20/3/04 - WORCESTER were the very definition of champions at the County Ground.

This 23rd victory of the season -- a new record for National One -- illustrated perfectly what this team of Warriors are all about.

Belief, spirit and a stubbornness which simply refuses to allow defeat into the mindset. In short, a team well worth the tag of champions.

True enough, they were tested to the limit against Exeter. However, you never had a sense that Worcester were being blown off course despite the gale which enveloped the speedway track.

Sure, they hit a few bumps on the way but the champions-elect always had the edge over their wound-up opponents and, by the final whistle, had the Exeter crowd howling such was the frustration.

They were simply too good. Discipline was first class and the control in such horrendous conditions, against one of the league's most physical outfits, once again spoke of a maturity which has blossomed through the season.

After James Brown's penalty had been cancelled out by Tony Yapp's individual try and conversion on 18 minutes, a previous Worcester outfit may have sunk in such a tension-swamped environment.

Not this team. Exeter's enforced indiscipline was gratefully received by the visitors who kept the ball under control for much of the half despite playing into the wind. Admirably, the Chiefs did what most in National One have been unable to do this season -- namely keep Worcester's normal catch and drive momentum in check -- but they still had to defend for long periods as the Warriors dominated possession.

The crucial moments arrived just before half time when, following Yapp's 37th-minute penalty miss, Gary Willis' pass caught the wind and flew straight into the grateful hands of James Brown whose anticipation underlined just how good his reading of a game is.

The fly half, back at 10 with Tommy Hayes out at centre, sped through and via another assist from Gary Trueman, Chris Garrard was in on the right for a lightning-fast interception try. The elation which followed emphasised the significance of the score in a game which was always going to be the tightest of affairs. The try punctured the hot air swelling inside the vocal Devonians and, in stoppage time, Brown's cool penalty gave them more to moan about with Worcester suddenly 11-7 ahead.

That momentum continued early in the second half as Ben Daly once again showed his immense value to the side. Lineout jumpers understandably get the lion's share of credit for success rates but Daly's consistency of throw and physical presence around the park has been a major contributor to this championship season.

Once again he showed that physical edge, six minutes into the half, as he was left with a one-on-one with Exeter's unlucky full back Dermot Kelly. Predictably, it was no contest. Daly powered to the line and, following Hayes' penalty soon after, the result was looking a formality.

The riposte came swiftly, however. Exeter camped inside Worcester's half for what seemed an age and, after Piran Thethewey had somehow knocked on when the line beckoned, flanker Siaosi Vaili piled over for their second converted try of the day to raise home hopes of a comeback.

With winger Ed Lewsey gesticulating to the crowd to crank up the noise, that fight-back looked on the cards with just a five-point deficit. That it didn't continue was down to the respective abilities of both sides under pressure. Worcester, with the wind behind them, were able to clear, pressurise and ultimately take the penalties on offer.

Exeter simply didn't have an answer to the work rate of the league leaders as they were penalised time after time by referee Martin Fox.

Hayes' penalty double was greeted with jeers of "Is that all you've got?" from the Devonians but, come the final whistle, it was Worcester who were enjoying the last laugh.

Four points in the bag and safe in the knowledge that one more win will give them the championship crown, the Warriors went home utterly certain of their destiny.

On April 3, these boys will be crowned amid a champagne celebration at Sixways but it is on days such as Saturday -- fighting for your life in the Devon mud -- where champions are undoubtedly forged.

Worcester: O'Leary 6; Garrard 7, Hayes 8, Trueman 8, Hylton 6; Brown 8, Powell 6; Windo 7, LDALY 9, Lyman 7, Gabey 8, Gillies 6, C Evans 7, Pfister 8, Hickey 8.

Replacements: Cole, Roke 6 (O'Leary 40), Murray (Trueman 78), Hall (Daly 55 - blood), Fortey 6 (Windo 69), Bates 6 (C Evans 64), Mason (Pfister 72).

Man of the match: Ben Daly - The hooker faced a difficult day with conditions against him but rose to the challenge superbly.