Friday, January 14, 2005

WORCESTER Warriors progressed to the semi-finals of the European Shield last night in bizarre fashion.

The Sixways side, who were leading Leonessa 32-6 on aggregate following last Friday's first leg victory, won 28-12 in Brescia.

However, as fog engulfed the Campo Comunale di Rovato, referee Malcolm Changleng called time on what was fast descending into farce and, after just 10 minutes of the second-half, the result stood.

It meant that Worcester were through to the final four of the competition to probably play Leeds Tykes in an April semi-final -- if the Yorkshire side come through their quarter-final tie with Petrarca Padova later today.

"We were very professional in difficult circumstances," said Worcester's head coach Andy Keast.

"I've never experienced weather conditions like that but, to their credit, the players were professional and saw the job through.

"I only saw one out of the four tries because the fog was so bad! We're just relieved that the game has been played and, hopefully, we can fly back tomorrow -- weather permitting."

The weather was always likely to have a bearing on the game because of the thick fog surrounding the ground. Both teams agreed that the kick-off could be brought forward 15 minutes because of the threatening mist.

Kiwi-born full-back Rima Wakarua gave the home team the perfect start with a penalty after just a minute but Worcester hit back immediately. Flanker Neil Mason -- in for his first Euro start -- flew over for Warriors' opening try on three minutes and the Sixways side were ahead.

Fly-half James Brown added the conversion and he was in action again on 14 minutes, improving a catch-and-drive try from prop Steve Sparks.

Matt Powell's quick thinking then gave the visitors their third touchdown when his dummy left the Leonessa defence for dead before scoring under the posts. Brown added the extra points and Worcester were cruising at 21-3.

The home side, cheered on by a crowd of around 450, did not let Worcester have it all their own way. They dominated the final 10 minutes of the half and Wakarua slotted another three penalties before the break.

There was scarcely enough time for any notable action in the second period, but Ben Hinshelwood scored the Warriors' fourth try, with 47 minutes on the clock, and Brown's conversion ended the game as a contest.

Soon after, it was all over as the fog descended and referee Changleng decided enough was enough.

Worcester: Delport; Oduoza, Hinshelwood, Trueman, Roke; Brown, Powell; Sparks, Van Niekerk, Horsman, Murphy, Gillies, Mason, Sanderson, Hickey. Reps: Fortey, Lyman, Gabey, MacLeod-Henderson, Cole, Hayes, O'Leary.