Hill concedes it was hard night for Warriors

Head Coach Richard Hill refused to blame individuals as 14-man Worcester Warriors lost 43-13 to Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership at Welford Road.

Fly half Andy Goode was dismissed in the first half on his return to his former club in the televised league encounter.

However, Hill was keen to focus on the team effort as his players dug deep in adversity and showed spirit and battling qualities as they faced the numerical home advantage.

“It was a long night,” admitted Hill. “I cannot fault the effort of the players, but Leicester are a superb side and they played very well.

“Andy’s dismissal did not make life easier for us. He knows he has let the players down to an extent, but we can’t just blame individuals, it was one of those things.

“Andy wouldn’t have wished to do that at his previous ground. Andy is very disappointed, in fact he is distraught about it. It was out of character and he has apologised to the players in the huddle on the pitch after the game.

“It was pretty tough after that. Once down to 14 men we had to reshuffle and against a side like Leicester you need your full eight forwards to have any chance of getting ball and beating them.

“At half-time we had to put a 10 on in Danny Gray and take Blair Cowan off, so we are down to seven forwards. It was a hard old night. Leicester played exceptionally well in patches and I think we did as well as we could do.”

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill also had words for Goode and said: “I know Andy very well, he played here for a long time. I’m sure it’s not the way he would have liked to come back and have that happen so it’s disappointing for him.

“Hopefully the red card will be sufficient and he can play the rest of the season.”


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