Worcester Sixth Form College, which contains 20 of the Warriors apprentices, continued their stunning run in the Daily Mail U18 Cup with a 15-13 victory over the Leicester Tigers apprentice scheme based at Wyggeston College on Welford Road.
The victory propels the Sixth Form College – the only Worcestershire side left in the competition – into the last 16 and three games away from Twickenham.
The Worcester team were unfancied going into the clash but outstanding work-rate and team spirit saw the young Warriors stun their Leicester counterparts with a bruising two-point win.
Against the elements, Worcester showed tremendous resilience to hold firm against the expected Wyggeston onslaught in the first half.
The side showed excellent discipline and inspired by the chance of reaching the last 16 put their bodies on the line and repelled the home attack. This was typified by a last ditch cover tackle by full back Luke Cooke.
This resilience saw the Worcester side turn around at half-time just 3-0 down but with a prospect of the elements in their favour in the second period.
It was after only four minutes of the second half that they struck when good field position led to a penalty against Wyggeston that was slotted over by Matt Marskell to level the scores.
A fine Marskell kick took Worcester into prime field position and following a five-metre lineout, skipper Sam Fitch burrowed over from close range for 8-3 lead.
The away side had now found their stride and were penetrating the home defence at will. Following a fine break from powerful centre Luke Davies and crisp offload, Charles Michael scored under the posts. Marskell converted for the comfort of a 15-3 advantage.
However, Worcester were soon reduced to 13 men after persistent infringements at the breakdown.
This put the away side under intense pressure for the final ten minutes of the game and once again showed real battling qualities to hold out Wyggeston until a driving maul saw the home team pull the score back to 15-8.
Soon after Wyggeston struck again with a carbon copy try to put them within two points and tie on a knife edge. But the conversion was missed and Worcester held firm until the final whistle signalled huge celebrations.
“I was proud of every member of what has grown to become a very closely knit squad,” said Matt Sherratt, AASE co-ordinator.
“This team has exceeded all expectations and has shown what can be achieved with togetherness, work ethic and team spirit. Put this together with a willingness to play adventurous rugby and we have shown what can be achieved.
Worcester next face Old Swinford Hospital in January with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
Warriors are recruiting already for next year’s intake. Prospective candidates and parents are asked to con contact Matt Sherratt at matt@wrfc.co.uk