Warriors are back and looking good

CHARLES RYLANDS

AMPTHILL BACK ROW

IT HAD been 1,091 days since Worcester Warriors last played a game of rugby. Over those three years, the club’s fanbase went through the emotional wringer, administration, heartbreak, uncertainty but last weekend, they finally made their long-awaited return to the pitch.

Representing Ampthill in what was technically just a pre-season fixture, it was hard not to feel the significance of the occasion. This wasn’t just another warm-up game it marked the rebirth of a proud rugby club, and being on the pitch for that first step back was something special.

From the warm-up through to kick-off, you could feel how important the game was, not just to Worcester, but to the wider rugby community. That was made clear by the number of Worcester fans who turned up loud, passionate, and full of pride. It felt like a real occasion.

This isn’t going to be a match report – that’s already been done – but I do want to reflect on what Worcester’s return means for the Champ, and what I saw from them up close.

First off, credit where it’s due Worcester fans turned out in serious numbers and made their presence felt. You could tell they’ve missed their rugby. Their noise and energy really did add to what was a pre-season game. Having them back in the league isn’t just a boost for Worcester it’s a lift for the entire competition.

Even though we were at home you can tell that there is going to be something special about a Friday night game under the lights at Sixways. It’ll be a proper occasion for any Champ team lucky enough to play there this season, and I imagine the atmosphere will only grow as the season goes on.

As for the team Worcester are putting together they’re clearly not here just to survive. Even in pre-season, it was obvious they’ve recruited with intent. The quality they were able to bring off the bench alone showed the kind of depth and ambition most clubs in this league would love to have.

Try time: Archie Vanes scoring for Worcester against Ampthill

PICTURE: Worcester Warriors

Among those coming on were Lloyd Williams, right, the vastly experienced scrum-half with 32 Wales caps. Josh Bassett, right, a powerful winger with years of Premiership experience who has been in and around the England setup. Billy Twelvetrees, below right, a former England international and part of the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad. Tom Seabrook, left, who made headlines last season by scoring a hat-trick in the Champions Cup for Northampton against Munster. That’s a serious group of players with top-level pedigree the kind that can turn tight games and influence young players around them.

But it wasn’t just the marquee names that stood out. A few lesser-known players really caught my eye and could become key figures this season.

One was Roma Zheng, right, who I had the privilege of playing alongside at Cardiff Met University in the BUCS league. Back then, he was a fresher lighting up the league quick, confident, and a constant threat. Now, he’s starting to show that same spark at senior level. He played on the wing at the weekend and looked dangerous, beating defenders one-on-one with ease. After a tough loan spell at London Scottish last season, this could be the year he properly announces himself in the Champ.

Another standout for me was Alfie Garside, above right, a new signing from Bedford and formerly of Bath University. His pace and knack for getting on the end of plays was impressive. He’s one of those players who always seems to be in the right place at the right time and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes the season with a bundle of tries to his name. Of course, Worcester’s journey back into the league won’t be straightforward. They’re a target now. Every club will raise their game against them. But from what I saw, they’re building something with ambition, structure, and a clear sense of identity. The  Champ is a tough, unforgiving league but they’ve come prepared, and they look like they’ll be more than capable of handling the challenge.

From an Ampthill point of view, we left the game knowing we didn’t show enough of what we’ve been working on over the last five weeks under Dave Ward, below. In the second half we were more competitive, but the scoreboard didn’t quite reflect that. That said, the beauty of pre-season is that we can take the lessons, park the result, and focus on the bigger picture which includes another crack at Worcester in a few weeks.

In the meantime, Worcester are back and the league is better for it.