Bok stars as 14-man Warriors rout Bristol
MATCH REPORT: Springbok centre Francois Venter bagged a try as Worcester Warriors secured a comfortable 52-7 win over newcomers Bristol Bears.
The result is their biggest ever victory in Premiership Rugby history.
Aside from Venter, Yann Thomas gave the visitors the perfect start before GJ van Velze, Marco Mama and Ryan Mills all crossed to blow the Bears away before the break.
Second half efforts from Chris Pennell, Josh Adams and Bryce Heem ensured the Warriors eclipsed their previous biggest victory in the competition, a 52-10 triumph over Newcastle Falcons in 2008.
It was Bristol who carved their way over the try line first as Thomas, following a fine run from Jack Lam, found time and space to power under the posts to bring up his first try in the Gallagher Premiership.
A good turnover from Anton Bresler then set the Warriors on their way to a penalty which was converted by Pennell.
That penalty put the Warriors on the front foot and they were soon ahead after good work from Heem set captain van Velze free down the wing to convert.
Warriors were in the ascendancy and following two hold-ups were over the try line again.
Patient build-up play saw the ball find its way to Mills who produced a neat dummy to find a gap and power over.
Pat Lam’s side had no answer the Warriors attack who extended their lead as Mama’s mazy run alluded the Bristol tackle.
Venter then produced a marvellous interception and stormed down the pitch to bring up the bonus point before the break in a sizzling half from the Warriors.
The hosts watched on by England head coach Eddie Jones, continued where they left off and were over the whitewash within three minutes of the second half as Pennell managed to muscle his way to a score from close range.
Adams stretched the Warriors lead with a second interception try of the match as the Welsh international stormed down the pitch for try number six.
Ryan Bower was shown a late red card for the home side but Worcester were still able to add to the scoreline as Heem touched down in the corner complete the record-breaking victory.
The scorers:
For Worcester:
Tries: Van Velze, Mills, Mama, Venter, Pennell, Adams, Heem
Cons: Weir 7
Pen: Pennell
For Bristol Bears:
Try: Y Thomas
Con: Madigan
Red Card: Ryan Bower (Worcester Warriors)
Worcester Warriors: 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ryan Mills, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 GJ van Velze (captain), 7 Sam Lewis, 6 Marco Mama, 5 Darren Barry, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Jack Singleton, 1 Callum Black
Replacements: 16 Joe Taufete’e, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Pierce Phillips, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Michael Heaney, 22 Jono Lance, 23 Perry Humphreys
Bristol Bears: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Will Hurrell, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Jack Lam, 7 George Smith, 6 Steve Luatua , 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Ed Holmes, 3 John Afoa, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Yann Thomas
Replacements: 16 Nick Fenton-Wells, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Jake Armstrong, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Ryan Edwards
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Assistant referees: Matthew O’Grady, Paul Dix
TMO: Rowan Kitt
@PremRugby