EVEN though Worcester reduced the deficit on Newcastle on Saturday to seven points, it could have been cut to only four if we had a beefed up defence.
Leaking three tries in the opening 25 minutes did not bode well for a much needed victory. Exeter Chiefs hardly had to break a sweat to carve holes in the Warriors’ back line, while the chanting of the away fans at this point made it sound as if Warriors were playing at Sandy Park rather than Sixways.
David Lemi proved there is still life left in the old dog yet, particularly after Dean Richards’ recent comments, to finish off his solo try then grab the bonus point, while Chris Pennell and Agustin Creevy fully deserved their scores after strong performances.
However, four missed kicks again made the difference. Imagine what could have been if Warriors had a consistent kicker this season?
The line between success and failure at this level may be a fine one. With narrow defeats at Harlequins, and at home to London Wasps and Leicester Tigers, Warriors would be looking at similar fixtures again next season.
However, as optimistic as I have been this season, it looks as if we will be swapping Saracens for Doncaster, or Northampton Saints for Rosslyn Park in 2015.
With only three games left, the odds are certainly against us in staying up.
By Spencer Morris