Powell Double Not Enough

Saturday saw the Sils travel to Worcester where, despite an excellent first half performance, they were unable to close out a hard-fought game against the league leaders.

In conditions hardly conducive to running rugby, the Sils chose to play the first half against the wind, a sign of the team’s confidence in their ability to take the game to the season’s early high-flyers. It was apparent from the kick off that this belief was well placed when, despite going 3-0 down early on, the Sils pack proceeded to tear into their opposite numbers.

The first exchanges saw Worcester make the most of the wind behind their backs, keeping the visitors pegged firmly in their own 22 with some intelligent kicking. A penalty was the home-side’s only reward, however, as the Sils’ aggressive defence knocked back wave after wave of attacking phase-play.

With kicking barely an option against the elements, the Sils pack chose to make use of the rolling maul instead. This was to prove highly effective, with the Sils repeatedly driving the home forwards back, almost thirty metres on occasion. Great running by prop Gaz Rock and second rows Cam Law and Jimmer Hibbard, ably supported by the rest of the pack ensured Worcester were unable to prevent the Sils from making yards around the fringes.

The visitor’s first score came off the back of one excellent push from the forwards, with a quick change of direction putting the Sils backs in space. Quick hands to Joseph Brawn put the centre behind the Worcester line, before a clinical draw and pass allowed Nic Powell to race through and score by the posts. Dave Grey’s conversion made it 7-3 though, despite further attacks by the Sils, Worcester were to have the final say of the half. A penalty for an infringement pulled the home side back to within a point with the final play of the period. 7-6 at the break.

The Sils started the second-half full of intent, and soon extended their lead back to four points with a penalty from Dave Grey. This seemed to galvanise Worcester, however, who proceeded to throw everything at the Sils’ defence. The home side’s first try came after a period of play that must have extended to twenty phases. Despite some desperate scrambling from the Sils, Worcester finally crossed in the corner; the missed conversion leaving the scoreboard at 11-10.

It is no coincidence that this Worcester team are undefeated, and their ability to wear sides down came to the fore in the final quarter of this game. The Sils defence, so strong for the majority of the match, unravelled on occasion at the edges, allowing Worcester the opportunity to stretch their lead with a couple of well-taken tries. Unforced errors from the visitors hardly helped matters either as the game took its toll on tiring bodies. Nevertheless, the Sils continued to attack the Worcester line, and a superbly worked try was due credit for the team’s performance. A well-worked move off of another solid set-piece saw replacement Jim Roper come into the line at pace. Fantastic lines and a set of quick exchanges between the back three put Nic Powell clear for his second of the day.
The Sils will take many positives from this game, though the frustration that this could have been a far different outcome was apparent amongst the team and coaching staff at the final whistle. Congratulations must go to hooker Dave Morris for an excellent league debut, and the rest of the team for the commendable effort shown.

The Sils are at home to Earlsdon next Sunday in the Warwickshire Cup. All welcome.