Heathcote revels in last-gasp victory - The Worcester Observer

Heathcote revels in last-gasp victory

Worcester Editorial 21st Oct, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

MATCH-winner Tom Heathcote has branded his last-gasp kick to secure Worcester Warriors’ stunning 13-12 win over Northampton Saints as one of the best moments of his career.

Moments before his heroics, the fly half said he thought he had dashed Warriors’ hopes of a memorable win at Sixways having missed his previous three penalty attempts.

But, with the final kick of the game, he sparked wild celebrations when he dispatched a dramatic drop goal between the sticks.

“After the last game of last season with Lamby, I had to try and top that, didn’t I?” Heathcote said.




“When I hit it I wanted to make sure it had the legs, but as soon as I knew it was going over and I knew time was up, it was a massive relief and everyone was buzzing from it.

“I don’t think I have ever had any moment quite like that in terms of a last play and a kick to win a game so from that sense it was right up there.


“Obviously being the first game of the season against a big side who finished the season top of the league last season that kind of makes it all the more special.”

He added: “Although I knew we had just over a minute left, when they won the ball off the restart we thought that was it and they would be able to see it through.

“But then there was a big sense of excitement when the ball came out on our side in the ruck and we just knew that we had to set up a position to go for the drop goal.

“The forwards showed good composure to keep hold of it and work it into the middle, so they were able to set me up to go for the shot.

“It was not really a perfect strike as I just wanted to get enough height on it to try and avoid a chargedown, so I tried to get under it as much as possible and knew I was not that far out, so it should have the legs and fortunately it did – just.”

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