Worcester Warriors 26 Bristol 30
Greene King IPA Championship
Geoff Berkeley reports from Sixways
“THANK God this wasn’t a play-off game” was director of rugby Dean Ryan’s reaction after Bristol came from behind to snatch victory at Sixways.
But while the defeat did not end Worcester Warriors’ promotion hopes, the manner and the timing of the loss will no doubt hurt Ryan and his players as they bid to secure a place in the Aviva Premiership.
His side appeared to be in control as they led 23-10, but for the second time this season, Bristol delivered a physiological blow by clawing their way back and clinching victory at the death.
Back-to-back yellow cards for Cooper Vuna and Jonathan Thomas proved pivotal to the visitors’ comeback and Ryan said it was those moments which may decide the title in four weeks’ time.
“If those things happen in a play-off game that is potentially nine months down the pan,” Ryan said.
“It was great to be involved in a proper chess match and full credit to Bristol for coming out on top.
“I thought we started to edge it, but we just lost the pillars of 15 men.
“I thought the Pennell high ball challenge was a try from Cooper Vuna, so to not get any acknowledgment from that and the challenge on Mulchrone was bizarre.
“But thank God they happened in this game and not in the big games coming up.”
Worcester also lost Chris Pennell and Max Stelling through injury, but Ryan said he was confident his side would be able to bounce back when they take on London Scottish in next weekend’s play off semi-final.
“We will start at 0-0 and go again,” he added.
“We wanted to finish top of the pile and we didn’t, but ultimately we want to be in the Premiership and we are going to have to work really hard to do that.”
Having suffered a last-gasp defeat to Bristol on the opening day of the season, Warriors had a point to prove in front of the 10,795 fans who packed out Sixways.
But a large portion of the record-breaking crowd for a regular season clash in the Greene King IPA Championship was left stunned eight minutes in.
Bristol brilliantly worked the ball into Warriors’ 22 with some fine handling before play was shifted wide and Auguy Slowik touched down in the corner. Robinson converted to put his side 7-0 ahead.
But just a minute later, Worcester levelled matters as Ryan Lamb cut through Bristol’s defence with ease before sending Stelling away for a simple try, which Lamb converted.
Stelling, who has been a key figure for Warriors this season, had to be replaced after sustaining what appeared to be a hamstring strain.
But the hosts, who brought on Ravai Fatiaki in his place, remained on the front foot, with Vuna looking a real danger with ball in hand.
Lamb slotted home a penalty and as the first half drew to a close the fly half added another to give his side a 13-7 lead at half time.
Warriors appeared to be growing in confidence and they made a superb start to the second period when Vuna raced over after collecting Pennell’s pass.
Lamb added the extras and cancelled out Robinson’s kick on the 52nd minute to put Warriors well on track for victory.
However, an off the ball incident involving Vuna turned the tide in the visitors’ favour as they took advantage of the extra man.
Ben Mosses was the first to benefit as he went in under the posts before Charlie Amesbury crossed in the corner. Robinson converted both to leave Warriors trailing 24-23.
Suddenly, everything was going against the hosts as Thomas replaced Vuna in the bin before Pennell suffered a knock.
Warriors dug deep and went back in front when Lamb fired home, but Robinson was also on target in the final ten minutes as he slotted home two penalties to seal the win.