WARRIORS’ first-ever appearance at the Under-18 Academy Finals Day ended with a resounding 44-19 victory over Exeter Chiefs.
The Worcester youngsters crossed the whitewash eight times in the fifth-versus-sixth play-off game on Monday (February 15), at Saracens’ Allianz Park.
Warriors started brightly and immediately had Exeter on the rack, as captain Tom Ford was able to drive over from close range, although James Shillcock was unable to convert.
Chiefs wasted no time in responding, claiming possession from a lineout deep in the Worcester 22 and making good ground around the fringes until Sam Daly burrowed over from two metres out. Harvey Skinner’s extras put them 7-5 in front.
Blindside Ben Fowles’ searing break then took Worcester within 15 metres of the try line. The ball was quickly recycled and moved wide as Ford broke and off-loaded for full-back Max Craven to go over in the corner. Shillcock was again off target with the kick.
The next try came when Chiefs’ indiscipline gifted Warriors a lineout close to the try line, and their powerful pack made Exeter pay as number eight Tom Dodd grabbed Warriors’ third score, with Shillcock adding the extras.
And there was still time for Worcester to grab another two tries before the interval through Stan Mayne and Craven, as they went into the break 27-7 ahead.
The number of scoring chances was reduced at the start of the second half but following a period of pressure – and a couple of penalties – Worcester moved 32-7 ahead after a rolling maul was finished off by Freddie Hemmingway.
Exeter kept their slim hopes of a comeback alive when a fine break and offload by Skinner released Aaron Chapman to score, and the fly-half added the extras to make it 32-14.
But it was Worcester who recorded the next try when Jacob Ham went over in the corner after a few phases of impressive play.
Sam Brown then crossed for Exeter, but Warriors responded again following a superb break by Will Butler, before sending Robbie Smith in to complete the rout.