For this week’s Throwback Thursday we go back just 18 months to Bristol Bears’ last visit to Sixways and a record-breaking performance from Warriors on Sunday October 7 2018…
Worcester Warriors 52-7 Bristol Bears
Warriors produced a try-scoring master class to brush aside Bristol Bears and notch up their biggest ever victory in Gallagher Premiership Rugby history.
Yann Thomas gave the visitors the perfect start before GJ van Velze, Marco Mama, Ryan Mills and Francois Venter all crossed to blow the Bears away before the break.
Second half efforts from Chris Pennell, Josh Adams and Bryce Heem ensured Warriors eclipsed their previous biggest victory in the competition, a 52-10 triumph over Newcastle Falcons in 2008.
It was Bristol who carved their way over the try line first as Thomas, following a fine run from Jack Lam, found time and space to power under the posts to bring up his first try in the Gallagher Premiership.
A good turnover from Anton Bresler then set the Warriors on their way to a penalty which was converted by Pennell.
That penalty put the Warriors on the front foot and they were soon ahead after good work from Heem set captain van Velze free down the wing to convert.
Warriors were in the ascendancy and following two hold-ups were over the try line again. Patient build-up play saw the ball find its way to Mills who produced a neat dummy to find a gap and power over.
Pat Lam’s side had no answer to Warriors’ attack who extended their lead as Mama’s mazy run alluded the Bristol tackle.
Venter then produced a marvellous interception and stormed down the pitch to bring up the bonus point before the break in a sizzling half from the Warriors.
The hosts, watched on by England head coach Eddie Jones, continued where they left off and were over the whitewash within three minutes of the second half as Pennell managed to muscle his way to a score from close range.
Adams stretched the Warriors lead with a second interception try of the match as the Welsh international stormed down the pitch for try number six.
Ryan Bower was shown a late red card for the home side but Warriors were still able to add to the scoreline as Heem touched down in the corner complete the record-breaking victory.
Warriors | 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ryan Mills, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Francois Hougaard, 1 Callum Black, 2 Jack Singleton, 3 Nick Schonert, 4 Anton Bresler, 5 Darren Barry, 6 Marco Mama, 7 Sam Lewis, 8 GJ van Velze(C).
Replacements | 16 Joe Taufete’e, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Pierce Phillips, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Michael Heaney, 22 Jono Lance, 23 Perry Humphreys.