Worcester Warriors U18 opened the new season with a narrow 23-20 defeat to Newcastle Falcons U18 on Saturday.
After a poor start, that saw Warriors concede two quick converted tries – one interception and a catch and drive – the visitors slowly got into the game.
On 20 minutes and after a sustained period of pressure, Warriors were awarded a penalty and kicked for the corner. After a strong drive Will Elt broke off to score unopposed with Luke White converting.
From restart the Warriors were once again on the front foot and after some good build up play drew another penalty which White converted to take the score to 14-10.
Late into the first half, after defending numerous phases, the Warriors conceded a silly penalty which the Falcons converted to take the score at half time to 17-10.
The Warriors started to apply pressure early in the second half and after going through a number of phases drew another penalty which was converted by White to cut the lead to four points.
The Worcester forwards were beginning to dominate at the scrum and the breakdown, but were harshly penalised on two occasions which gave the Falcons two penalties to extend the lead to 23-13.
The last 15 minutes saw the Falcons on the back foot with sustained attacks from the Warriors drawing penalty after penalty. With time running out, and the Warriors camped on the Falcons line, and the referee yellow carded three home players before awarding a penalty try.
“This was a very good first performance by a young Warriors side who dominated the majority of the game,” said Academy Manager Mark Hewitt.
“Our scrum was outstanding and the forwards carried strongly in broken play. The team must now learn from the mistakes we made in the way we managed the game and be more accurate in our execution of the basic skills.”
Worcester Warriors U18s are in action this Saturday when they play Leicester Tigers at Sixways (kick-off 2pm). Supporters are welcome to attend.
“This was a very good first performance by a young Warriors side who dominated the majority of the game…"