effectively ended, however, when a sweeping left to right move saw England U21 player Henry Barratt score in the corner to make it 18-12. Worcester huffed and puffed but could not break down the 21's defence.

This makes it six wins in six games for the 21s and they will be looking to making it seven in a row on Wednesday night when they take on bottom of the table Saracens at The Stoop on Wednesday night, k.o. 7pm.