Relegated Warriors aim to finish season on a high - The Worcester Observer

Relegated Warriors aim to finish season on a high

Worcester Editorial 10th May, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan has urged his players to finish their sorry season on a high when they go up against local rivals Gloucester at Sixways today (Saturday, 3.15pm).

Worcester Warriors were relegated from the Aviva Premiership last weekend following a 44-20 defeat at Saracens.

But Ryan, who has named an unchanged starting line-up, said he still wanted to see his side fight until the end as they look to pick up their first home league victory since March 2013.

“It’s important that we sign-off in the right way,” he said. “We can’t guarantee a win but we can guarantee the way we behave and give ourselves a chance and that’s why this game is really important.




“I hope we sign-off in the Premiership by showing our progress. I hope we perform and illustrate how much we all care about the club.

“If that delivers a win then it would be a nice end to what has been a tough year for us.”


Chris Pennell will make his 22nd start in 22 Premiership games in the back-line alongside Ryan Lamb, David Lemi, Andy Symons, Alex Grove and Josh Drauniniu in the back-line, with Jonny Arr at scrum-half.

The front-row sees Ofa Fainga’anuku partner Agustin Creevy and Euan Murray with James Percival and Mariano Galarza in the second-row. Mike Williams maintains his role at blindside flanker next to Sam Betty and skipper Jonathan Thomas.

The only change on the bench sees Ignacio Mieres replace Paul Warwick, who sustained an injury in the warm up ahead of Worcester’s match against Sarries.

Ryan added: “I have decided not to chop or change the side as I am not into giving romantic endings to anybody. This is about giving a decent send off for a crowd that have really backed us in the last few months.

“If a player gives everything, the person on the sideline will get engaged and then screams and shouts behind them. I think we are starting to get that relationship between crowd and player and I hope we can sign off like that on the weekend.”

Warriors’ side to face Gloucester: Pennell, Drauniniu, Grove, Symons, Lemi, Lamb, Arr, Fainga’anuku, Creevy, Murray, Percival, Galarza, Williams, Betty, Thomas

Replacements: Shervington, Andrew, O’Donnell, Taulava, De Carpentier, Hodgson, Mieres, Fatiaki

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.