Hogg hails Warriors’ early execution

Head Coach Carl Hogg hailed Warriors’ clinical start to the game as they raced into a 24-3 lead before going on to oust Pontypridd in their B&I Cup quarter-final at Sixways.

Dean Hammond, Ben Howard and Ignacio Mieres all crossed the whitewash early on before Warriors held on for a 24-10 win.

And Hogg praised Warriors' rapid start which enabled them to secure an 18th straight victory in all competitions.

He said: “It was a very clinical and sharp first 20 minutes and we had some exceptional pace out wide and we exploited that early on.

“Emotionally we got that first 20 right but the execution was excellent. We gave ourselves that 21-point buffer which stood us in good stead for the rest of the game.”

Despite a 24-3 half-time lead, Warriors couldn’t add to the scoresheet in the second period and Hogg admitted there is work to be done if his side are to progress to the final of the competition.

He explained: “We got ourselves into a healthy position at half-time. In the second period we created lots of pressure and field position but we couldn’t quite convert.

“And when they scored the try against the run of play it became an interesting final 20.

“We had a lot of possession and territory but we struggled with their defensive drive. Our drive has been an outstanding weapon for us all season but we didn’t nail it today. We also had opportunities in the scrum that we didn’t quite nail down.”

Warriors await the semi-final draw on Monday and Hogg admitted he is not fussed who his side come up against, although he would prefer another home tie.

He concluded: “Hopefully we’ll get another home semi-final as the atmosphere was great today.

“We’ll see what the draw brings up but the boys have certainly worked hard to get to this position and they’ll be relishing to go on and win a final.”


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