VICTORY was waiting for Worcester Warriors at Sixways in the early years of the new millennium – and it’s since been a recurring theme.

Looking back through our archives of the past 20 years, it’s clear to see that not only the players but fans were passionately enjoying every minute of it.

Worcester started the decade in National Division One and were denied a place in the elite until the 2003/2004 season, when, under the guidance of John Brain, the Club finally made it.

Warriors were promoted to the Premiership after winning the title with a perfect record of 26 wins from 26 games in the 2003/04 season after adopting their new name the previous season.

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In 2004, The Rugby Paper described Warriors as “a modest rugby club minding its own business in the backwaters of the Midlands.

“But now here they were, standing on the brink of a rags-to-riches rise into the top-flight of English rugby union.”

Our match report from April 3, 2004, read: “In an instant the ghosts of the past were laid to rest.

“Referee Geraint Ashton-Jones blew the final whistle and Sixways stood to acclaim its heroes.

“Worcester were champions and only a step away from the Premiership.

“With the crowd treated to a lap of honour from their gladiators, they then bayed for the pitch-side appearance of their king -- chairman Cecil Duckworth.

"That was a nice moment," he admitted afterwards. "It was very emotional because it's been the culmination of 10 years hard work.

“The crowd's response, though, took me a little by surprise but I think that underlines the togetherness we have now at Worcester."

Fast forward 11 years and Warriors went on to enjoy another remarkable 2014/15 campaign as they won the British & Irish Cup after winning all nine of their games.

After Cecil Duckworth passed away in November 2020, a minute of applause took place at the ground.

“You could see tears in people’s eyes for what he meant to not only the club, but the city, too,” one fan said.

One word that leaps out from the pages of old match reports and newspaper articles is “togetherness”.

And we can only hope that we’re all reunited again soon for happier times at Sixways.