Saturday, February 19, 2005

IT was perhaps typical that Worcester's shuddering blow to the very heart of English rugby was met with a smile rather than a scowl.

Despite the sour taste left in the mouth of the Quins' management, all the talk at the Stoop was of sweeteners.

After watching his side torn to shreds up front, Mark Evans sat back and grinned like a Cheshire cat. But is it all that surprising for a guy who permanently occupies Wonderland?

The relegation debate was once again in full swing following reports of financial incentives to National One clubs to stay down. It muddied the water somewhat afterwards because, on the field, something significant was achieved for a newly promoted side.

Harlequins were outclassed for 60 minutes of this 'relegation showdown' on a day which underlined why the game so desperately needs fresh blood. The dead wood simply has to be cleared out if this sport is to flourish, never mind ring-fencing.

Complacency within the sport has left us with this great institution at Twickenham -- a bullet-proof club that, under Evans, underachieves spectacularly every season without any fear of consequence.

Long may it continue argues Premier Rugby but an extension of that very idea would have removed the possibility of Worcester and their stunning success this season. It would also deny the admirable ambitions of Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol and promising clubs such as Doncaster.

Arrogance

Quins' chief executive admitted -- for the second time this season -- that his side were outplayed by Worcester but, in the next breath, is happy to utter that promotion and relegation is "madness". The arrogance is bewildering but the possibility that the establishment stands by such a position is a sickening one.

Yes, Quins are investing in their ground. Good for them. Hopefully, their new West Stand will illuminate National One next season.

For Worcester, the very thought of that league will continue to be a distant memory if they can maintain the composure displayed at the Stoop. It wasn't a performance which was easy on the eye but, because of a gusting wind, the Warriors were content to keep the ball with their ferocious forwards, turn up the heat on Quins and wait for the indiscipline to arrive.

And arrive it surely did. Referee Chris White missed little all day and quickly realised that Worcester's scrum was too much for the home pack. They did what they could to survive but, ultimately, such was that dominance up front that there was only ever going to be one winner.

Indeed, Quins enabled Worcester to gain early field position, conceding four penalties in the opening seven minutes before James Brown put his side 3-0 ahead. Drew Hickey's inability to roll away soon after saw Jeremy Staunton level things up and his second penalty, on the half-hour, gave Quins a slender half-time lead despite enjoying the wind at their backs for that opening period.

In between, Worcester were happy to keep things tight, slow things down and await the second half wind advantage. The only highlights saw Brown go close with a drop goal attempt while Brad MacLeod-Henderson continued to steal line-out ball to heap yet more frustration upon the somewhat docile home supporters.

They awoke in the second period only to howl during Brown's penalty attempts and label White a cheat when he spotted Harlequins' handling on the deck. It was all too unpalatable for them and most left with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Solitary

Somewhat ironically, they missed their side's biggest contribution to the half in the dying minutes when Staunton added an injury time penalty to bring about a solitary bonus point.

Before that, however, they offered absolutely nothing such was Worcester's stranglehold. Brown hit the equaliser on 53 minutes after Tim Collier, back on his old stamping ground to great effect, had been pulled back and the spirit seemed to drain away from Evans' men.

Five minutes later and Hickey's spectacular 40-metre burst led to a penalty in front of the posts and Brown happily put his team ahead. Two more penalties were splendidly dispatched by the nerveless fly-half and that, in a game which offered little flair, was enough to kill off the overwhelmed Quins.

The picture was later painted that this game, in the face of such debate over relegation, could be rendered meaningless if the drawbridge is raised come May. In rugby terms it was anything but that.

It was another powerful statement that promotion and the essence of justice within sport works if it is given the chance. It was also a wonderful two-fingered salute to the establishment amid the clear message that the Worcester proletariat are here to stay.

Worcester: Delport 6; O'Leary 6, Rasmussen 7, Lombard 8, Hinshelwood 7; Brown 8, Powell 7; LWINDO 9, Van Niekerk 8, Horsman 8, Collier 8, Gillies 7, Hickey 8, Sanderson 8, MacLeod-Henderson 7.

Replacements: Fortey, Murphy (Collier 75), Daly, Vaili, Cole (Powell 76), Hayes 6 (O'Leary 59), Pieters.

Man of the match: Tony Windo -- Mr Consistent forced a tactical reshuffle by Quins at half-time but the Worcester pack, as a unit, was superb.

Attendance: 8,166.