NORMAL service may have been resumed for struggling Worcester Warriors as they slumped to a 20-6 defeat at Sale Sharks on Saturday.
But for academy aces Elliot Davies, Jack Cosgrove and Andrew Boyce it was a whole new experience.
The trio made their first team debuts for Warriors and although their side were seen off by second half tries from Mark Easter and Charlie Ingall it will be a day they will probably never forget.
Fly half Davies, who marked his first senior appearance with two penalties, said: “It was special to make my debut and I really enjoyed it. I was really looking forward to the moment and it was a great experience for me.
“The boys have been so helpful in training, especially Paul Hodgson. We went through a lot this week and when I went out there the nerves were left behind.
“I’ll work on my weaknesses and keep developing my strengths and hopefully I can push for another chance to impress.”
Warriors arrived at the AJ Bell Stadium with an opportunity to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season after they beat Oyonnax last week.
However, director of rugby Dean Ryan stood by his decision to rest his senior stars for the LV=Cup and instead opened up another chance for his youngsters to shine.
And it was 18-year-old debutant Davies who came within a whisker of making an immediate impression. After Joe Ford gave his side the lead from the tee, Warriors had the chance to quickly level the scores, but Davies’ long range penalty fell agonisingly short.
The fly half went on to become a constant presence in the first half as the encounter turned into a kicking battle, with both sides struggling in the wet and windy conditions.
Warriors’ pack was also holding up well and it was a strong scrum which created an opportunity for Davies to go for goal. But once again the talented teenager could not find his range as Sale clung on to a 3-0 advantage at the interval.
The hosts were holding the edge in most departments during the first 40 minutes, but dogged defence from Warriors was keeping them at bay.
However, it did not take long for Sale to get on the score-sheet in the second period as Ford doubled his side’s advantage with a penalty.
Davies finally got his first points on the board ten minutes later, but as the half wore on the Sharks began to grow in confidence.
And soon enough Sale broke Worcester’s resistance as the home back paved the way for Easter to barge over. Ford added the extras to move the hosts 13-3 in front.
It did not break Warriors’ spirit, though, as they hit back with a penalty from Davies.
But with Ryan throwing on the likes of Cosgrove, Boyce and George de Cothi, the Sharks’ experience went on to tell in the latter stages.
The match was then wrapped up with eight minutes remaining when Ingall touched down in the corner, which Ford converted.