Worcester Sixth Form College – Warriors Apprentices – came from behind in a much anticipated fixture with King’s School Worcester to win 25-19 and progress into Round 5 of this season’s Daily Mail U18 Cup.
It was King’s who started brightly and from some powerful forward play managed to put early pressure on the Warriors Apprentices. From this pressure they took an early lead with a well struck penalty and then a try in the left corner. This 8-0 lead was then doubled with another penalty and then a well worked try.
This stung the Warriors Apprentices into life and after putting four phases together Louis Silver crossed in the corner. A penalty soon after cut the deficit to 16-8 at half-time.
The second half started with King’s extending their lead to 19-8 with a penalty after continuous pressure on the Worcester line.
However, the Apprentices hit back when, after being awarded a penalty on the halfway line, a quick tap and pass found Andy Short who scooted over from 40 metres. Ryan added the conversion and the Apprentices were suddenly back in the game.
A loose kick by King’s then ended up in the arms of Short who from his own half beat three King’s defenders to score in the corner, giving the College a one point lead.
With the momentum now firmly in the Apprentices favour, some good play from a scrum and some slick passing saw Jake Rainford score the decisive try.
King’s attacked bravely for the remaining five minutes of the game but brave Worcester defence saw them hold on for a fine victory.
Warriors Apprenticeship coordinator Matt Sherratt said: “I was very pleased with the character the players showed. To go 16 points down against an established side like King’s away from home and comeback to win just shows how close the boys have come in such a short space of time.”
Worcester Sixth Form College now look forward to a Round Five tie against Ellesmere College.