WORCESTER Wanderers sent shockwaves through National Three South West after they condemned Old Redcliffians to only their second defeat of the season.
Mike Dodge notched up all of Wanderers’ points as the newly-promoted side secured a 13-8 win over second placed Old Reds at Weston Fields on Saturday.
Despite their opponents’ lofty position in the league, Worcester showed no signs of being overawed as they took the game to the visitors.
And they soon opened the scoring as a flowing move saw Kieran Morris feed Dodge to score in the corner, which he converted.
But Old Reds hit back as they put together a period of possession and territory before Henry Bird crashed over for a well taken try. Jack Steer failed to land the conversion as Worcester held a slender 7-5 advantage, which was eventually extended when Dodge knocked over a penalty.
Despite going a man down when Gareth Owen saw yellow, the hosts dug deep to hang on to their five cushion until the break.
With Old Reds struggling to break through Worcester’s resistance, Stuart James’ men took their chances when they came as Dodge landed a penalty to move his side into a 13-5 lead.
The visitors responded with a penalty from Steer, but they could not get the try they craved as two try-saving tackles from debutant Toto Odulaja kept Wanderers’ lead intact.
Worcester then stuck to their defensive task for the rest of the game as a frustrated Old Reds side were left to settle with a losing bonus point.