Ryan upbeat after LV= Cup showings - The Worcester Observer

Ryan upbeat after LV= Cup showings

Worcester Editorial 18th Nov, 2013 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

OPTIMISM seems to be seeping back into Sixways after Worcester Warriors came up just short of claiming the scalp of Leicester Tigers, losing 21-18 on Friday night.

Two weeks ago director of rugby Dean Ryan and his men were licking their wounds following a seventh straight defeat in the Aviva Premiership.

But after finally ending their losing streak with victory over Cardiff Blues, a morale-boosted Warriors almost made it two wins from two in the LV= Cup.

Early tries from Andy Symons and Jake Abbott put Warriors in the driving seat before the Tigers clawed their way back and held out for victory.




Despite the agonising defeat, Ryan said the performances of some of his youngsters, who he had offered the chance to shine in the Anglo-Welsh cup, had reinvigorated the club ahead of their return to league action next week.

“We’ve had a really good two weeks. It’s given us a huge boost and I’m really pleased with the team,” Ryan said.


“Max (Stelling) and Andy (Symons) were outstanding. Some of the young players have brought a breath of fresh air to this place and I’m delighted for them.”

The duo combined for Worcester’s scintillating opening try on six minutes. An excellent break saw Stelling sprint up field, which Mariano Galarxe carried forward before the ball was moved wide and Symons went over unopposed.

The fearless centre, who joined Worcester just two weeks ago, appeared to be at the heart of every attack for his new club and it was his break which set up try number two.

Symons burst through a gap before rolling the ball inside for Abbott to scamper over and give the hosts a 10-0 lead after 17 minutes.

It could have been more, but for a poor kicking performance from fly half Paul Warwick. The Australian even briefly handed his duties over to Symons who could not do any better, while Owen Williams demonstrated his accuracy from the tee as he fired over from the touchline.

A superb last-ditch tackle from Jonny Arr denied former Warriors star Miles Benjamin powering through moments before the break.

But the match seemed to be swinging Leicester’s way as Williams landed a drop goal in the final act of the half after Sam Betty saw yellow.

With just a point separating the two sides at the interval, Warriors were keen to start the second period the way they began the first. And they thought they had gone over when Dean Hammond released Stelling, but it was ruled out for a forward pass.

This proved to be a key moment in the contest as the Tigers quickly compounded their misery with a try from Michael Noone to move in front at 14-10.

Warriors had chances to regain the lead, but Warwick could only slot home one of his seemingly simple penalty attempts.

And he was made to pay for it as Leicester laid siege on Worcester’s line before referee Neil Hennessy awarded a penalty try which Williams dispatched.

Despite the 21-13 deficit, Warriors were keen to finish with a flourish and they got their reward late on as academy lock Christian Scotland-Williamson powered over from close range.

But replacement Ignacio Mieres failed to add the extras, which summed up their evening.

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