Warriors Under-18 Academy pulled off a fine 45-13 win over a spirited Cardiff Blues with a seven-try display of running rugby, epitomised by attacking full back and man-of-the-match Joe Nellany, on Wednesday afternoon at Sixways.
Worcester went behind to an early penalty, after attempting to run the ball out of their own half, before a quick tap penalty of their own saw the home backs spread the ball wide with England Under-18 ace Josh Watkins offloading the ball to Colin Dixon to score in the corner. Sam Waltier missed the difficult conversion to leave the score at 5-3 to the home side.
Cardiff responded quickly and from a five-metre lineout they succeeded in mauling the ball over the line to retake the lead with a try, which was also converted, to give them a 10-5 lead.
Repeated infringements by the Blues resulted in their flanker being sin binned and with the one man advantage Worcester made them pay. After the forwards made the hard yards the ball was spun wide for Watkins to score, which Nellany converted to give Worcester the lead 12-10.
From a scrum free-kick in their own 22, Worcester took a quick tap and following a great line by Nellany, he sliced through the Blues defence before rounding the full back to score a superb solo try for a 17-10 lead at the break.
An early Cardiff penalty in the second half saw them reduce the deficit before Worcester can cut loose with the forwards getting in on the action with a well worked try for captain Dan Young, with Elliot Davis kicking the difficult conversion to leave the score at 24-13.
Minutes later winger Ryan Miller produced a great cover tackle to knock the Blues winger into touch to prevent a certain try. The wing then repeated his heroics as, with Cardiff about to score five metres out from the line, he made a great read, intercepted the ball and raced downfield. A quick recycle resulted in Josh Buggea scoring another tremendous try, which Davis again converted for a 31-13 lead.
Warriors struck again when a great carry by replacement Louis Chaudron saw him break several tackles to score.
The final score of the game came from another quick tap penalty as Worcester moved the ball wide where Nellany offloaded well in the tackle to feed Miller, who after receiving the ball in his own half, broke the line to sprint clear and touch down.
“We have a great group of lads in our Warriors Development Squads, ranging from U13 up to U18,” said Gary Meechan, Academy Assistant Manager.
“The side that played Cardiff was made up of players, not only who have recently returned from Madrid playing in the England U18 Conference squad, but U16 and u18 players unlucky not to be selected to play for England U16 at Wellington College, in particular, Joe Nellany (Warwick School) who showed what an amazing attacking threat he can be, and in my opinion should have played for England U18 this season.
There is an abundance of talent in the West Midlands, and my praise must go to the coaches both at the Schools and Clubs that have helped in the continued development of these young players.
“We have a tradition here at the Warriors for backing the underdog who may not have had the age grade recognition they deserved at U16 & U18, and working to develop them. Players such as Chris Pennell and Tom Wood, Jon Arr and Jake Abbott and at 16’s Matt Cox, all come to mind, and they haven’t turned out too bad, have they?
“We have a higher number this season that have made the grade, at U16 & U18, so I am hoping their journey into a Warriors 1st XV shirt may be less arduous! Long may it continue.”