Sunday, January 25, 1998

WORCESTER Under 16 team were beaten for the first time this season as they went down 15-5 at Wolverhampton.

The first score came from Worcester after five minutes when following sustained pressure by the Worcester forwards the ball was passed out along the backs to winger Jamie Neville who scored in the corner.

Worcester had the better of the first half and were aided by the wind and a sloping pitch both in their favour. Against the run of play following an excellent run by a Wolverhampton centre they scored in the corner shortly before half time.

The second half saw Wolverhampton gain the upper and and it was now their turn to take advantage of the wind and sloping pitch. With 10 minutes to go the score remained level at 5-5 and a draw seemed to be on the cards.

Wolverhampton stepped up their game and continually pressured the Worcester try line with some powerful forwards drives which eventually resulted in a try which went unconverted. Wolverhampton maintained the pressure and scored a further unconverted try in the corner in the dying minutes of the game.

The difference between the two teams in the end was the forward play by Wolverhampton which was far superior to Worcester. Worcester failed on many occasions to present the ball and then ruck the opponents off the ball.