Saturday, October 28, 2002

THIS was the kind of match which gives a coach nightmares. Injuries to key players, a low-key atmosphere and a referee doing his best to give a new slant on officiousness.

It was to Worcester's credit that they came through these frustrations to record a convincing victory over their one-time rivals. And amid the excruciation of official Tim Wigglesworth's masterclass on inconsistency came a hugely positive sign in the diminutive frame of Tom Richardson.

The 22-year-old lit up this match, one which was in danger of becoming an exercise in futility, midway through the first half with a burst of speed rarely seen at National One level. Richardson scored two tries within the space of two first half minutes and then wrapped up his hat-trick just after half time with another rapier-like thrust.

By then the game had ended as a contest but the brutal truth for fallen giants Moseley was that they just couldn't compete on the same level as Worcester. They came, like so many, to frustrate and with the help of Wigglesworth they succeeded to some extent. Indeed, they took lying on the ball and generally infringing at all costs to new heights as they pounced on the leniency applied by the officials.

Yes, it is difficult to come to Sixways and the attitude possibly has to be damage limitation at some stage but if you arrive at Worcester with the mentality of a loser you will always leave with nothing. Moseley were never interested in playing rugby at any stage of this 'contest' and once Neil Mason had played his part in and then finished off a drive from a line-out after 13 minutes, the writing was not so much on the wall but rather etched in stone.

Craig Chalmers' quick thinking then set up Nnamdi Ezulike for the second try of the day but the game then deteriorated into a stop and start affair, much to Moseley's satisfaction. That was before Richardson announced his arrival on the big stage. The scrum half cum winger ended a move once the overlap had been created as Moseley's injury stricken Greg McDonald lay prone by the touchline. However, it was his second try, in the 33rd minute which had people off their feet.

Taking the ball from just inside the 22, he jinked inside two men before applying the turbo boost which saw him to the line. It was a prime example of just how destructive raw pace can be at this level and the youngster could yet be the ace up the sleeve for Worcester this season. Certainly his ability to unpick defences with his blistering speed is an invaluable option open to coaches John Brain and Andy Keast as is his ability to play in numerous positions.

Another speed merchant, Duncan Roke then added to the try tally soon after with another 60-metre sprint which was simply too much for Moseley's motley crew as they trailed in his wake.

The second half was memorable for Richardson's third as he finished off a picture-book move sparked by the lively Chalmers. The celebrations were muted but you could see just how much it meant to the former academy star by his grin. Garrard even allowed himself a wry smile after watching his replacement gobble up a hat trick.

Roke, Chris Pearson and David Officer then capitalised on the growing gaps in the Moseley defence before John O'Reilly wore the biggest grin of the day with his first try for the club. The scrum half's quick tap took the almost comatosed defence by surprise and he dived over before punching the air in delight. There was still time for Ezulike to bag his second of the match when he sped away following another burst from man of the moment Richardson. So, eight of out eight in the league this season and a stack of tries. In seasons gone by the referee and opposition may have been a ready-made excuse for under achievement but, in the end, it was simply an irritation rather than a symptom of an underlying weakness.

Worcester just have too many options available to them this season to overcome frustrations any teams and officials may offer. And after Richardson's treble, those options have grown yet again.

Worcester: Roke 7; Ezulike 8, Officer 6, Hinshelwood 7, Garrard, Chalmers 7, O'Reilly 7; Windo 7, Hall 6, Lyman 6, Gabey 8, Morgan 7, Evans 7, Mason 7, Jenner 6. Replacements: RICHARDSON 9 (Garrard 5), Higgins, Trueman, Pearson 7 (Hall 12), Olver 6 (Lyman 47), Zaltzman, Bates 6 (Evans 54).

Man of the match: Tom Richardson - dazzling pace and three tries.