Warriors’ EDF Energy Cup victory over Newport Gwent Dragons leaves A Team manager Andrew Stanley needing to shuffle his line-up for tonight’s Guinness A League Northern Conference clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways – but it’s a problem he’s delighted to have.
The presence of Will Bowley, Callum Black and Alex Grove in the first team that took the final whistle on Saturday has raised the bar for the young Academy starlets who’ll now be given their chance to continue the A Team’s rich vein of form.
A fortnight ago, they missed out narrowly on a win over Sale Jets and, seven days later, they became the first team for four years to defeat Leicester Tigers’ Development XV at Welford Road.
“We have to change the side from the one that won at Leicester, simply because of what the boys did at the weekend,” says Stan. “It’s a great problem to have. It gives the lads who come in a chance to see what’s possible and emulate the likes of Will, Callum and Alex.”
Grove’s cameo against Dragons won’t prevent him from making his second appearance in three days on the stadium pitch in a back row that includes Nick Runciman and Jamie Lennard.
There’s also a welcome return to Worcester for former Warriors favourite Tommy Hayes. The 32-year-old fly-half has been training with Falcons for the past week, and the game gives the Tynesiders the chance to watch him in action.
The visitors also include first-team squad members Alex Tait, Tom Dillon, Rob Vickers, Robbie Morris, Sean Tomes, Stuart Walker, Geoff Parling and Cory Harris in their starting line-up.
The match game (7.30pm) is free to debenture, season ticket-holders and under 18s. Otherwise, it’s £3 for adults – pay on the gate. For further details call the ticket office on 0870 990 5650. The Clubhouse bar will be open for food and drink.
Team: 01 Matt Mullan, 02 Matt Deacon, 03 James Tideswell, 04 Sam McDonald, 05 Tom Wood (c), 06 Loti Molatika, 07 Owen Jones, 08 Craig Everett, 09 Nick Runciman, 10 Joey Carlyle, 11 Martin Freeman, 12 Alex Grove, 13 Greg King, 14 Charlie Fellows, 15 Jamie Lennard
Replacements: 16 Jack Guilding, 17 Kevin Moran, 18 Manny Samra, 19 Dave Hughes, 20 Johnny Arr, 21 Uche Oduoza, 22 Harry Owens, 23 Henry Southall, 24 Vince Lanciano