JUST as it looked like Warriors' season was beginning to peter out into anticlimax, they put on a breathless show-stopping performance that the home supporters will remember for years to come.

There was a carnival atmosphere all day at a sunny Sixways and despite Newcastle's best efforts to be party-poopers, it was Worcester's day.

It was always going to be an emotional occasion with French centre Thomas Lombard playing his last match in front of the Worcester faithful, who have adopted him as one of their favourite sons in the last two years.

Another Sixways hero, hooker Andre Van Niekerk, received a standing ovation when he came on as a late replacement for his farewell appearance.

But, despite all the mutual adulation, the hosts never lost their focus on the job in hand and were deserving winners in a gripping game of rugby which produced nine tries.

Read more in today's Worcester News.