Saturday, October 12, 2002

WORCESTER re-branded themselves Warriors over the summer.

On Saturday's evidence Globetrotters might be more appropriate.

They were simply sublime for 40 minutes at Old Deer Park, the best Worcester performance I have witnessed as they exhibited a riotous handling speed.

On this form, there is little room for if when the question of promotion is asked. It is merely a matter of time presuming that Worcester will improve as the season continues.

The only cloud on the horizon came in the 26th minute of this National One contest when the talismanic figure of Werner Swanepoel was red carded after lashing out at Florent Rossigneux in an off the ball incident.

If found guilty by an RFU disciplinary panel, Swanepoel's absence could cost Worcester dear especially if he is to miss the trip to Rotherham on November 23.

The only effect Swanepoel's premature exit had on the match was to limit the damage in the second half because, midway through the first, it was all over as a contest. Tries from Ben Hinshelwood, Chris Hall, Tony Windo and Martin Morgan were the product of scintillating speed and wit coupled with invention to which London Welsh had absolutely no answer.

Indeed it was the cohesion between the backs and the forwards which was so compelling. John Brain and Andy Keast talked of total rugby when they first came together at Sixways and we saw their vision transmit itself on to the field for the most substantial period of time yet in their 10 months together.

Hinshelwood once again provided the fulcrum of the triumph but he was part of an outrageously slick back line while the forwards played their part in just about every one of the eight tries.

The pick came a minute before half time and with Worcester already 36-0 up it even had a number of die-hard London Welsh fans applauding the move. Following an initial Hinshelwood burst, the ball was moved through numerous sets of hands at pace before Rossigneux blatantly intercepted the ball in an offside position and referee Mark Wilson awarded the penalty try. Not a classical ending but some magnificent build up, good enough for any stage in any country. If the RFU are looking to take rugby to the masses, they could do worse than indulge in a little missionary work outside of the Premiership.

Before that, Hinshelwood's opening score was the product of the recalled Chris Garrard's pace as he scythed through a bewildered midfield. Hall's 15-metre sprint to the line, soon after, came after a lineout drive and quick thinking from Hinshelwood and Adrian Olver. A similar driving move accounted for Windo and Morgan's tries while there was still time for another Duncan Roke sprint masterclass as he showed the defence what is becoming a familiar sight in this league -- a clean pair of heels.

The second half was notable for an exhilarating try from Nnamdi Ezulike as he capped a hardworking display, on and off the ball, with a touchdown 10 minutes from time. The score had its origins with Roke as he latched onto a defensive clearance, sprinted 20 metres, before the ever-willing forwards created the overlap for the speedy winger. Roke then finished off an outstanding day's work with another solo effort to take the score past 50 and give it a more realistic look.

Craig Chalmers slotted 13 points for the day with five conversions and a penalty and showed his dedication to the cause by filling in as flanker with Worcester a man down. The only blot on the copybook came when his pass was intercepted by Gavin Foreman and the centre ran 60 metres for a converted try. The manner of the score, though, merely reinforced just how strong the defensive unit had been during the second half with 14 men.

From some of the most passionate supporters inside the league, it often takes a performance of shuddering intensity to exact some appreciation of the opposition. But they know their rugby.

"They're not bad those lot" was as far as one veteran fan would go. But the wry smile behind the back-handed compliment said it all.

Worcester: Roke 8, Ezulike 7, Officer 6, NHINSHELWOOD 9, Garrard 8, Chalmers 8, Swanepoel 6; Windo 8, Hall 8, Olver 8, Gabey 8, Morgan 7, Evans 8, Nias 7, Bates 7.

Replacements: O'Reilly 7 (Nias 56), Higgins, Trueman 8 (Officer 18), Pearson, Davis, Gillies, Jenner 7 (Bates 57).

Man of the match: Ben Hinshelwood -- one of a number of candidates.