WARRIORS
6 Pennell – a quiet showing from the full-back who made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes but can be forgiven after what has been another fine campaign.
7 Humphreys – back after a long injury lay-off the wing looked like he had not been away as he made a stunning break to tee Butler up for his first try and was always a threat.
8 Te’o – is coming into top form just at the right time for England as he caused Saints plenty of problems and capped off a powerful performance with a try.
8 Butler – marked his maiden Premiership start with two well-taken tries inside the opening 12 minutes before being forced off with an arm injury.
7 Adams – blotted his copybook with a late yellow card but the Premiership’s joint-top try-scorer gave his all and got stuck in when he was moved into midfield.
7 Jones – a mixed afternoon for the fly-half whose clever chip through resulted in Butler’s second score but then a loose kick led to Collins’ try for Saints.
7 Hougaard – played a key role in Worcester’s stellar start but had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after suffering a blow to his head.
5 Bower – was pinged on far too many occasions as he struggled in the scrum before being replaced by Waller who failed to turn the tide.
6 Singleton – things did not go all his own way but kept driving his legs, making some valuable yards, and will hope he has done enough to earn an England call-up.
6 Schonert – although Warriors found life difficult in the set piece he showed his strengths around the park as he bids to secure a place on the plane to South Africa.
7 Bresler – coming in for the retired O’Callaghan the second row was effective with ball in hand, chipping in with some offloads, and was a towering presence at the line-out.
7 Barry – another solid outing from the ever-improving lock who fronted up well during his 80-minute shift, laying down a marker for next season.
8 MAMA – has given Warriors real impetus since returning from injury and was like a man possessed at Saints as he carried hard and tackled aggressively. My man of the match.
8 Lewis – has been an absolute warrior for Worcester this season and shone bright again as he made countless tackles and his well-timed pass created Butler’s first try.
7 van Velze – was penalised for a couple of high tackles but with O’Callaghan hanging up his boots it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him regain the captaincy next term as he led his troops well.
Replacements: Howe 7 (Butler 28), Arr 7 (Hougaard 28), Waller 6 (Bower 45), Taufete’e 6 (Singleton 58), Shillcock 7 (Jones 58), Denton 6 (van Velze 64), Kitchener 6 (Bresler 64), Milasinovich (Schonert 67).
Attendance: 14,121.
Referee: L Pearce.
Northampton Saints.
Foden; Collins, Tuitavake (Tuala 68), Francis, North; Grayson (Myler 68), Reinach (Michell 66); Waller (Ma’afu 66), Haywood (Clare 66), Brookes (Hill 58), Ratuniyarawa, Craig (Ribbans 75), Gibson, Harrison, Eadie (Ludlam 66).
RUN OF PLAY.
0-5: Butler try, 6mins.
0-7: Jones converts, 7mins.
0-12: Butler try, 11mins.
0-14: Jones converts, 12mins.
5-14: Eadie try, 23mins.
7-14: Grayson converts, 24mins.
10-14: Grayson penalty, 39mins.
Half-time: Northampton Saints 10-14 Worcester Warriors.
10-19: Te'o try, 42mins.
10-21: Jones converts, 43mins.
15-21: Tuitavake try, 45mins.
17-21: Grayson converts, 46mins.
22-21: Foden try, 49mins.
22-24: Jones penalty, 53mins.
27-24: Collins try, 57mins.
29-24: Grayson converts, 58mins.
32-24: Myler penalty, 79mins.
Full-time: Northampton Saints 32-24 Worcester Warriors.
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