WORCESTER Warriors are sweating over the fitness of Chris Pennell and Max Stelling for Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg at London Scottish (1.45pm).
Powerful centre Stelling left the ground on crutches after appearing to tweak a muscle in his leg while racing over to score Worcester’s opening try in their 30-26 defeat against Bristol.
Pennell, who celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, was replaced at full-back by Charlie Mulchrone after hobbling off.
Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan said he did not know the nature of the duo’s injuries but confirmed Ben Howard and Sam Smith were fit for selection.
He added centre Andy Symons did not feature against Bristol because “there were some concerns about the concussion” he suffered at Cornish Pirates.
Defeat to Bristol meant Warriors missed out on finishing top of the Championship table.
However, they had the consolation of setting a new attendance record of 10,795 for a regular fixture in the Championship.
Warriors let a 20-7 lead slip against Bristol, who took advantage of yellow cards for Cooper Vuna and Jonathan Thomas to seal a hard-fought Sixways win.
Ryan said: “We had control of the game and then the importance of small factors showed — officiating, yellow cards and all the things that come into play.
“At 20-10, I thought one more try and we would break through. But we didn’t get it, ended up playing for 20 minutes with 14 men and lost Pennell so the whole back-field coverage went and we ended up fire-fighting.
“If those things happen in a play-off game, that’s potentially nine months down the pan. We were pretty angry in the changing room with ourselves. Full credit to Bristol, who are top of the pile, and we can now get on with the next part of the competition.”
Ryan admitted he was disappointed with the standard of officiating, claiming key decisions went against his side.
“Elements made me thankful it happened in this game and not in the play-offs but let’s make sure we understand that every small margin — and that includes the three people officiating — is going to play a part,” he said.
“I thought the Pennell high-ball challenge was a try by Vuna. To get no acknowledgement on two challenges on Mulchrone was bizarre.”
Warriors have beaten London Scottish twice this season, including a 56-15 triumph at Sixways at the end of March.
But Ryan added: “The play-offs are different. We won’t go and stroll around. We start at 0-0 and will have to play very well against London Scottish.”
The second leg of the semi-final will be at Sixways on Friday, May 8 (7.45pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel