Worcester Warriors’ sparkling array of Academy talent will be bidding to keep the pressure on Leicester Tigers and Sale Jets at the top of the Guinness A League Northern Conference when the latter visit Sixways tonight (7.30pm).
Manager Andrew Stanley has put his faith in the youngsters who staged a thrilling comeback to beat a Sale U21 side 22-19 when the two met on the same stadium pitch three weeks ago.
Along with the return of Monday night rugby comes a big treat for Warriors fans.
Members of the first-team squad are scheduled to join supporters from 6.30pm in the Clubhouse to sign autographs and chat before the clash.
If Warriors win with a try bonus point, they’ll be four points behind Tigers after five games – with the Welford Road side next up in Leicester in seven days.
First team squad members Nick Runciman, Uche Oduoza and Will Bowley headline the Warriors starting line-up, though the heart of the squad that clinched that win – and kept a large crowd warm on a wet and windy night – remains in the likes of Matt Cox, Dave Hughes, Charlie Fellows and Alex Grove.
“It’s a young side we’re putting out tonight,” says Stan. “The oldest is Will Bowley at 22. Many of the Sale lads playing tonight played against our Academy side four weeks ago. They’ll be coming here and trying to set the record straight, and it’s up to us to meet the challenge head on and consolidate the position we currently hold in the A League table.”
Entry is free to debenture, season ticket-holders and under 18s. Otherwise, watching the match costs £3 for adults on the gate. For further details call the ticket office on 0870 990 5650
Team: 01 Matt Mullan, 02 Jordan Page, 03 James Tideswell, 04 Tom Wood (c), 05 Will Bowley, 06 Matt Cox, 07 James Collins, 08 Craig Everett, 09 Nick Runciman, 10 Joey Carlyle, 11 Uche Oduoza, 12 Alex Grove, 13 Greg King, 14 Martin Freeman, 15 Jamie Lennard
Replacements: 16 Matt Deacon, 17 Ricky Whitehall, 18 Sam McDonald, 19 Dave Hughes, 20 Will Runciman, 21 Harry Owens, 22 Charlie Fellows, 23 Vince Lanciano, 24 Loti Molatika