WORCESTER Wanderers kept their winning run intact as they produced a gutsy display to clinch a 29-25 victory at Stoke on Trent on Saturday.
The Midlands One West encounter was nip and tuck all the way through as Stoke found themselves 15-6 in front before tries from Richard Ralph and Tom Dodge gave Worcester a 20-15 lead at half time.
Two penalties from Olly Meadows gave the visitors a six point cushion after Stoke hit back with a try at the start of the second half. The hosts conjured up another to get within one point, but Wanderers sealed a fourth successive league victory thanks to a last gasp penalty from Meadows.
FORMER Worcester Ladies star Alice Richardson produced a master class at Weston Fields as she steered Richmond to a 31-13 win over Worcester Ladies on Saturday.
The hosts struggled to contain the fly half who was in superb form and it was her cleaver offload which released Becky Ball to score Richmond’s opening try.
A penalty from Megan Goddard got her side off the mark, but then another former Worcester player came back to haunt them. This time, Joanne Watmore went over, which Richardson converted, before Ball grabbed her second just before the break.
Ceri Large and Laura Keates crossed the whitewash either side of the half time interval as Worcester came back into match and looked like snatching victory.
However, a string of injuries appeared to upset their balance and the visitors took full advantage in the final 15 minutes. A brace of tries from Fran Matthews, which were both converted by Richardson, wrapped up a bonus point victory.
WARRIORS duo Ryan Bower and James Percival have been named in the Championship XV side which takes on Canada at Sixways next month.
Loose-head prop Bower and experienced second row Percival will team up with players representing each of the Greene King IPA Championship club.
Head coach Martin Hagg said the showpiece game, which takes place on Sunday, November 2, will give some players the chance to test themselves against a national team for the first time.
“We wanted to spread the load among all the clubs, so that everybody is represented,” he added.
“I’m delighted with what we’ve ended up with and very excited about the players we’ll have as it will be a great opportunity for them.”