IN the same week that a report commissioned by the American tobacco industry assures us that there are minimal risks to human health from passive smoking, Det Norske Veritas assure us, in a report commissioned by Defra, that Defra operated a burial system
BEN Hinshelwood has hit back at speculation that he wants to quit Sixways. Reports in Scotland suggested that Worcester Rugby Club's star centre, who played a full part in three Murrayfield Autumn internationals, could leave the National One title chasers
A COMFORTABLE five-wicket victory at Pedmore kept up Chaddesley Corbett's pursuit of the leading pack in Worcestershire League Division One. Fourth-placed Chaddesley dismissed basement side Pedmore for 107 on Monday and then put together a winning total
JOHN Brain admitted that Worcester could have easily lost their Powergen Cup fifth round encounter at underdogs Halifax The Sixways director of rugby was far from happy with his side's display in atrocious weather conditions and was relieved to book a
LEADERS Bewdley's batting fell short of Worcester Nomads' challenging total in a Worcestershire League Division Two losing draw. Mark Bennett took 6-85 as Nomads were finally dismissed for 221 all out on Monday. But in reply Bewdley had to settle for
A CONVINCING 10-wicket win in the National Village KnockOut Cup third round was the one bright spot in an otherwise barren Bank Holiday weekend for Cookley. Cookley, who won the competition at Lord's in 1977, restricted home side Avoncroft to just 95-
PHIL Davies - the architect of Worcester's downfall two years ago - is helping Halifax plot another Sixways sabotage. The Leeds Tykes coach held a scrum session at Ovenden Park last night as the Yorkshire contingent got together in a bid to bring down
STRUGGLING Stourport could only claim two losing draws at Walshes Meadow over the Bank Holiday weekend against Malvern and Hereford. Early dropped catches cost them dear on Monday as Hereford were able to declare on 204-4. Stourport replied with a century
SCOTT Barrow is set for his first Worcester Rugby Club start of the season at Otley on Saturday. The former St Helens Rugby League star has not figured in coach John Brain's plans so far in this campaign but wins a place for the National One clash in
WORCESTER have issued a hands off warning for any English club eyeing up Tim Walsh. The Sixways club, still reeling from Saturday's 38-13 defeat at promotion rivals Rotherham, have moved quickly to douse down interest in the fly half who was outstanding
JOHN Brain welcomed Steven Vile to Sixways as the fly-half completed his signing for Wor-cester Rugby Club's promotion challenge. The 31-year-old met up with his coach and team-mates during a training session yesterday after jetting to England from New
WERNER Swanepoel has apologised to Worcester Rugby Club's supporters after their second-half collapse at Rotherham. The Sixways' skipper was disconsolate after seeing his side end up 38-13 losers in the National One showdown between the two top teams.
FOUR Worcester Rugby Club stars have been plunged into a selection farce after being called up to an English National Divisions squad. Ben Hinshelwood, Ben Clarke, Dave Sims and Duncan Roke are all included in the squad, containing players from the National
THE police hunt for runaway lovers Matthew Brooks and Naomi Mills has cost thousands of pounds. The Northern Constabulary has revealed the hunt for the pair in Scotland has cost the force £13,000. But West Mercia Police, for whom Matthew used to work,
ANDY Keast believes Duncan Roke epitomises the improvement in Worcester Rugby Club's fortunes sin-ce their 18-8 defeat at Rotherham last season. On that day, the fledgling full -back struggled in heavy conditions as Rotherham put him un-der the cosh from
JOHN Brain will axe Sateki Tuipulotu from Worcester Rugby Club's squad bound for Wakefield tomorrow if Chris Garrard recovers from flu. The surprising news will come as a blow for the Tongan who was an ever-present figure last season under Adrian Skeggs
CRAIG Chalmers has been given the green light to re-ignite his Worcester Rugby Club career at Wakefield on Saturday. The former Scotland fly-half is included in a 23-man squad bound for College Grove in a National One clash Worcester simply cannot afford
A SUMMER programme of major sewer and road enhancements in Droitwich Spa has been cancelled. Design problems have this week forced water firm Severn Trent to ditch its June start date for work to rejuvenate the Victorian sewerage system in High Street
SATEKI Tuipulotu has been selected for the Tongan squad due to play Scotland and Wales in a tour of Great Britain next month. Worcester Rugby Club's full back, who has 30 Tonga caps, will meet up with the international side when they arrive in England
JOHN Brain believes his side have exorcised the ghosts of Coventry after Worcester Rugby Club's 45-0 demolition of Lydney. The Sixways chief was satisfied with Worcester's display in the National Cup third round clash in Gloucestershire, especially as
A SICKENED councillor has demanded a clampdown on vandalism after fires, smashed bus shelters and a wrecked community centre have plagued Worcester residents in the last month. None of Worcester's five city estates have escaped damage and Councillor Mike
JOHN Brain will give his walking wounded until Friday to prove their fitness ahead of Worcester's title showdown at Rotherham. The Sixways director of rugby saw five players leave the field during Worcester's 36-0 win over Wakefield on Saturday because
KINGSLEY Jones believes Worcester's Coventry defeat could yet be an extremely well disguised blessing as they look to recover their season. The Sixways skipper is confident the squad will come back from their 31-22 National One reversal to win promotion
A sportsman of the cloth has been given a prestigious position after being appointed Chaplain to the Queen. Canon George Kovoor, of Worcester Cathedral said he was so surprised to hear the news that he had to sit down. "It is a huge honour and a great
BEN Hinshelwood is definitely out of Worcester's all-important showdown at Rotherham on Saturday. The centre, who enjoyed his second taste of Murrayfield action at the weekend when he came on as a 75th minute replacement in Scotland's momentous victory
A MAN has told how he feared for his life as the plane that was flying him and his wife back from a holiday cruise hit a freak storm and went into a terrifying dive. Steven and Nicola Perks were two of the 213 passengers on the bmi flight from Cyprus
Worcester Ladies will be looking to put on the performance of the season as they face Saracens at Sixways tomorrow (2.30). Saracens are just two points ahead of Worcester in the RFUW Premiership, and a win would boost the confidence of the Sixways ladies
RARE statues being auctioned in Malvern are expected to attract worldwide attention. Ten miniature sculptures depicting "The Queen's Beasts" will go under the hammer tomorrow. They are 25cm high versions of the originals, which were used to decorate Westminster
WORCESTER Rugby Club have been hit by the news that Christian Evans is out of their title shoot-out at Rotherham. The ultra-consistent back row star has dislocated a collarbone and is expected to be out for up to five weeks. Evans' injury is a blow so
ALISTAIR Murdoch will make his long awaited comeback for Worcester Rugby Club in their potentially explosive RFU National Cup clash at Lydney on Saturday (3pm). Last year's skipper takes his place in the squad bound for the Forest of Dean club after recovering
A MAN remains in a critical condition after he suffered serious injuries during a car crash in Leominster. The collision took place on Saturday , at 6.15pm on the B4529 at Lawton Cross at the A4110 junction, between a silver Ford Escort and a white Renault
A BUSINESSMAN will be sunning himself in Cyprus on the day he was due to appear at a public inquiry in Worcester. Alan Davis, of Kempsey, whose application to keep four goods vehicles and trailers at Brookend Farm sparked a stream of protests, said he
WORCESTER Rugby Club's chief executive Geoff Cooke has admitted they have given themselves a 'mountain to climb' if they are to win promotion this season. Cooke watched on in horror on Saturday as Coventry came away from the then National One leaders
HEAD coach John Brain has been delighted with Worcester Rugby Club's table-topping start to the season. Going into today's National One clash at Sixways, the Gold'n'Blues sat proudly on top of the league, already with a win over title rivals Rotherham
A BLIND woman on her own has been indecently assaulted in the centre of Hereford. The victim was walking in St Owen Street when she was approached by an unknown man, aged around 40, who had a deep voice. He put his arm round her, put his hand into her
ANDY Keast paid tribute to Worcester's never-say-die attitude which took them to the top of the National One table. The Dartmouth-born Sixways coach was delighted with the team spirit and character which shone through at a rain-lashed Beacon Park. "Sometimes
DOWNBEAT John Brain was in no mood for excuses after seeing Worcester fail to pick up the all-important bonus point at London Welsh. The Sixways chief refused to blame the patchy performance from referee Geraint Ashton-Jones or the atrocious conditions
A LANDLADY is toasting her success after securing a top award for her determined stand on serving beer in litres. Andrea Schtz and Anton Limlei, who offer an authentic Austrian experience at the Cardinal's Hat, Friar Street, in Worcester have had a continuous
FOUR chirpy chicks have proved they are top birds - after becoming the first offspring of avocets in Worcestershire. This was the first time that avocets have bred in Worcestershire and the birth marked the most successful inland breeding site recorded
BRASSED-off butcher Colin Partridge has scotched rumours that he is planning to close down after the parish council heard the village was about to lose its butcher's shop. Mr Partridge, who has put his business on the market after 41 years, said he had
JOHN Brain has ruled out a dip into the transfer market for a new fly-half despite injury to Craig Chalmers. The former Scottish international has only played in one and a half league games for Worcester Rugby Club since his summer move and is set for
SIX top-ranking New York firefighters are coming to Worcester to thank those who donated £163,000 to families of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack. The officers will also be among the guests of honour at the Fire Services National Benevolent
KINGSLEY Jones has won his battle to face London Welsh on Saturday. Worcester Rugby Club's skipper will take his place in the side to visit Old Deer Park in the National One showdown after recovering from injury. The former Wales captain had an X-ray
CERAMICS, glass, furniture, and pewter will be some of the exhibits on display when an exhibition is held. Arts & Crafts Style - an expression of individuality will be taking place at The Foal Yard Gallery, Bransford, near Worcester, from Saturday
WORCESTER Rugby Club have been boosted by the news that former Scottish international Craig Chalmers has not torn his hamstring as first feared. The fly-half was carried off at the end of the first-half against Rotherham on Saturday sparking fears of
FUNDS for a new arts centre in Pershore have been given £100,000 by the town council. The money will go towards a £1.2m revamp of Number 8, which aims, among other things, to create extensive theatre facilities, a cinema and a gallery. It is hoped the
MORE than 100 people from different countries and faiths made Worcester's first interfaith meeting a big success. Organiser Jean Kennedy said the Let's Get Together meeting went "extremely well" and was hopeful of setting up two informal groups, the One
WORCESTER'S director of rugby John Brain believes that the openside spot in the team is exactly that - open. The back row has been fiercely competitive since the start of the season and the arrival of players such as Richard Bates, Gavin Pfister and Mark
ROTHERHAM coach Jim Kilfoyle is delighted with his side's form heading into tomorrow's National One showdown with Worcester at Sixways. The former Wakefield man, who used to coach at College Grove with Worcester's assistant boss Steve Townend, has seen
AUSTRALIAN sevens star Tim Walsh will be on the bench as Worcester Rugby Club face their toughest test of the season on Saturday. The 23-year-old fly-half is in Worcester's squad bound for Plymouth as the National One title race hots up. Walsh, brought
STANFORD with Orleton Parish Church is to re-open on Sunday June 1 following extensive refurbish work inside and out. At 10.30am, a special service will give thanks for the mighty effort put in by contractors and local people to bring the old church back
IT'S a fair cop for the Tenbury Teme Valley Band. They have finally got together with the Band of the West Mercia Constabulary for a big fundraising concert in aid of Tenbury Hospital. It has been a long time coming for the talented Tenbury Valley musicians
JOHN Brain was suitably unimpressed with referee Tim Wigglesworth's performance as Worcester Rugby Club brushed Moseley aside. The Sixways director of rugby believed Worcester would have racked up more points if the official had penalised some cynical
HISTORICAL Aspects, researched and written up by members of Tenbury Wells District Civic and Historical Society in 2001, is a good reason to delve into the secret history of people, places and buildings in Tenbury Wells. From Tenbury's Scottish Soldiers
WERNER Swanepoel will be available for Worcester's title showdown at Rotherham after being handed a two-week ban by the Rugby Football Union. A disciplinary panel last night found Swanepoel guilty of an off-the-ball incident at London Welsh earlier this
ANDY Keast was far from happy with his side despite the 73-5 defeat of Bracknell. The Sixways coach was upset with Worcester's lacklustre second half display as they moved into the fourth round of the Powergen Cup. Worcester were 52-0 up at half time
JON Higgins is hoping to make a habit of playing with half back partner John O'Reilly. The 21-year-old fly half start ed his first Worcester Rugby Club match today at Bracknell in the Powergen Cup third round tie. And not only is Higgins delighted to
NICKY Crawford has spoken of her delight after being named as English rugby's top female player. The Worcester Rugby Club winger, who has an incredible record of 40 tries from 40 matches at international level, picked up the England player of the year
JOHN Brain targeted Henley's danger men ahead of today's National One clash at Dry Leas,writes MARK DOBSON. Worcester Rugby Club's head coach was in buoyant mood after watching his promotion-chasing side open up their league campaign with two impressive
ANDY Keast has paid tribute to Duncan Roke's 'awesome' form for Worcester Rugby Club this season. The Sixways' coach has been delighted with the former Henley man's play following some outstanding tries which have left him joint top scorer with David
WORCESTER Rugby Club's under 16 ladies went down 34-5 against Morristons (Swansea) but the young squad put up a credible performance against the Welsh Under 16 champions. Worcester, who were without fly half Alice Richardson who suffered a broken finger
A MODEST teenage hero saved the lives of a woman and her four-year-old son when he dragged them from the swollen River Severn in Bewdley. Matt Gore at the scene of the rescue The quick-thinking actions of Matt Gore averted a double tragedy - but then
JAMES Brown has shaken Worcester Rugby Club with the news that he could be out of action until Christmas. The fly-half has been struggling with a disc problem in his back since his summer arrival and will go under the knife tomorrow. The club will know
JOHN Brain was delighted with Worcester Warriors' young guns despite seeing his side sliding to a 37-23 defeat against Bath United at Sixways last night. The head coach looked on as Worcester's second string lost out to a well-drilled Bath outfit but
CRAIG Chalmers was delighted with Worcester Rugby Club's 53-3 demolition of Birmingham & Solihull which kept them on top of the fledgling National One table. The record-breaking Scotland fly-half was behind most of Worcester's best moments at Sixways
A 130-ACRE country estate at Chaddesley Corbett has been sold for nearly £2 million after going under the hammer at auction with all the money going to the Government. The sale of Tanwood House Farm Estate followed the death of owner Barney Richards who
ANDY Keast is hoping Craig Hudson's rampaging last minute try will kick-start the winger's Sixways career. The giant winger started just his second Worcester Rugby Club game against Bedford and it was beginning to look like another blank before his 80th
JOHN Brain has revealed that some of last season's flops did not care enough about playing for Worcester Rugby Club. Sixways' director of rugby is delighted with the attitude at Worcester this season and, despite fierce competition for places, Brain believes
Saturday, March 29, 2003 WORCESTER can at last see a glimpse of the chequered flag after fumbling through the gears at College Grove. They hit fifth a number of times against a resilient Wakefield side but, much to the coaches' consternation, slipped
JOHN Brain believes Tony Windo is in the best form of his Worcester Rugby Club career. The Sixways director of rugby has been delighted with the 33-year-old's performances this season as Worcester have won five out of five National One games. The loose-head
The centre was knocked unconscious by a head-high tackle during Worcester's 45-11 win. The former Henley ace will now be out of action for three weeks after suffering concussion. Roke spent a night in hospital after the incident but was released yesterday
Saturday, February 24, 2003 PERFORMANCE has always been the key word at Sixways this season. You suspect, though, that the result was the all-important factor on Saturday. It was hardly convincing stuff against London Welsh but, post Orrell, the bonus-point
GOLDEN boy Chris Garrard was delighted with his man-of the-match display after bagging four tries on his Worcester debut. The Australian stood out with some superb scores and had notched up a hat-trick in just 18 minutes as the Gold'n'Blues got off to
A COOKLEY family have spoken about a dramatic birth which involved a telephone tutorial from a 999 operator and the arrival of a son in the ambulance en route to hospital. Emma Moore, her partner Julian Metzger and her mum Tania had a race against the
Saturday, February 15, 2003 THE Premiership dream is still beating for Worcester but, on a bleak day in Lancashire, it was clear that it might have to be revived from a cryogenic state. Worcester will now have to hope that Orrell can muster the same energy
HEAD coach John Brain was satisfied with Worcester Rugby Club's 45-11 defeat of Manchester which saw his side go top of the table. Brain, who was taking charge of his first league game as the Gold'n'Blues boss, watched as his team ripped the Grove Park
Saturday, February 8, 2003 HAVING racked up more than 800 league points this season, it is easy to see why Worcester's att-acking reputation is well founded. Their success at Bedford, though, was built on solidity rather than fluidity. To score seven
JOHN Brain lamented Worcester Rugby Club's Powergen Cup third round draw after being paired with either Bracknell or Redruth away from home. The Sixways director of rugby said the club were looking forward to a cup run but would have preferred a home
WORCESTER Rugby Club have sensationally joined the race to sign international superstar Jonah Lomu. The Sixways club, who lodged a bid for the New Zealand powerhouse after the 1999 World Cup, will join an auction for his services if he decides to quit
Saturday, January 25, 2003 IF the perception still remains that Worcester are a soft touch, it can only be for the uninitiated. This victory on a ploughed field, which offered a vague resemblance to a rugby pitch, was founded on character and an undying
MARK Gabey has made a big impact since his move to Worcester Rugby Club but at 19 stone it's no surprise! The former Bath back row star arrived at Sixways in the summer but has only been involved in two out of Worcester's three opening league matches
JOHN Brain believes Manchester will be going all out to spoil the Sixways party tomorrow as Worcester Rugby Club kick off their league campaign (3pm). The Gold'n'Blues head coach feels, after Manchester watched Worcester's 47-3 weekend defeat at Sale
Saturday, January 18, 2003 THEY say that luck evens itself out over a season. Worcester are still waiting. Ben Hinshelwood's cries of anguish rang around Sixways on Saturday like a death knell as Worcester's star player collapsed in agony midway through
JOHN Brain has told his players to get physical against Exeter Chiefs tomorrow at Sixways (3pm). Worcester's director of rugby is anxious to outmuscle the Chiefs' hefty pack in the National One match of the day to avoid a repeat of their notorious 21-
Saturday, January 4, 2003 THE sight of Mark Gabey leaving the Sixways field with a broken arm soured what had been a hugely positive afternoon for Worcester. Ten tries against Coventry was an impeccable way to start 2003 and underlined just how devastating
A SPECIAL needs teacher knighted for his community and education work is spearheading a company set up to transform children's futures in Africa. Sir Paul Hallam, who has helped people with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties at several West
DYNAMIC duo Ben Hinshelwood and David Officer have been backed to begin a try-scoring run for Worcester Rugby Club. The midfield maestros came together for the first time against Orrell on Saturday and looked the part as the Sixways side won 35-10. And
Saturday, November 30,2002 WORCESTER came within a whisker of a highly embarrassing defeat at Halifax before squelching to victory. The Sixways side, still reeling from last weekend's devastation at Rotherham, made heavy weather of their fifth round test
WORCESTER Rugby Club have shuffled their pack in a bid to play the ace card at Otley. Sixways coaches John Brain and Andy Keast make five changes to the side which beat Orrell 35-10 as they go in search of their third consecutive National One victory
Saturday, November 23, 2002 THE crestfallen expressions on Worcester's doughty travelling support said it all as they walked away from Millmoor utterly confused. True enough, the 'game of two halves' clich is well worn in sporting circles but nothing
HARDMAN Richard Bates is nearing a return to Worcester first team action according to John Brain. The flanker -- dubbed nutter by his former London Irish team-mates -- has been recovering from a January shoulder operation. However, the 30-year-old is
Saturday, November 16, 2002 SO at long last the sparring is over. Worcester sent Wakefield back to ringside as the heavyweights of National One began to focus on Saturday's showdown at Millmoor. Wakefield arrived at Sixways with the ambition of damage
ANDY Keast could not hide his delight after seeing his Worcester side demolish Orrell 35-10. The coach was in buoyant mood following his team's bonus point victory which gave the Edge Hall Road club a harsh early lesson about life in National One. "When
Saturday, November 9, 2002 NOT quite the pantomime season yet but you get the impression that the audience will soon be shouting "he's behind you" to Craig Chalmers. Certainly if Tim Walsh continues to perform in the style he displayed in the systematic
JOHN Brain has revealed he tried to keep Scott Barrow at Sixways before his summer switch to Orrell. Worcester's director of rugby offered the centre a contract to stay at the National One high flyers only for the former St Helens man to turn his back
WORCESTER Rugby Club's Academy side narrowly lost 26-24 against Scotland Under 21s in a thrilling match at Sixways last night. Scotland got off to a convincing start with two tries and a conversion for a 13-0 half-time lead, but Worcester came back strongly
WORCESTER Rugby Club helped themselves to six tries in a 39-0 pre-season friendly win against Pontypool at a rain-soaked Sixways. New scrum-half signing Elton Moncrieff had an outstanding 40 minutes, running in two tries himself and setting up numerous
FURIOUS Worcester Rugby Club will hold showdown talks with officials after a catalogue of late challenges in their 28-19 friendly defeat against Leicester at Sixways last night. Coaches John Brain and Andy Keast turned up today to find a physio room full
WORCESTER Rugby Club have announced a 25-strong squad to take on Pontypool in a pre-season friendly at Sixways tomorrow (3pm). This will be the first time for Sixways fans to see some of the new signings Worcester have made during the close season. These
Saturday, October 12, 2002 WORCESTER re-branded themselves Warriors over the summer. On Saturday's evidence Globetrotters might be more appropriate. They were simply sublime for 40 minutes at Old Deer Park, the best Worcester performance I have witnessed
WORCESTER Rugby Club cruised to a 3-34 victory over Irish side Clontarf thanks to six quality tries. Worcester dominated possession and were far fitter than their Irish opponents which gave them the chance to exert superiority throughout the match. The
Saturday, September 28, 2002 IT may well go unnoticed by rugby's power brokers locked away in their Premiership Bastille but something special happened in this suburb of Greater Manchester. Worcester Rugby Club dismissed the threat of Manchester without
WORCESTER Warriors have appointed Werner Swanepoel as their new captain. He will lead the Sixways rugby club when they open their National One campaign on Saturday with a trip to arch-rivals Coventry. The former South African Test star is the biggest
POWERHOUSE prop Alejandro Moreno is intent on making a big impact at Worcester Rugby Club this year after being given a second chance. The 17-and-a-half stone Argentine is delighted to have clinched a summer move to Sixways after a switch to Worcester
Saturday, September 21, 2002 THE script had already been written, the ink dry by the time Tony Yapp stepped up to add the coup de grace. Yapp was about to enter the sporting chapter entitled 'returning heroes haunt former coaches' with six minutes left
Saturday, September 7, 2002 ANGER is not an emotion you readily associate with the man nicknamed Smiley but the rest of National One should watch out -- Werner Swanepoel has a point to prove. Worcester's new skipper -- dumped by the Springboks after some
POWERHOUSE winger Craig Hudson has warned top try scorer Chris Garrard - I'm after your crown. The 6ft 6in star, weighing in at 17stone, has already trawled through last season's record books to check up on his competition for this campaign. And after
ALISTAIR Murdoch has backed the influx of new players at Worcester Rugby Club. Last year's Sixways skipper believes the 16 new signings will give the club every chance of finally winning a place in the Zurich Premiership next season. The Australian winger
Saturday, August 31, 2002 WORCESTER Warriors survived a late comeback from a fired up Coventry side to claim a fine 29-23 National One win. In a game that was never less than entertaining Worcester scored four tries to claim the bonus point, but they
JOHN O'Reilly has handed Worcester Rugby Club a timely boost ahead of their South African tour by signing a one-year deal at Sixways. The scrum-half, who has been on trial for three weeks following the departure of Richard Smith, has finally agreed a
WORCESTER Rugby Club will net a cool £500,000 if they can gun down the rest of National One this season. The Sixways club have been boosted by a new two-year sponsorship deal with Worcester-based energy providers npower who will shell out the half a million
WINSTON Stanley believes Worcester Rugby Club are on the brink of the big time after spending just 24 hours at Sixways. The 27-year-old winger, who checked into training for the first time yesterday, is confident he can bring some of the Leicester gold-dust
WORCESTER Rugby Club have switched their attention to former Wales Under 21 star Allen Chilten as they continue their scrum-half search. The Sixways club have been talking with ex-Leeds Tykes number nine John O'Reilly after a trial spell but, with both
GIANT winger Craig Hudson has revealed that he could have come to Worcester two years earlier than his summer Sixways arrival. The 23-year-old New Zealander held talks with former coach Adrian Skeggs before deciding to move to France and La Rochelle.
WORCESTER Wanderers have been given a trip to Birmingham to play Bourn-ville in the preliminary round of the North Midlands Shield on Sunday, November 4. The Shield has been introduced as a second-tier competition to the North Midlands Cup restricted
NEIL Lyman has been ruled out of Worcester Rugby Club's forthcoming Sixways friendlies with a knee problem. The tighthead prop has been struggling with tendonitis in his knee and has been ordered to rest by doctors. Lyman will definitely miss Saturday's
WORCESTER Rugby Club's new skipper Kingsley Jones will lead from the front in their promotion push this season. The 31-year-old, who was appointed captain yesterday by head coach John Brain, was in buoyant mood following his sel-ection but admitted he
KINGSLEY Jones was today appointed Worcester Rugby Club's new captain for their vital season ahead. The 31-year-old takes over from last year's skipper Alistair Murdoch as head coach John Brain looks to stamp his authority on the club. Jones became the
GAVIN Pfister has revealed he snubbed two Premiership clubs before choosing Worcester Rugby Club. The South African flanker, who joined in the summer from London Irish, admitted he could have stayed in English rugby's top flight before his switch to Sixways
JOHN Brain believes the early signs of team building at Worcester Rugby Club have been positive ones as the players come to the end of their second week of training at Sixways. The newly appointed head coach has been pleased with the response of his new
IRISH club De La Salle Palmerston have snapped up former Worcester coach Adrian Skeggs to be their new director of rugby. The Australian, who guided the Sixways club to second place in National One last season, is set to sign a two-year deal with the
RICHARD Smith's proposed move from Worcester Rugby Club to Cardiff will be rubber stamped in the next 48 hours after a compensation package was hammered out. The scrum-half announced his intention to quit Sixways last week after holding talks with the
WORCESTER'S new boy Craig Chalmers is under no illusions just how tough life in National One is despite his lack of experience at that level. The 32-year-old joined up with his new team-mates at Sixways earlier this week to begin a vital period of team
WORCESTER Rugby Club have underlined their fighting fit policy by adopting judo into their training regime. Sixways' director of rugby John Brain has drafted in martial arts expert Eddie Awford -- Worcester's 'Mr Judo' -- to ensure his squad belt up for
WORCESTER Rugby Club's getting-to-know-you session took place yesterday as their new crop of players began to settle into their surroundings. Most of the 17 new faces, drafted in during a summer of upheaval at Sixways, met their team-mates and coaches
WORCESTER Rugby Club have admitted that Richard Smith sees his future at Cardiff Arms Park. Sixways' director of rugby John Brain has revealed that the scrum-half is ready to quit Worcester for the chance to return to the international arena. "Having
CECIL Duckworth believes Worcester Rugby Club's newest signing can be the catalyst for the best season ever at Sixways. The Worcester chairman, who has ploughed millions into the Gold'n'Blues in a bid to make them a major force in European rugby, is confident
SCOTLAND'S record-breaking fly-half Craig Chalmers will today agree to become Worcester Rugby Club's main man for next season. The 32-year-old will be Worcester's 17th new signing in the space of just two months as they set their sights on winning National
WORCESTER Rugby Club have sensationally pulled out of a deal to bring Niki Little to Sixways, leaving the way open for Dax to move in. The French club jumped ahead of the queue last night in the race to capture the Fijian fly-half and a deal is expected
BEN Hinshelwood has sensed a new hunger at Worcester Rugby Club with the influx of new, younger players. The centre, who enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Sixways last year, has recently returned from winning his first Test cap for Scotland on tour
WORCESTER Rugby Club are winning the battle to sign Fijian international Niki Little. The fly-half, who is out of contract after two seasons at Sale Sharks, looks set to snub offers from French clubs Dax and Biarritz to stay in England. The 24-year-old
WORCESTER Rugby Club's backroom set-up has been completed with the appointment of Stephen Townend as their new assistant coach. The 42-year-old has quit his post as Wakefield's director of rugby to become John Brain's assistant and backs coach at Sixways
FIJIAN international Niki Little is in talks with Worcester Rugby Club over a move to Sixways. The 24-year-old is top of Worcester's shopping list to replace Earl Va'a at fly-half after the Samoan was released last month. Little, who spent two seasons
JOHN Brain today began the task of moulding a promotion winning side as Worcester Rugby Club's players checked in for pre-season training. Worcester's director of rug-by has brought in 14 new faces and he was delighted to have all of his squad together
WORCESTER Rugby Club are set to play in the prestigious Middlesex Sevens tournament next month. The club have received an invitation to enter a team in the Twickenham event on Saturday, August 18, following the late withdrawal of another side. Worcester
JOHN Brain could be forgiven for thinking all his Christmases had come at once yesterday as Worcester Rugby Club unveiled his latest presents. The newly-appointed head coach looked on as Ben Clarke and Kingsley Jones joined up for the Sixways Premiership
KINGSLEY Jones was due to be unveiled this morning as Worcester Rugby Club continued their summer shopping spree. The former Gloucester skipper will today celebrate his 31st birthday by becoming Worcester's 13th capture of the close-season following their
EXPECT to see Jim Jenner jumping for joy when he touches down next season. For the powerhouse number eight has a new love in his life - gymnastics! Jenner, who has just returned from a break in New York, is hoping the extra flexibility will see him vault
I FELT compelled to express my regret regarding the situation which appears to be happening in respect to the effective cutting off of the village of Wyre Piddle. I have not lived in the village since getting married 31 years ago but I was born there
A TRY by Worcester wing Nicola Crawford helped England to a 22-17 victory over World Champions New Zealand in Auckland. Crawford's first-half try helped England to secure the landmark victory at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, in front of a capacity
DAVID Officer has become Worcester's 13th close-season signing at Sixways. The 29-year-old outside centre signed a two-year contract yesterday after deciding to swap Edinburgh for Worcester and their all-important promotion push next season. Officer,
JIM Jenner believes Worcester Rugby Club's task will be tougher than ever next season if they are to make it into the Zurich Premiership. The number eight, who last month re-signed for the Sixways club after a one-year taste of the top flight with Newcastle
JOHN Brain has insisted that Ben Hinshelwood will be staying as Worcester's outside centre despite ex-celling as full-back for Scotland. Worcester's director of rugby has been delighted with the 25-year-old's form since his elevation to the international
EARL Va'a is the latest big name star to be axed in Worcester Rugby Club's summer clear-out. The 29-year-old, who scored in Samoa's 36-27 win over Fiji in the Pacific Rim Championship clash on Saturday, has been told he is not needed for Worcester's promotion
WORCESTER Rugby Club's determination to become a major force in the game has been underlined with the capture of former England star Ben Clarke. Bath's favourite son, capped 40 times for his country, agreed terms last night and is expected to sign later
FORMER Worcester Rugby Club coach Adrian Skeggs has wished his ex-employers all the best before flying back to Australia this week. Last season's director of coaching at Sixways was in philosophical mood as he looked back on his 12 months in charge but
SCOTTISH legend Craig Chalmers has backed fellow Worcester Rugby Club star Ben Hinshelwood to shine on the international stage. Hinshelwood, who made his Scotland debut on Wednesday against Canada East in the first game of a six match North American tour
ELTON Moncrieff is to join Worcester's ever increasing array of talent after the Sixways club pulled off yet another coup. The scrum-half, who played a central role in Gloucester's Heineken Cup campaign last season, will sign a two-year deal following
WORCESTER Rugby Club have pulled off a stunning signing with the acquisition of Canadian international Winston Stanley. The winger has been released by Leicester Tigers after they decided to add to their non-EU contingent this summer, leaving Stanley
FORMER golden boy Nick Baxter is coming to terms with the harsh reality of professional sport after being axed by Worcester Rugby Club. The 27-year-old winger, whose contract was up at the end of last season, has been told he has no future at the club
FORMER Gloucester stalwart John Brain has been appointed as Worcester Rugby Club's new head coach. The 40-year-old, who spent most of his playing career at Kingsholm, has left the Zurich Premiership club to take up the Sixways role vacated by Adrian Skeggs
WORCESTER Rugby Club's women look set to play another key role in England's second Test clash with Australia in Newcastle today. Sixways' winger Nicky Crawford was the undoubted star of the show in the opening test of England's tour Down Under when her
JIM Jenner has snubbed Leicester and Leeds in a bid to guide Worcester Rugby Club into the Zurich Premiership. The 29-year-old signed for the Sixways club last night despite interest from the two top-flight outfits and is now more determined than ever
THE programme for this year's season at Longborough Festival Opera has been announced, with more accessible works performed in English. The Cotswold opera house, which was converted from an unused chicken shed, has a growing reputation for the quality
HORSERACING: Bank Holiday Monday's Albrighton Woodland point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett provided a fitting finale to the season in the West Midlands. A capacity crowd enjoyed competitive racing and some close finishes in the sunshine. Jockeys Julian
JUDO: Rare rules gave Samurai Judo Club's juniors the chance for some unusual contests as they brought home 21 medals from the Sasakawa Open Championships. Players were able to compete in their own weight group and the one above, producing some interesting
MOTORSPORT: Kart racer Nathan Freke tried his hand at a different form of four-wheeled motorsport when he took part in a Rally Scholarship day on the gravel forest stages of north Wales. Having no rally car experience, he was expecting to spend the day
VOLLEYBALL: Cleobury Mortimer's men continued to lack sparkle in the West Midlands League as they dropped to a 3-1 home defeat to Dudley. The visitors triumphed 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21 as Cleobury remained in relegation danger, rather than challenging
Miss Saigon Birmingham Hippodrome Until September 6 Cameron Mackintosh's critically acclaimed musical hit the Hippodrome on Tuesday night and proved it was well worth the hype. The ultimate tragic love story, with a breathtaking musical score, Miss Saigon
DOMINOES: Churchill and Blakedown triumphed in the Parish Games' duplicate bridge competition but are still only third from six teams in the overall table. They romped home with 46 points in the latest event at Trimpley Village Hall with Wolverley and
NETBALL: The Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre Spring League title will go to the final week as both Horse and Jockey and Kingfisher recorded comfortable victories. Horse and Jockey thumped second-from-bottom Cleobury Social 23-6 with Kirsty Evans netting
GOLF: Karen Greenfield won the Silver Division May Medal at Kidderminster ladies section. Silver Div: Greenfield 74 gross 4 handicap 70 nett; Bronze Div One: Doreen Davis 102-24-78; Bronze Div Two: Clare Shirlaw 109-35-74.
DOMINOES: Sun and Slipper were handed their Rock and District league and cup trophies at a presentation night in the Cross Keys pub. Runners-up were New Inn in the league and Live and Let Live in the cup, while Plough A won the Consolation Cup. P Evans
CHESS: Kidderminster completed their Worcestershire League Division Two programme with a 2.5-2.5 draw at St James, Longbridge. Terry Pountney had another excellent season in the league, winning four, drawing four and losing only one of his nine games.
THE history of Stourport's canal basins will come to life next month - complete with a costumed guide. Nationally famous publisher George Nicholson, who lived in the town for 17 years until his death in 1825, will "escort" visitors on the guided walks
A WYRE Forest angler used a cat's whisker to catch a 9lb 8oz brown trout and three rainbows totalling 12lb from the Masters Lake at Shatterford Lakes Fishery. But, despite Kidderminster man Kevin Duffield's feat, the best flies on the lake proved to be
MONDAY, Meadow and Bank: Stuart Pulsar 106lb 6oz (Meadow peg 2), S Roberts 77-7, I Lockley 62-3. Monday evening, three hours 30 minutes: Chris Cameron 63-14 (Meadow 17), Mike Henshall 62-7, David James 59-9. Summer League round three: sections A1-6 Wayne
WHAT is going on at the Harriers? I have followed the goings on at the club over the years and have always come to terms with the ways of "the powers that be". I am a pensioner but am unable to attend matches because I still work every Saturday. I am
KEVIN Johnson easily won the Friday evening contest with a 76lb 2oz all-carp catch. Johnson used the pole at four metres with meat on the hook and loose feeding corn. Friday Evening Open, Dragonfly Pool: Johnson 76-2, Andrew Ashington 38-10, Sam Johnson
NOW that Sir Peter Morris, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, has visited the new Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and has said that the situation there is bad, and cannot be allowed to continue, will the Government accept his diagnosis? Sir Peter
TIM Jones, who fishes for the Golden Maggot Angling Club, is to take part in the final of this competition which attracts anglers from all over the country. The event is over three days, from Thursday, June 5, until Saturday, June 7, at Larford Lakes,
RIFLEMAN'S Canal: P Knowles 9-10, T Wills 5-10, G Bird 3-1. A contest will be held on Sunday, June 8, on the Stackpool with a 7.30am draw. There will only be 20 pegs. Anyone wishing to fish this contest should submit their names to D Morris on 01562 864537
I FEFER to Geoff Kimberley's letter about the attack on his dog by a rottweiler (Shuttle/Times & News, May 22) and the seeming lack of response by the police. My dog was attacked last month, while on the lead, by a german shepherd, and I too rang
PACKINGTON Sommers: Carl Brown 14-6, Dennis Mole 5-4, Mark Brickles 4-3, Mick Swalwell 3-14. Points to date: B rickles 63, Swalwell 51, Brown 50, Mole 44, Dave Lavelle 42, Ray Jordan 41. The next contest is on Saturday, June 7, at Larford Lakes, meeting
WE have a pedigree English springer spaniel who celebrated her 17th birthday in April this year. 17-year-old spaniel Abigail with owner Sue Bayliss. She has ulcers in her eyes and arthritis in her hip but still gets around the house and garden with ease
CAMP Grimley: Harold Willey 24-5m, Brian Darby 20-15, Neil Walford 15-6, Mick Rowe 10-15. A contest will be held at Cob House Farm on Wednesday, draw at 9am. New bait restrictions apply.
PLANNING permission for the redevelopment of Kidderminster College site, Hoo Road, for housing, included a condition that the hedge along Hoo Road be kept, except where it conflicted with the obvious need for the new highway access. It seemed to local
THEY may have struggled all season for players but West Midlands League Division One South champions Kidderminster Harriers Ladies are not fazed. The town team, based at Wilden Village Cricket Club, want to run two teams next season and so are embarking
DREW Armstrong was named players' player of the year for the Saturday first team at Chaddesley Corbett's presentation night. Craig Pratt took manager's player of the year at the Rock Tavern, Stourport, and Brian Burton claimed the most man-of-the-match
A CONTEST will be held at the Jam Factory, Elgar Pool, on Sunday, June 8. Those taking part should meet at Lenchford at 7.15am and the draw will be made at 8am.
FOR years I have lived thousands of miles from civilisation, here in the remotest part of Africa in the swamps of Outer Uggawumgufff. However, even here we regularly receive our treasured Kidderminster Shuttle and I was horrified to read that some wretched
BRINTONS Chainwire scooped the fair play award at the Kidderminster and District League presentation night. Many footballers from the competition flocked to the Kidderminster Harriers Sports and Social Club to pick up their medals and trophies. Chainwire
CENTRE-back Stephen McCullough has been rewarded for a superb season with double-winning Wyre Forest Brintons U-12s. The promising youngster has signed a two-year schoolboy contract with Division One side Walsall. McCullough attracted other top clubs
KIDDERMINSTER lost its best old buildings over 40 years ago. Although I am now living in Australia I do visit Kidderminster quite often. Being a non-drinker there are not that many things you can do at night, or when the weather is damp wet and cold.
RESIDENTS of Wyre Piddle and Lower Moor were inundated with swarms of flies over the Bank Holiday weekend. People were forced to retreat indoors to avoid the plague of insects instead of enjoying the fine weather. Angry residents claim this is not the
WE think it is high time there was a cinema in Kidderminster. Some of our members can remember when there were seven in the district. People with disabilities find it very difficult to get to the cinema, either in Worcester or Merry Hill. None of us can
A WORLD record was broken in South Littleton yesterday when two Long Lartin prison officers pushed a car more than 40 miles around a housing estate. Brian Davies, of Norval Road in South Littleton, and his colleague at Long Lartin, senior officer Jeremy
NEARLY 600 youngsters aged from two to 10 will be taking part in a special sports day at Evesham High School next Tuesday. Behind the day are Mark Lewis, Matthew Brace, Amy Davies and Kirsty Lea - all 17-year-old students at Evesham High School studying
WYRE Piddle residents will have an anxious wait to hear whether a section of Main Road will be closed to traffic other than cyclists and buses. In her closing statement at the public inquiry on Thursday, Worcestershire County Council solicitor Debbie
COMPENSATION for people living near the carcase burial site at the former Throckmorton airfield has been ruled out by a Defra spokesman. Residents attending a public meeting held in the village's parish room last Thursday were given the news as independent
POLICE chased a man through Evesham who deliberately smashed his truck into his ex-girlfriend's car before driving into her father's pub, wrecking a Jeep, Worcester magistrates heard. Steven Cox, of Aldington Sidings, Evesham had earlier admitted two
VISITORS to Evesham's riverside Workman Gardens will be able to take a trip back in time when battle commences at a two-day Medieval Festival on Saturday. Organised by Bengeworth Traders and sponsored by the West Midlands Market Towns Partnership, the
MARLPOOL Lane was the venue on Saturday as North Midlands missed out on promotion to next season's Tetley's County Championship. They were defeated 38-12 by Hertfordshire in a play-off at Kidderminster Carolians' ground and will play in the Shield for
NIGEL Davenport grabbed five wickets in Kidderminster's 40 run win over Harborne in the third round of the National Knockout. Kidderminster batted first and Jonathan Wright (57) partnered by Ted Baylis (35) produced 91 runs. Vic Lawes suffered a third
On May 22 the group was entertained by Frank Hardy, former vice-principal of Pershore College. In his 16 years there he produced several gold medal-winning gardens at Chelsea. He described how it took 18 months to prepare each garden, needing a great
CRICKET club fixtures across Worcestershire and Herefordshie this weekend are: SATURDAY BANKS'S BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE Division One: Bromsgrove v West Bromwich Dartmouth; Worcester v Kidderminster. Division Two West: Old Elizabethans v Redditch. Second teams
-On May 22 the group was entertained by Frank Hardy, former vice-principal of Pershore College. In his 16 years there he produced several gold medal-winning gardens at Chelsea. He described how it took 18 months to prepare each garden, needing a great
Members voted at the May meeting on the resolutions for the annual meeting in London. Arrangements for the August outing, a riverboat trip from Stourport to Worcester (weather permitting) were discussed. The group has been invited to join the Friendship
The inaugural meeting was held on May 7. Following a successful project to rejuvenate Broadwaters Mill, the group intends to continue, and is hoping to attract new members. The next meeting will be on Wednesday at 7pm at the Broadwaters Inn, when a stall
There will be two rides on Sunday. The A ride to Cross of the Tree, near Lingen, Herefordshire, starts at 9am, while at 9.30am the C ride will depart for a half day visit to Ashwood Nurseries, near Kinver. Both rides start at The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster
Stourport's Parish church is holding a celebration of baptism on Sunday, June 8 at 3pm for anyone who has been baptised at the church, whether adult or child. The event will comprise a short service in the church with refreshments after in the parish
Sue Robinson demonstrated how to cook with a microwave oven at the May 12 meeting. On May 19 some members walked the "Macmillan Mile" in aid of the Macmillan nurses, followed by a meal at the Bird-in-Hand, Stourport. Wendy Steadman won the competition
The Wyre Forest group has organised a concert in Kidderminster Library tonight at 7.30pm. Among the items to be performed by Janine Smith, Michael Jones, Guy Rowland, and 10-year-old Georgi Ivanov is Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, Forgotten Forest by
THE Gordon Russell buildings in Broadway look set to be converted into homes, a tourist information centre and a heritage museum. The proposals, from Chase Homes, have been recommended for approval by planning offices. It changes the former offices in
At the may meeting of this Kidderminster club, Michael Kettle gave an illustrated talk on Canalside Walks. He spoke about the paths alongside the canals, which were previously used by horses, then used to tow the many narrowboats or barges, before engine
The Wyre Forest group has organised an eight-mile walk in the Powick area on Sunday, June 8, leaving Vale Road car park, Stourport, at 10am. Walkers are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear, and should take any food or drink they may require
The film to be shown on Tuesday is Monsters Ball, directed by Marc Foster. This is a drama about loss and loneliness. Billy Bob Thornton plays an officer on Death Row, who executes a man who was once married to the woman played by Halle Berry. She portrays
ROYAL correspondent Jennie Bond and the nation's favourite stargazer Patrick Moore are two speakers lined up for talks in the area over the next week. Since becoming BBC Royal Correspondent in 1989, Jennie Bond's reporting assignments have included royal
In place of the talk on Direction Finding, now postponed until July, two videos from the Radio Society of Great Britain were screened. They showed amateur radio expeditions to Fastnet and Easter Island. At the Wyre Forest Packet Radio Support Group meeting
NEWLY-trained mums and grandmas are ready to pass on their experience and give young families in Wyre Forest a helping hand.The six women volunteers have finished a 10-week course with Home-Start Wyre Forest to train them in how to help families with
IT says much about this Worcester side's development that we handed Bracknell their heaviest home defeat of the season on Saturday. We've studied the performance and although it wasn't the best of the season, we've still managed to score 59 points on
GET your rock 'n' roll trousers at the ready and dust off those blue suede shoes - Marty Wilde and the Wildcats are coming to Evesham next weekend. Hailed as the King of British Rock 'n' Roll, Marty is embarking on his first solo theatre tour for years
FIVE tries is no big deal. I once scored that amount between 1992 and '97! Seriously though, Chris Garrard's try haul has had us all talking this week about what an achievement it was in the 71-14 win over Otley. Garrard's performance, all round, was
SIX games to go for us all this season and the coaches have been drilling it into the players to keep their eye on the ball. Obviously most people believe that Rotherham are now certainties to win the National One title this season. However, we cannot
THE news of Steve Townend's departure has only just begin to sink in today and it really came as a shock to all of the players. We all feel for Steve because he is a great guy but, as he is well aware, sport can be a funny business sometimes. Six months
WE were given a little glimpse into the future this week when the Warriors overcame Leicester Tigers 52-21. The coach John Brain picked an experienced side on Monday at Sixways but among the players on show were a number of youngsters who shone. Ben Hughes
I HESITATE to use the phrase but we have been having a brainstorming session this week after our disappointment at Exeter. It was a heart-breaking defeat for us because, having looked at the game in depth, we seemed to do everything in the match apart
WE copped a lot of criticism from the coach after our cup defeat to Rotherham. Having watched the match on tape this week, it's clear, if it wasn't on the field, that most of the players under performed at Sixways. Indeed, I would go as far as to say
WE all had a great weekend at Worcester with our victory coming 24 hours after rivals Rotherham slipped up. People tell me that England had a good win as well! The less said about the Welsh performance, the better! Apart from that, we all enjoyed a very
SATURDAY was a new experience for me at Otley and not one I want to make a habit of. I pulled up the day before the match with a hamstring strain and was not able to take part in the 40-23 victory. I am not the best of spectators and when the home side
PEOPLE often talk about sportsmen and women glibly as if they simply don't care about winning and losing. It is an easy snipe and a self-satisfying attempt to vent their initial disappointment and frustrations after a poor result. Fair enough. However
WE need to bounce back quickly from our disappointment at London Welsh and have a great opportunity to do that on Saturday. Coventry will probably come to Sixways with a damage limitation approach, hoping to frustrate. It is up to us to get around those
WE travel to London Welsh on Saturday in good spirits, back on top of the table with a victory over Rotherham under our belts. The game at Sixways was great to be part of and I am just glad we came out with the 20-18 victory in the end. The crowd made
THERE is a growing confidence in the camp as we travel to Henley this weekend. However, it is reassuring to know that the level of professionalism within this squad is top notch. After the 53-3 win over Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday, the conversations
DON'T turn up late to watch Worcester this season! After our lightning start against Manchester, my message to the supporters is to get here on time just in case they miss out. We had a cracking start to the match, which we went on to win 45-11, and were
The Medical Officer of Health, in his monthly report to Campden Rural District Council, had no notifications of infectious diseases to report. The smallpox cases at Campden were progressing favourably, and would, he hoped, soon be able to be discharged
Shadrack Cresswell, Rous Lench, a carpenter, was summoned at Pershore Petty Sessions for allowing a stray ass on the highway at Flyford Flavel on May 13. Defendant pleaded guilty. P.C. Holder stated that he found the ass on the highway. He put a halter
MATCH ratings are normally reserved for the football world so when the Worcester Evening News began the new format this season it caused some consternation at Sixways. When players were given low marks for being sin-binned or simply a below-par display
THERE is nothing new about selling your soul in rugby. It is almost common practice within the top two tiers of English rugby such has been the stampede to embrace rewards associated with the professional game. In the grand scheme of things though, Newport's
THE stormy black skies over Sixways would, no doubt, have brought some stereotypically English moans and groans this week. Sateki Tuipulotu, though, has a habit of enlightening lives whether it be on or off the field. The effervescent full back was in
THERE is something fascinatingly familiar about the loquacious talk emanating from Sixways at present. Continuity has, for a long time, been something which is constantly yearned for but always seems agonisingly out of reach. Adrian Skeggs, quite understandably
FRUSTRATION will be the overwhelming emotion felt by Geoff Cooke when he bids farewell to Worcester Rugby Club in June. The Silver Fox will not be extending his three-year stay after watching the dream of promotion again hit the rocks this season. Cooke
AS the tide of emotion washed over rugby union this week, few were willing to put their heads above the newspaper parapet amid the manic moralising. Martin Johnson was hauled out to make a statement of regret over his weekend antics and provide more ammunition
THE protestations about the season still being alive for Worcester are utterly understandable when you consider the sheer costs of failure to reach the Premiership. It is estimated that Worcester will have missed out on a £2,000,000 cash injection through
THERE surely could not have been more modest surroundings in which to begin a fresh chapter in your career than Sharmans Cross Road. That, however, will have served as a stark reminder for coach Andy Keast that there is much to do at Worcester Rugby Club
AT a time where the game is crying out for direction, high-profile figures seem content on sniping from the trenches rather than joining together in a real war against racism. The Gloucester-Newcastle saga has deteriorated, utterly predictably, into a
IN the wonderful world of Worcester Rugby Club nothing, it seems, stands still. Just four months into his tenure as backs coach, Steve Townend left Sixways yesterday to make way for newcomer Andy Keast. The club have often been criticised for the rapid
DURING the astonishment which greeted Rotherham's recent defeat to Exeter, Worcester's deadpan coach John Brain unearthed some all too familiar frustrations by the reaction at Sixways. Brain, who has now served five months in his role as head coach, was
AMID the wild celebrations which greeted two extraordinary victories over Antipodean opposition, some may have wondered what all the fuss was about. They may have questioned just why England and Great Britain were being hailed for supreme performances
IF the nature of sport dictates you can reach the heights before a vertiginous decline, Dave Sims is without doubt the prime example at Worcester. The former England lock, who celebrates his 32nd birthday later this month, was named player of the year
IT was utterly predictable that when the RFU presented their criteria for Zurich Premiership entry there would be more than a few hurdles for National One clubs to negotiate. Therefore there was little surprise at Sixways when Worcester officials thumbed
STEVE Townend could be forgiven for indulging in a romantic vision when he returns to his spiritual home on Saturday. The 42-year-old makes his first trip back to Wakefield since his summer Sixways move with a Worcester team desperate for points as they
IN the midst of the gloom and despair around the theatre of dreams on Saturday came a show of emotion quite out of place at a rugby stadium, or so we have been led to believe. As David Beckham's sublime free kick smacked the back of the net, Sixways shook
THE dismantling of common perceptions are always satisfying for those on the wrong end and for Worcester, it is almost a daily occurrence. Accusations of players lured simply for money, sneering remarks about tradition and the building of a quick-fix
DAVE Titterton has completed his first Stourport Swifts close-season signing with the addition of Mark Jones. The central-midfielder or right wing-back has been a key part of two consecutive Midland Alliance title successes with Stourbridge. But ground
Saturday, April 27, 2002 TONY Yapp ended another season at Worcester in the same position he has occupied for much of his Sixways career -- amid uncertainty. The fly half walked off the Bournbrook pitch, after Worcester had outclassed Moseley 42-7, still
Saturday, April 13, 2002 CHRIS Garrard signed off his Sixways season in the style it began with a flurry of tries as Worcester swept past Exeter Chiefs. The Australian winger claimed his third hat trick of Worcester's campaign as they exacted some revenge
Saturday, April 6, 2002 THEY do say that the best presents come in the smallest packages and Richard Smith once again showed his immense worth to Worcester with a towering display at Rugby. The scrum half, plucked from Ebbw Vale in the summer, was head
Saturday, March 16, 2002 DUNCAN Roke added further evidence to suggest he will take some shifting from Worcester's full back spot with a stunning hat trick at Lily Hill Park. Bracknell simply had no answer to the pace of the former Henley flyer as free-scoring
