Director of Rugby Dean Ryan admitted he was pleased with the club’s first pre-season outing as Warriors battled back to defeat Rotherham Titans 29-18 at Sixways on Wednesday evening.
A brace from full back Ben Howard, try from Academy lock Harry Casson and score from replacement hooker Ed Shervington saw Warriors edge past the battling RFU Championship outfit.
“I was really pleased and it was a great hit out,” said Ryan. “I want to get everyone on the field during these two games with Rotherham and Cardiff and we have been conscious of not loading it one way or another.
“Rotherham were everything we wanted them to be, tough and physical. We had to show a level of composure and work ethic which at this stage of the season is pleasing.
“I was pleased with some of the youngsters and some of the new players. Jonathan Thomas was outstanding leading, but then you look at the likes of James Stephenson, Max Stelling and Jeremy Becasseau who were good too.
“There is a lot we can work on, there was always going to be, and that game asked questions of us. I am pleased we have got it under our belt, we have been training for a long time and been going around the hamster wheel a bit.
“We didn’t panic when we went behind which was pleasing,” he added. “The period just before half-time was tough.
“The danger with pre-season games is trying to get everything from them, but I don’t think the game we wanted to play was capable of being played.
“We had to adapt and those involved in decision making were outstanding. That gave us the platform to show up well and I am pleased to see young lads getting a first game for Warriors.
“Another group will start against Cardiff and then we will narrow things towards Ospreys. We are up and running.”
“Rotherham were everything we wanted them to be, tough and physical. We had to show a level of composure and work ethic which at this stage of the season is pleasing…"