Warriors Academy Manager Andrew Stanley heaped praised his side as they produced a battling display to defeat Ospreys 25-21 on Tuesday night (April 10).
James Collins, Craig Everett and Greg Evans all ran in tries as Warriors recovered from a 14-10 half-time deficit to stage a thrilling second half comeback at the Talbot Athletic Ground in Aberavon.
“The Ospreys had some high quality talent on show, a very physical set of forwards and two quality half backs that caused us problems with their kicking game in the early stages,” said Stan.
“It was a different type of game than a lot of our guys had been used to in the Guinness A League. It was more tactical and did that have the ambition that you often find in the attack orientated A league.
“But that represents what our guys can expect to face in the Guinness Premiership and it was a great experience for them.”
Worcester fell behind to three early penalties from Wales international fly half Matthew Jones, making his return from a serious knee injury.
Jamie Lennard kicked a penalty to get Worcester on the scoreboard before the visitors edged ahead by a point when flanker Collins crossed after Warriors finally put some phases together. Full back Lennard added the extras.
Two home tries put Ospreys 21-10 ahead just after the break before an Everett score, from a driven over lineout, launched a fight-back.
A fine individual try from Greg Evans and conversion from Simon Whatling handed Warriors a slender lead ten minutes from time before a Whatling penalty wrapped up a fine away win.
“We adapted well in the second half and showed a lot of grit and determination to get ourselves back into the game. Full credit to the boys, we took the chances that we developed in the game,” added Stan.
“To win on the road at somewhere that we hadn’t been before is a great boost the boys who played.
“Also full credit to Ospreys, they made us work really hard and we would be keen to make the fixture a regular event both home and away.”
The only downside for Warriors was an injury to young scrum half Will Runciman who suffered a broken collarbone.
“He will miss the rest of the season which is a blow for him and the club. We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back for pre-season.”
Team: 01 Callum Black, 02 Matt Mullan, 03 James Tideswell, 04 Sam McDonald, 05 Tom Wood (c), 06 Dave Hughes, 07 James Collins, 08 Craig Everett, 09 Will Runciman, 10 Joe Carlisle, 11 Charlie Fellows, 12 Simon Whatling, 13 Alex Grove, 14 Uche Oduoza, 15 Jamie Lennard
Replacements: Matt Deacon, Jordan Page, Paula Havea, Rob Wood, Greg Evans, Tim Streather, Vince Lanciano, Carl Robinson