EVEN when the dust had settled at Sixways following Worcester Warriors’ thrashing by Exeter Chiefs last week, director of rugby Dean Ryan still struggled to pick out any positives from his side’s sorry showing.
But as they attempt to claw themselves off the bottom of the Aviva Premiership, it may well be that forgettable afternoon which could prove to be the turning point in Warriors’ season.
The team was almost unrecognisable as they went toe-to-toe with reigning champions Leicester Tigers in a pulsating encounter on Friday night.
And although their performance did not result in the win they so craved as Toby Flood landed a late penalty to snatch a 23-22 victory, their battling display confirmed to Ryan that his players are ready to fight until the bitter end.
“That was our biggest illustration of how hard we are going fight to stay in this league,” he said. “Today was about showing more courage and passion and we did that.
“That was a huge performance, so let’s move on and see if we can replicate that.”
Full back Chris Pennell was once again the star of the show for Warriors as he landed five penalties in an all-action performance, which drew huge praise from Ryan.
“I’d struggle to find a full back in the Premiership – other than one or two who are holding down international places – that represent themselves like that against Leicester,” he said.
“Chris is a fantastic player and we are lucky to have him. All season kicking has been a horror show for us.
“But he has stood up to do it and he has practiced hard. He has shown strong courage and his kicking is solving a problem for us.”
Warriors would have been hoping to quickly erase the memory of their defeat Exeter. But instead they were instantly reminded of it as Paul Warwick once again gifted the opposition a try. The full back’s pass was intercepted by Vereniki Goneva who eased home. Flood added the extras.
Goneva was already proving to be a menace for Worcester’s defence as he superbly set up a chance for Tom Waldrom who burst through before being brought down.
Warriors knew they needed to take their opportunities – and Pennell was ready to grasp them. The full back slotted home three penalties in ten minutes to put Worcester 9-7 in front.
The lead was short-lived, though, as Goneva pounced to score in the corner, which Flood converted.
Pennell cut back the deficit with his fourth penalty of the night, but Flood cancelled that out as Leicester remained on top and held a 17-12 advantage at the break.
Warriors came within a post width of closing the gap just before the interval as Pennell’s penalty struck the upright.
But the hosts were in determined mood and they eventually got their noses in front. Josh Drauniniu squeezed over after good work from Pennell who coolly dispatched the conversion.
Worcester could not hang on to their lead, though, as Flood added three further points to his haul before responding to Pennell’s effort with a 70th minute penalty.
It left a nervy finish for both sides, but Warriors failed to find the match-winning score as they were left to settle with a losing bonus point, which leaves them ten points adrift of Newcastle Falcons.